Joshua Tree, CA - Coach Walter Parham's game plan was simple. Feed Mikah Blackwell early and feed him often. It was a formula that the Palo Verde Pirates had no answer for as Blackwell had 18 points at the half on his way to a 29 point output for the game. The Cacti were able to find Blackwell at the high post all game and they let the 6'6", 205 pound forward go to work for there. Mikah muscled his way to the basket against the Pirates and Palo Verde could not stop it.

When the visiting team sent multiple people to help on Blackwell, the Cacti connected from long distance. Travion Jackson, who becomes a threat to score as soon as he crosses half, had five of the team's eight three-pointers in the contest as he poured in 15 for the home team. Tyler Hudson, who battled foul trouble the whole game, chipped in with 19 points and had a team-high 6 assists. Cris Dominguez was very efficient on the evening as he added 15 on seven of ten shooting from the field. Jaylan Bradberry came off the bench to contribute 7 points and Israel Goldsmith add 6 points and battled to collect 10 rebounds on the night. Mikah Blackwell had a team-high 14 rebounds as he added another double-double to his resume.

The Cacti sit atop the Inland Empire Athletic Conference standings with a 3-0 record. They will put their undefeated mark on the line on Wednesday, January 19th as they travel to Cerro Coso who will enter the contest at 12-4 overall and 3-2 in IEAC play. Next home game for Copper Mountain will be Saturday, January 22nd as the Barstow Vikings come to town.