Copper Championship Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This year's <strong>2026 Copper State Championship</strong> takes place on <strong>February 28th</strong> at the <strong>Veterans Memorial Coliseum</strong> in <strong>Phoenix</strong>. It is a matchup between the #1 <strong>Snowflake Lobos</strong> and the #2 <strong>Tuba City Warriors</strong>. This game is a rematch of a December 16th match in which the Lobos pulled out a 61-60 victory over <strong>Tuba City</strong>. The Lobos have won 27 straight games heading into this matchup, and the Warriors have won 19 in a row.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here, we preview some of the standout players from this outstanding matchup</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1188276"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-699e7a6dc5352"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Denhalter is the engine for the Lobos. Athletic wing who impacts the game on both ends without needing plays called for her. She runs the floor, defends multiple spots, and brings that contagious energy that sets the tone early. If Snowflake is cutting down the nets again, it'll start with Ryah's activity and defensive presence.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["892633"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-699e7a6dc5432"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Just a freshman, but you wouldn't know it watching her. Curtis has carried Tuba City like a seasoned upperclassman. Poised, confident, and productive. She controls tempo, scores at all three levels, and doesn't shy away from big moments. If the Warriors are taking this one, Layla has to be Layla — aggressive, composed, and in command.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1207629"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-699e7a6dc54ee"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The senior forward brings championship experience and maturity. She's been here before. Kupfer understands moments, understands spacing, and knows how to win. She doesn't force it — she takes what's there and delivers when needed. Looking to cap her career with another title, and that experience matters in a game like this.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1614797"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-699e7a6dc55aa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Begaye brings toughness and balance to the Warriors on the wing. Senior leadership, steady presence. She defends, rebounds, and makes timely plays. Not always loud, but effective. Tuba City will need her composure and physicality in a matchup like this.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1674184"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-699e7a6dc5669"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Yarn is the swing piece. The sophomore guard showed in the first matchup that she can change the game with her productivity. Quick, confident, and able to heat up in a hurry. If she matches that earlier performance, Snowflake puts serious pressure on Tuba City.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1276385"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-699e7a6dc571f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Tallman is the perfect complement to Curtis. The Robin to Layla's Batman, but a problem in her own right. Solid handle, strong defender, plays under control. She keeps things organized and picks her spots well. If Tuba City is pulling the upset, Nakota's all-around impact will be a major reason why.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->