Tanna Decker added to her Cowboys legacy as the Camp Verde point guard came home with the 2A Central Offensive Player of the Year honor.
“I thought winning was huge because it will definitely help me stand out more to college coaches,” Decker said. “I am proud of myself for that because it will definitely help with recruitment.”
Decker also earned first-team all-region honors for the third consecutive season.
Decker said Mingus Union High School alumnus and West Coast Advantage owner Chris Johnson helped her the most on the hardwood.
“He trains me a lot and has definitely helped my game improve,” Decker said.
Decker averaged 12 points and four assists this season, good for top-three in the region in both categories.
The Cowboys finished the season 22-9 and ended the year ranked 13th in the state.
Decker opened the season with a bang as she posted 27 points, 10 rebounds and four steals in the Cowboys’ 62-19 win over Mayer High School on Nov. 20, 2018.
“My favorite part of this season was definitely just hanging out with my team because I love them so much,” Decker said. “I think we were very close this year both on and off the court.”
Camp Verde advanced to the 2A playoffs before falling to Scottsdale Christian Academy 37-27 on Feb. 15.
“We definitely could have beaten Scottsdale Christian in the playoffs but winning the conference was a big accomplishment,” Decker said. “Losing to Scottsdale Christian will definitely motivate us to win the conference again and push further next season.”
Decker has helped lead the Cowboys to three consecutive postseason appearances.
“Winning the conference title was also huge as it showed just how good our team can play,” Decker said. “Practices were also fun. It is almost my senior year, so I am trying to make the most of everything.”
Although Decker could score from anywhere on the court, her favorite playcalls involved setting up her teammates.
“My favorite plays from this season were getting the ball down low to Jacy Finley,” Decker said. “I loved throwing those lobs inside to her for an
easy assist.”
One highlight from Decker’s junior year was a spinning assist to Destiny Dowdle in the Cowboys’ 35-29 win over Scottsdale Preparatory Academy on Feb. 7.
“That one was good, I high-fived her and thanked her for making that shot,” Decker said. “I love creating for others if the defense is keying in on me.”
Defensively, Decker said she believes the Cowboys should be strong again next season.
“This season, I think we were pretty strong
defensively,” Decker said. “We had Jacy in the middle to protect the rim and good players on the perimeter.”
Heading into her senior year, expectations remain sky-high for Decker and the Cowboys.
“Next year, I think we should take conference again and advance further into the state playoffs,” Decker said. “Our goal is to win every game.”
The Cowboys return 11 players next year, including eight juniors.
“A lot of us are in the same grade so we have played together for pretty long time,” Decker said. “We know each other because we are always around each other, which definitely helps our chemistry.”
Jacy Finley returns for her senior year after earning first-team all-region honors.
Maya Hedges and Shelly Warfield also return for the Cowboys after having each earned honorable mention.
Though winter sports concluded for Camp Verde in February, the season never ends for Decker.
“I have been working out since the season ended and I am also trying out for a tournament team pretty soon,” Decker said. “I also shoot everyday, so I am already getting ready for next season.”
Decker shoots over 200 jump shots daily while also partaking in dribbling drills and tests of her basketball IQ.
“I love watching Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns because he is a great scorer and playmaker for others,” Decker said. “I also love Russell Westbrook from the Oklahoma City Thunder because of his strength and approach to the game.”
For Decker, basketball is everything.
“I just love how you can pick up a ball and shoot whenever,” Decker said. “Basketball is just always there for you.”
Next season, Decker will be tasked with earning all-region in all four years of
