Nelson Allen is an NAU School of Communication student assigned to cover Tuba City basketball for AZPreps365.com 

The Tuba City Warriors girls basketball team remained undefeated after picking up their third win, 81-24, against the Hopi Bruins on Thursday, Dec. 4 at the Warrior Pavilion.

Coach Pete Butler and the Warriors had no problem against the Bruins, as the crowd shook the stands in their home-opener.

“We hopped on our defense, we practice every day, we don’t really work in our offense,” Butler said. “Our offense is our defense, and we really make sure to work on that.”

Freshman guard Layla Curtis, who was named player of the game against Xavier Prep, scored 22 points and had four steals against Hopi, showcasing her leadership on the court.

“She could be player of the game almost every game, she’s just that good. I tell people that I’ve never had a player of that caliber; she’s the whole package,” Butler said. “She can take over a game and she’s somewhat a leader.”

After the game Curtis made it clear the Warriors intend to defend their home court every game.

“We are not going to lose on our home court. This is our home court and any team that comes into our gym, they are going to see who our team is,” Curtis said.

Butler praised not only Curtis' athletic skills, but also her leadership skill she brings to the team, saying that she’s been in the leadership role since she was young.

Senior guard Raquel Lee also stepped up and had a solid home-operner, scoring 11 points and nabbing five steals.

The Warriors will look to extend their winning streak when they travel to Winslow on Tuesday, Dec. 9.

“I always tell the girls, don’t be satisfied," Butler said. "Don’t ever be satisfied with it, there’s probably another team waiting for us. Put this game behind you, let’s just go start working harder for the next one.”