Tuba City downs Snowflake for Copper Division girls basketball title

Freshman Layla Curtis leads Tuba City to first state championship since 2002

Mar. 2, 2026 at 11:15pm

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Tuba City's freshman phenom Layla Curtis had a standout performance, scoring 16 points and being named MVP, as the No. 2 Warriors defeated the No. 1 Snowflake Lobos 59-54 in the Copper Division state girls high school basketball championship. The game was played in front of a raucous crowd of over 5,000, many of whom made the trip from the nearby Navajo Nation to support Tuba City.

Why it matters

This victory marks Tuba City's first state title in girls basketball since 2002, ending a long drought for the program. The win showcases the talent of young star Layla Curtis and the passionate fan support the team enjoys from the local Navajo community.

The details

Tuba City freshman Layla Curtis, who has been turning heads since middle school, delivered a MVP performance with 16 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 block. The game was incredibly close, with Snowflake leading 13-9 after the first quarter and 30-29 at halftime. Tuba City didn't take the lead until the third quarter, and the two teams traded leads throughout the second half before Curtis took over late to seal the victory for the Warriors.

  • The game was played on February 28, 2026.
  • Tuba City last won a state title in girls basketball in 2002, ending a 24-year drought.

The players

Layla Curtis

A freshman at Tuba City High School who was named MVP of the Copper Division state championship game after scoring 16 points, grabbing 4 rebounds, dishing 2 assists and blocking 1 shot.

Pete Butler

The head coach of the Tuba City High School girls basketball team, who led the Warriors to their first state title since 2002.

Nakota Tallman

A sophomore at Tuba City High School who scored 14 points, grabbed 5 rebounds and had 3 assists in the championship game.

Aubrey Begaye

A senior at Tuba City High School who scored 10 points, grabbed 4 rebounds, had 1 steal and 1 block in the title game.

Bryn Kupfer

A junior at Snowflake High School who led all scorers with 20 points, while also grabbing 5 rebounds and dishing 2 assists.

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What they’re saying

“Pressure's my thing, it uplifts me. It makes me play the way I want to. Without the support, people say it's a lot on your shoulders. I love it. I'm here for it.”

— Layla Curtis, Tuba City Freshman

“Sometimes you have a player that has all the hype, when it comes to a big game, they never come through. But with Layla, that's just her nature. She thrives on these big moments. She loves the crowd.”

— Pete Butler, Tuba City Head Coach

“The effort was great, as proud as I can be. It was a great season.”

— Mike Brogan, Snowflake Head Coach

What’s next

The Tuba City Warriors will look to build on their state championship victory and aim to defend their title next season.

The takeaway

Tuba City's victory showcases the passion and talent of the local Navajo community, as the team's young star Layla Curtis led them to their first state title in over two decades in front of a raucous crowd of devoted fans.