Copper Championship Review/Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On <strong>Saturday, February 28th</strong>, at the <strong>Veteran's Memorial Coliseum</strong> in <strong>Phoenix</strong>, the #1 <strong>Snowflake Lobos </strong>battled the #2 <strong>Tuba City</strong> <strong>Warriors</strong> for the <strong>Copper Girls State Championship</strong>. <strong>Tuba City</strong> was able to come back from a first-half double-digit deficit and defeat the Lobos 59-54. This was the Warriors' first title since 2002. <br><br>Here, i take a look at some of the standouts of this contest</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- 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-69adeb2089c0b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The freshman, who was voted MVP of the game, stepped onto the biggest stage and looked right at home, helping lead Tuba City to the Copper Division state title. Curtis played with a calm demeanor and a controlled tempo, never looking rushed while handling a heavy offensive load. She finished with 16 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists, consistently getting downhill and drawing contact. Curtis has a mature feel for the game for a freshman guard and showed she can shoulder responsibility in big moments.</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-69adeb2089c7c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kupfer had one of the most productive outings of the night. The forward finished with a game-high 20 points on an efficient 9-of-15 shooting, while also grabbing 5 rebounds. Kupfer displayed good instincts moving without the ball and did a solid job establishing position inside. Her ability to finish around the basket and make herself available as a target kept Snowflake competitive throughout the contest.</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-69adeb2089cc7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The senior forward brought the experience and poise to the Warriors' lineup. Begaye contributed 10 points and 4 rebounds, while impacting the game in several phases with her activity and presence on both ends. She showed strong defensive awareness and made timely plays when her team needed them most. Her leadership and steady approach helped stabilize Tuba City during key stretches of the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- 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-69adeb2089d0a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Denhalter once again showcased her athleticism and high motor in the championship matchup. The senior guard/wing finished with 13 points and 9 rebounds, nearly recording a double-double while also adding 3 assists and 2 steals. Denhalter aggressively attacked the glass and used her energy to create additional opportunities for the Lobos. Her effort on both ends of the floor was a major factor in keeping Snowflake within striking distance.</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-69adeb2089d4e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Tallman delivered one of the most efficient performances of the night. The sophomore guard scored 14 points on 6-of-10 shooting, including 2-of-4 from three, while also contributing 5 rebounds and 3 assists. Perhaps most impressive was her decision-making, committing just one turnover while handling significant ball-handling responsibilities. Tallman played a composed all-around game and proved to be a reliable offensive option.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1208216"],"_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-69adeb2089d8f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">West provided a strong interior presence for the Lobos. The senior post finished with 11 points and 7 rebounds, using her strength and size effectively around the basket. She did a good job of sealing defenders and creating quality looks inside. West's physicality and ability to establish position gave Snowflake a consistent option in the paint.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->