No. 4 Palo Verde falls short against No. 5 Phoenix Country Day in Copper Division quarterfinals

Palo Verde now focused on 3A state playoffs after 55-51 loss

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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No. 4 Palo Verde led No. 5 Phoenix Country Day by 11 points in the second quarter, but the Titans went cold and lost 55-51 in the Copper Division quarterfinals. Phoenix Country Day avenged its only loss of the season and will advance to the semifinals. Palo Verde, now the No. 1 seed in the 3A state tournament, will host a first-round game on Tuesday.

Why it matters

Palo Verde was the No. 4 seed in the Copper Division playoffs, but the loss means they will now shift their focus to the 3A state tournament where they are the top seed. The Titans were hoping to win the Copper Division title, but now must regroup for the state playoffs.

The details

Palo Verde led 24-13 in the second quarter, but Phoenix Country Day went on a 21-5 run to take a 34-29 lead in the third quarter. The Titans struggled, making just 1-of-16 shots during that stretch. Palo Verde senior point guard Kameron Pippen kept his team in it, but Phoenix Country Day's J.D. Jones and Jaad Agha made key plays down the stretch to secure the win.

  • Palo Verde led 24-13 with 4:30 left in the second quarter.
  • Phoenix Country Day took a 34-29 lead with 2:28 remaining in the third quarter.
  • Palo Verde regained the lead 37-34 entering the fourth quarter.
  • Phoenix Country Day pulled away late in the fourth quarter to win 55-51.

The players

Palo Verde Titans

The No. 4 seed in the Copper Division playoffs, Palo Verde is now the No. 1 seed in the 3A state tournament and will host a first-round game on Tuesday.

Phoenix Country Day Eagles

The No. 5 seed in the Copper Division, Phoenix Country Day avenged its only loss of the season with a 55-51 victory over Palo Verde and will advance to the semifinals.

Kameron Pippen

Palo Verde's senior point guard, Pippen kept his team in the game with his play, including making four free throws in the third quarter.

J.D. Jones

Phoenix Country Day's forward, Jones scored 7 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter after re-entering the game early in the period.

Jaad Agha

Phoenix Country Day's guard, Agha scored 8 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter, including two of his six 3-pointers in the game.

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What they’re saying

“Defense wins games and we came up short today. It's alright. We just have to bring energy on defense now. That's what it is.”

— Kameron Pippen, Palo Verde senior point guard (allsportstucson.com)

“I can't say enough about Pippen; I love that kid to death. I told him, 'I'll ride with your shot at the end anytime, make or miss.' Great kid.”

— Anthony Smith, Palo Verde coach (allsportstucson.com)

What’s next

Palo Verde, the No. 1 seed in the 3A state tournament, will host the winner of the game between No. 9 Gilbert Christian and No. 8 Pusch Ridge on Friday at 7 p.m. Pusch Ridge could have a rematch with Palo Verde after both teams played in the 3A state championship last year.

The takeaway

Palo Verde's loss in the Copper Division quarterfinals means they will now shift their focus to the 3A state playoffs, where they are the top seed. The Titans were hoping to win the Copper Division title, but now must regroup and try to capture the 3A state championship after coming up short last year.