Camp Verde boys claim Yvonne Johnson title, beat Hopi 64-63
December 28, 2023 by Brian M. Bergner Jr., AZPreps365
CAMP VERDE — Jordan Fullmer scored 27 points, including the game-winner with 8.5 seconds to go as Camp Verde claimed the Yvonne Johnson Memorial Shootout title in a 64-63 thriller Thursday night.
The 6-foot-6 junior forward said "it was a high percentage" he was going to get the basketball with only a few seconds left in the tournament championship, and he certainly came through.
"Making a game-winning play," Fullmer said when asked what he was thinking about before the ball was inbounded.
Fullmer's bucket gave the Cowboys the one-point lead off a sideline inbounds play. He was fouled in the act of shooting, which drew boos from present Hopi fans.
Bruins fans were screaming for a travel on the play, but a video replay appeared to show that Fullmer took one dribble and jumped while being fouled.
Here’s the game winner! Jordan Fullmer’s bucket with 8.5 ticks left seals the deal. #YvonneJohnson #AzPreps365 pic.twitter.com/sfqe8cAPoc
— Brian M. Bergner Jr. (@AzPreps365Brian) December 29, 2023
He missed the free throw, but Hopi (12-3, 3-0 2A North) was unable to score as the final seconds ticked away.
The game-winner capped a 21-9 run for the Cowboys to close out Thursday night's championship.
Hopi head coach Rick Baker credited Camp Verde with a strategy change in the final quarter.
"I think we did OK for three quarters, until they put that zone on us and we just kind of shut down," Baker said. "We couldn't find the scoring opportunities that we wanted. Hats off to Camp Verde."
Julian Perez had 14 points for the Cowboys (9-5, 0-0 3A North Central), which have now won three straight.
Jarious Homayestewa scores 30 points to lead the Bruins.
Brian M. Bergner Jr. has covered professional, collegiate and high school sports for more than 20 years. Follow him on Twitter @AzPreps365Brian. Have a story idea? Email Brian at bbergner@azpreps365.com.
All-Tournament teams. #YvonneJohnson #AzPreps365 pic.twitter.com/IsDmnAbScV
— Brian M. Bergner Jr. (@AzPreps365Brian) December 29, 2023