Top seeds advance in Copper playoffs

San Tan Charter and Valley Christian win first-round matchups

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The top two seeds in the Copper Division boys basketball state tournament, Gilbert San Tan Charter and Chandler Valley Christian, won their first-round games on February 11. No. 1 San Tan Charter defeated No. 16 Holbrook 67-33, while No. 2 and defending state champion Valley Christian got past No. 15 Phoenix Arizona Lutheran 77-46. This is the second year of the small-schools' version of the Open Division playoff bracket, with 16 teams qualifying out of 3A, 2A and 1A.

Why it matters

The Copper Division tournament features the top small-school basketball programs in Arizona, providing an opportunity for lesser-known teams to compete for a state championship. The continued success of powerhouses like San Tan Charter and Valley Christian highlights the depth of talent in the state's smaller classifications.

The details

San Tan Charter and Valley Christian, the top two seeds, both won their first-round games convincingly. San Tan Charter defeated Holbrook 67-33, while Valley Christian, the defending state champion, beat Phoenix Arizona Lutheran 77-46. The Copper Division tournament features 16 teams from the 3A, 2A and 1A classifications, with the winner earning a spot in the prestigious Open Division playoffs.

  • The first-round games were played on February 11, 2026.
  • The quarterfinal matchups will take place on February 13, 2026.

The players

San Tan Charter

The No. 1 seed in the Copper Division boys basketball tournament.

Valley Christian

The No. 2 seed and defending state champion in the Copper Division boys basketball tournament.

Preston Dees

A player for Coolidge High School who owns the school's all-time rebounding record with 692 rebounds.

Turner Armstrong

A player for Coolidge High School who scored 22 points, had 6 assists, and 4 rebounds in their first-round win.

Payton Stuart

A player for Payson High School who scored 15 points and hit 5 three-pointers in their first-round loss.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The quarterfinal matchups will take place on February 13, 2026, with No. 2 Valley Christian hosting No. 10 Chandler Seton Catholic, and No. 1 San Tan Charter hosting No. 9 Coolidge.

The takeaway

The continued success of powerhouses like San Tan Charter and Valley Christian in the Copper Division tournament highlights the depth of talent in Arizona's smaller high school basketball classifications. The tournament provides an opportunity for lesser-known programs to compete for a state championship and gain recognition.