(Interstat) — Preview: Copper Mountain Looks to Extend Dominance at Struggling Palo Verde

A dramatic mismatch in the California community college women’s basketball standings will be on display Saturday when the state-leading Copper Mountain Fighting Cacti visit the Palo Verde Pirates.

The game, scheduled for Feb. 7, 2026, pits a powerhouse against a program seeking a rare bright spot. Copper Mountain enters with a stellar 20-2 overall record, its only losses coming in double-overtime to Mount San Jacinto and a narrow road defeat to the same team. Palo Verde, conversely, has struggled to a 3-21 mark.

The teams’ first meeting this season was a lopsided affair, with Copper Mountain routing Palo Verde 126-44 on Jan. 7. The Fighting Cacti have shown no signs of slowing, averaging 104 points in their last two victories, including a 126-60 rout of San Bernardino Valley on Jan. 31.

Copper Mountain is led by standout Gia McFadden, who has posted a string of dominant double-doubles. In her last three games, McFadden averaged 24.3 points, 12.7 rebounds and 5.7 assists, including a 31-point, 13-rebound performance in just 21 minutes against Desert on Jan. 24.

Palo Verde will counter with forward Anaiah Brown, a consistent producer on a struggling squad. Brown has recorded a double-double in six of her last seven games, including a 22-point, 11-rebound effort in a loss to Chaffey on Feb. 4. She averages a double-double for the season.

The Pirates have lost five consecutive games since their last win on Jan. 28 and have been held under 50 points in three of those losses. Containing Copper Mountain’s high-octane offense, which has surpassed 90 points 12 times this season, presents a formidable challenge.

For Palo Verde, the focus will be on managing tempo and relying on Brown’s interior presence. For Copper Mountain, the game represents a chance to fine-tune its execution before a key rematch with Chaffey on Feb. 14.

Tip-off is scheduled for Saturday at Palo Verde College.