The Pima Roughriders are headed to the Copper Open semifinals.
Pima erased an early deficit and closed strong to defeat Window Rock 48–42 on Thursday night at Safford High School in the quarterfinal round of the Girls Copper Open Tournament, locking into the Copper Open bracket for the remainder of postseason play.
Window Rock controlled the opening quarter, taking an 11–6 lead after one. The Fighting Scouts continued to dictate tempo in the second quarter and carried a 21–19 advantage into halftime.
Pima found its rhythm after the break.
The Roughriders tightened defensively and began winning the rebounding battle in the third quarter, pulling even at 33 heading into the final period. From there, Pima’s pressure and composure down the stretch made the difference. The Roughriders outscored Window Rock 15–9 in the fourth quarter to secure the six-point win.
Junior Hanna Ashby led Pima with 14 points while adding four steals, two blocks, and three assists in an all-around performance. Cheyanne Alder scored 12 points, including three three-pointers, helping spark key runs.
Morgan Russell contributed nine points and eight rebounds, and Taylor Ashby added nine rebounds as Pima finished with 37 total boards, including 11 offensive rebounds that created crucial second-chance opportunities.
Despite committing 20 turnovers, Pima generated 10 steals and six blocks defensively, limiting Window Rock to 42 points in a tightly contested postseason battle.
With the victory, the Roughriders advance to face No. 2 Tuba City in the Copper Open semifinals on February 21 at 6:00 p.m. at Winslow High School.
