The Amphi High Panthers used their size advantage and balanced attack to cruise past host Buena High Colts 46-27 in a recent game, improving their record to 7-11 on the season.
The victory marked a strong performance for first-year head coach Domineik Banks, whose squad controlled the tempo from start to finish.
The game carried extra significance for Banks, who has deep ties to Buena (3-9). The young coach is the nephew of Joe Thomas, who recently resigned as Buena’s head football coach and will be taking the reins at Casa Grande High School next year. Despite the family connection, Banks showed no hesitation in leading his Panthers to victory over his uncle’s former school.
Adding another personal dimension to Banks’ first season at the helm, he’s coaching his younger sister, Monica Verrett, through her senior campaign. The matchup featured two programs in transition, with both Banks and Buena’s first-year head coach Jaimie Perkins looking to establish their identities early in their tenures. While the scoreboard favored Amphi, both coaches showed their ability to prepare their teams and adjust throughout the game.
The Panthers were paced by the dominant interior presence of Kayla Tuakalau, who used her 5’11” frame to command the paint and pour in a game-high 18 points. Tuakalau is bound for Pima Community College’s program.
The Colts’ defense struggled to box out the towering forward, as she consistently found position for second-chance opportunities and close-range baskets that kept Buena on its heels.
While Tuakalau provided the scoring punch, the real spark for Amphi came from Verrett, one of Banks’ standout players. The senior orchestrated the offense throughout the game, playing the majority of the contest while tallying 11 points and dishing out multiple assists that kept the Panthers’ offense flowing. Courtewa Vigil added 10 points in the balanced effort.
The Colts fought hard under Perkins’ guidance, with Sophia Adams and Taegan Allred each scoring six points to lead the way. Saniya Copeland and Gretchen Adams contributed five points apiece in the losing effort. Buena’s chances took a significant hit when starting center Kalal Palacios went down with an ankle injury, a loss that proved crucial as the Panthers continued to exploit their size advantage in the paint.
Despite the setback, the well-coached Colts battled until the final buzzer, showing the resilience that Perkins is building into her program.
The Colts will look to get back in the winning column next when they travel to Flowing Wells on Tuesday at 7 p.m., while the Panthers head to Rio Rico Friday at 7 p.m. hoping to build a winning streak and gain momentum as they continue their season.
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