With the Copper Open bracket settling into its own Final Four this week, some teams have returned to their respective conferences for the 1A, 2A and 3A state girls basketball playoffs.

1A GIRLS BASKETBALL

JOSEPH CITY

The No. 1-seeded Wildcats (29-3, 13-0 1A Central) have made the last three 1A state championship games, finally claiming the title in last year’s 64-55 win over Fort Thomas to hoist a trophy.

It was the first championship since the 2001 team won it all. Joseph City has seven total titles in program history, four of which came from 1976-1979. Only Window Rock (5) has more consecutive titles in Arizona state history (1992-1996).

Coach Dan Bushman is hoping to make it four straight, and with Aubrey Neill averaging 17.4 points, 6.1 steals, and 6.4 rebounds per game this season, Joseph City has a good shot.

“We have six seniors that have had massive amounts of success in high school sports. Most of our senior have been on varsity since their freshman year and have learned from their predecessors on how to be successful,” Bushman said.

Neill is fourth overall in state scoring average, only a few points behind Ruth Timpson of El Capitan (21.7). Timpson only played in 14 games however, with Salome’s Brianna Thomas second overall in scoring at 18.3 points per game. Neill scored 556 total points, most in 1A competition.

Joseph City opens the 1A state tournament against No. 16-seeded San Pasqual on Monday, Feb. 16. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

2A GIRLS BASKETBALL

ARIZONA LUTHERAN

The No. 6-seeded Coyotes (20-7, 7-1 2A Valley) are 5-1 against the 2A state playoff field this season, with several of their losses (Flagstaff, Winslow, Shadow Ridge) coming against much larger schools.

Coach Benjamin Wells believes his club is as good as anyone in 2A, despite their seeding.

“Our team plays together as a group well and really competes night in and night out,” Wells said. “Everyone finds a way to contribute. Our strengths are our commitment to the defensive end, athleticism, and good offensive balance. We don’t have a star player, which some could see as a weakness, but in some ways, it makes us more difficult to prepare for and play against.”

Players to watch include Emma Drexler, Kayla Wendt and Ella Peltzer.

Arizona Lutheran opens the 2A state playoffs with No. 11-seeded Lincoln Prep. Tipoff is set for Wednesday, Feb. 18, 7 p.m.

The Yuma Catholic girls basketball team earned a No. 3 seed in the 3A state tournament and awaits the winner of the No. 6 Show Low-No. 11 Holbrook game. The Shamrocks feature Sadie Estes, 3A West region Offensive Player of the Year while averaging 15.2 points per game this season. (Yuma Catholic Athletics/Courtesy)

3A GIRLS BASKETBALL

YUMA CATHOLIC

The Shamrocks (22-6, 11-0 3A West) have won 12 of their last 13 games, including 12 straight before a tough 51-42 loss to San Carlos in the first round of the Copper Open tournament last week.

Now seeded No. 3 in the 3A state tournament, Yuma Catholic awaits the winner of No. 6 Show Low-No. 11 Holbrook, who tipoff Feb. 18 at 7 p.m.

Coach Anthony Gerg said his team has been a “fun group” to coach this season.

“Every time the girls step onto the court they give their best effort. I believe our success this season has come from our effort and intensity on the defensive side of the ball, leading to easy scoring opportunities in transition, creating offense from our defense,” Gerg said. “We have multiple players that can pressure the basketball, making teams uncomfortable handling the ball.”

Players to watch include Amelia Borrallo, a first-team All-Region point guard who averages 14.2 points, 5.9 assists and 6.3 steals per game. Offensive Player of the Year Sadie Estes averaged 15.2 points and 5.5 rebounds per game this season.

The Shamrocks will play the Show Low-Holbrook winner on Feb. 21, 6 p.m.

PAYSON

The No. 9-Seded Longhorns (20-7, 10-1 3A Metro) travel to No. 8-seeded Monument Valley to open the 3A playoffs on Feb. 18.

Coach Chaz Davis is this Payson club bought into their identity early – defending, rebounding and playing for each other.

“They’ve shown toughness in close games and have embraced doing the little things that win in February,” Davis said. “We’ve had great leadership from our upperclassman and have some really talented younger players that really believe in each other.”

Players to watch include Kyndall Hatch, Tatum McDowell, Bailey Cline and Bebhinn Wile.

Tipoff Feb. 18 is set for 6 p.m.

OTHER NOTES

Window Rock has the No. 1 overall seed in the 3A girls basketball state tournament after earning a 68-56 victory over Joseph City, but losing to Pima 48-42 in the second round of the Copper Open last week. The Fighting Scouts are 19-9 overall this season. … San Carlos beat Yuma Catholic (51-42) but lost to Valley Christian (77-62) in the Copper Open, and are now the No. 1 seed in the 2A state tournament. … Ash Fork is the No. 5 seed in the 1A state tournament but we could see a semifinal appearance with No. 1 Joseph City on Feb. 21 thanks to the play of super sophomore Isabella Acosta. They lost all three matchups against Joseph City this season.

Brian M. Bergner Jr. has covered professional, collegiate and high school sports for more than 20 years. Follow him on X at @AzPreps365Brian or on Facebook at @Five2MediaWorks. Have a story idea? Email Brian at bbergner@azpreps365.com.