Brooke Jackson Honored As 1st-Team All-American

The awards keep pouring in for Mesa Lady Basketball player Brooke Jackson.
The NJCAA has announced Jackson as a 1st Team All-American.
"This is an outstanding accomplishment for a remarkable player. Brooke is a great ambassador for Mesa Community College," says Athletic Director Jeff Fore.
The team won 26 games this past season and had to go without Brooke for five games due to a knee injury.
"This is a great honor for Brooke and the school as a whole. She knew she could reach these lofty levels and it'll be nice to see her plaque in the trophy case next to all of MCC's star athletes," says Head Coach Kori Stephenson.

Coach Stephenson Announces Youth Camp

Coaches and players to facilitate camp June 2 - 4

The Mesa Women's Basketball Program is sponsoring a Youth Camp on June 2 to run through June 4.

The camp is designed for 4th - 8th graders and will be broken into two sessions. The first session will begin registration at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 2 for 4th and 5th - graders.

The second session will take registrations at 10:30 a.m. on June 2 for 6th - 8th - graders.

The cost of the camp is $65.00 is registration is received prior to May 31. Please contact Coach Kori Stephonson to register at 480-461-7544.

Mesa Lady Thunderbirds Youth Camp Registration Form

Glendale Stuns Mesa, Season Ends Abruptly

78-74 Gaucho victory a tooth-and-nail battle

It wasn't supposed to end this way, but that's why they play the games.

The underdog 4-seed topped the home-court advantage of Mesa and sncuk out of Theo Heap Gym with a 78-74 win in front of a stunned Thunderbird fanbase.

Mesa fans would like to thank the Lady T'Birds for a memorable season. The 26 wins are the most in 10 years. The team finishes ranked 6th in the NJCAA DII polls.

Region Goes Through Mesa

T'Birds knock off Pima 72-66 to clinch #1 seed in Division II playoffs

Friday night, February 27th pitted the #3 and #4 teams in the nation in the NJCAA Division II.

The Lady T'Birds and Lady Aztecs did not disappoint.

Mesa led the entire game and locked up home-court advantage through the Regional Playoffs. They will host Glendale on Tuesday, March 3 at 5:30 at Theo Heap Gym.

Sam Darley led the way with 20 points on some very clutch shooting down the stretch to fend off Pima. Brooke Jackson added 13 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. Katrina Graham also added 10 points, nine boards, and four assists.

The two teams split their regular season contests, with Mesa winning the first game in a shootout on December 10 in Glendale, 114-100. Glendale then stole Mesa's Holding Court Game on February 7, 98-95.

Glendale is the 4-seed and finished the season with at .500 with a 15-15 record. They finished 10-12 in the ACCAC Division II standings.

If Mesa can knock off Glendale, they will host either Pima or Scottsdale on Thursday at home for the right to go to the National Tournament in East Peoria, Illinois on the campus of Illinois Central College.

Ladies To Play For #1 Seed

Win over Yavapai sets up showdown with Pima Friday

Coach Kori Stephenson and her staff are preparing for Mesa's biggest game of the year at the Theo Heap Gym on Friday, February 27 at 5:30 p.m.

With the ladies latest victory Tuesday night over Yavapai, 74-58, the team locks up a showdown for the Regional #1 seed as playoffs begin Tuesday, March 3 at 5:30 p.m. at home.

Briana Benjamin led all scorers with 25 points. Brooke Jackson scored 18 to go along with seven rebounds and six dimes. Vanna Moses had a nice all around game with eight points, seven rebounds, and four assists.

At 17-4 in the ACCAC, they trail Pima by one game but with a win, would gain the tiebreaker and the #1 seed in the Region I, Division II Playoffs.

"It's going to take rebounding and defense to clinch the #1 seed Friday...Pima is a very solid team," says Coach Stephenson.

Mesa Lady T'Birds Up For Cochise Challenge

Team fights through Apaches toughness

The final score of the Mesa Lady Thunderbirds game against the Cochise Apaches was 85-69 but the game was a bit tighter than that.

Tied at the half, Mesa would come out and eventually take charge against the overmatched Apaches.

Katrina Graham had a game for the ages with 32 points, a career high, eight rebounds, and five assists.

Callina Hurley backed Graham rather nicely with 18 of her own to go along with six rebounds and four steals.

Mesa needed to take care of business and stay on pace to host at least one home playoff game and they did just that.

Next up is the tough bunch from Arizona Western on Saturday, February 21 at Theo Heap Gym at 5:30 p.m.

Ladies Keep Rolling Towards Regionals

Now 22-4 on season

Mesa Lady Thunderbirds Basketball is taking each game as a stepping stone towards the big picture. That big picture is a Region I Championship and a National Title.

Coach Kori Stephenson, Assistants Katie McDonald and Sam Stevens have their women poised for a banner 2009 post-season.

Their latest victory came at the expense of South Mountain Community College, 91-71. The win combined with a Glendale loss all but guaranteed a home playoff game in the Region I Playoffs. Mesa is 14-4 in ACCAC's Division II. They trail Pima by just one game for first place. Pima is 15-3. Glendale is in third at 10-8. Glendale would have to win out and Mesa would have to lose their remaining four games.

Playoffs begin on March 3.

Katrina Graham led the way for Mesa with 22 points. Abbey Ritz had a double-double with 10 points and 14 boards. Vanna Moses scored seven points to go along with 12 boards.

Lady T'Birds Throttle Scottsdale

92-67 win gives Mesa 21st win of season

Mesa's stifling defense was too much for Scottsdale as the Lady Thunderbirds did what they had to do - beat Scottsdale.

Beat them they did.

The game was never close as some hot shooting from Briana Benjamin and Vanna Moses helped the women to a big lead.

Benjamin had 10 points and six assists. Callina Hurley led all scorers with 19 points. Hurley also had 11 boards for the Lady T'Birds.

Katrina Graham had 14 points and nine boards. Brooke Jackson notched 12 points, four rebounds, and four assists. Shaina Chafin added a nice effort with seven points and eight boards.

Mesa is now 21-4 overall and ranked #6 in the NJCAA Division II polls. Their 13-4 mark in the ACCAC is good for 2nd place in Division II of the ACCAC. If they can hang onto one of the top two spots, they will clinch a home Regional Playoff Game.

Remaining games are against South Mountain (2-14), Cochise at home (2-18), Arizona Western at home (2-21), Yavapai (2-24), and Pima at home (2-27).

Ladies Notch 20th Win

90-57 drubbing of Phoenix College continues streak

At 20-3, the Mesa Lady Thunderbirds continue to dominate opponents. Phoenix College is the most recent team to run into the buzzsaw.

With a balance on offense and solid team defense, Mesa controlled the contest the entire way.

Sam Darley nearly missed a triple-double, hitting for 11 points, seven rebounds, and nine dimes. Katrina Graham led the team in scoring with 16 points. She also had six boards.

Vanna Moses added 14 points to go along with eight rebounds. Briana Benjamin had 11 points and five rebounds.

Mesa's next opponent is Glendale on Saturday, February 7 at 2:00 p.m. at home in the Theo Heap Gym.

Lady Thunderbirds Pick Up Big Road Win

74-71 win at Chandler-Gilbert gets team back on track

Coach Kori Stephenson and her staff got a huge road win as the team's leading scorer recovers from a knee fracture. They defeated the Lady Coyotes Saturday night.

Vanna Moses led the way for the ladies with 18 points, 11 boards, and five assists as Mesa now moves to 19-3 overall and 11-3 in the ACCAC.

Mesa is biding their time as Brooke Jackson heals from a fractured bone in her knee. The team is doing just fine in making up for Brooke's missing 20.3 points per game.

The ladies travel to Phoenix College this Wednesday f or a 5:30 tipoff. They will play at home this Saturday in the first-ever Thunderbird Nation Holding Court game versus Glendale at 2:00 p.m.

Mesa Blasts Eastern

82-49 win gets ladies back on track

At 18-2 on the season and 10-2 in the ACCAC, Mesa is now aiming to stay ahead of Pima for first place in Division II.

Katrina Graham had a big night as Mesa was without its star guard Brooke Jackson due to injury. Graham notched 21 points to go along with eight rebounds.

Samantha Darley added 14 points, seven assists, and seven steals for Mesa.

The team hosts Central Arizona, who beat Mesa earlier in the year. Central is ranked #2 in the NJCAA Division I and Mesa is ranked #3 in the NJCAA Division II.

The game tips at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 28 at the Theo Heap Gym.

Mesa Endures Second Loss Of Season

Fall to Pima without star guard

Coach Stephenson's bunch will have to pull together for the next two to six weeks after scoring-leader Brooke Jackson fractured a bone in her knee in the Yavapai game last week.

The Lady T'Birds fell to Pima 69-55. They are now 17-2 on the season and look to get back on track Saturday night in Thatcher against conference rival Eastern Arizona.

"She'll be good to go when we hit the home stretch and head into regional playoffs," says Coach Stephenson, commenting on the status of her star guard Brooke Jackson.

Standout small forward Katrina Graham continued her dominant play in scoring 23 points and snagging 11 boards.

Mesa #2 In The Land, 15-1 On Season

Thumped Cochise on the road 88-75

Mesa is now 15-1 on the season and ranked #2 in the land, and they just keep rolling.

Their most recent win came over the weekend at Cochise, 88-75.

Brooke Jackson led all scorers with 30. She also nabbed 12 boards.

Sam Darley had 14 points and four assists. Katrina Graham added 10 boards and four assists. Vanna Moses came close to a double-double with 10 points and nine boards.

"We outrebounded Cochise by 21 boards and that was the big difference," says Coach Stephenson.

Mesa travels to Yuma Wednesday, January 14 for a 5:30 tipoff against the Matadors of Arizona Western. They return home on Saturday for the MLK Classic against Yavapai College at 3:00 p.m.

Mesa Now 12-1

Non-conference blowout over Northwest College has ladies rolling

Brooke Jackson scored 20 and Katrina Graham hit for 15 as the Lady Thunderbirds just keep on winning.

After playing in the Aztec Interstate Classic in Tucson last weekend and winning both of those games, Mesa returned to the Theo Heap Gym and disposed of the Lady Trappers from Northwest College, 72-36 on Friday afternoon, January 2.

The ladies will host Madison Area Tech on Saturday, January 3 at 1:00 p.m. in the Theo Heap Gym.

Jackson & Graham Back-to-Back Players of the Week

Standouts win POW in successive weeks for Mesa

Brooke Jackson and Katrina Graham have been named Players of the Week in each of the last two weeks for the Mesa Women's Basketball Program.

Brooke Jackson is 2nd in the ACCAC in scoring with 20.5 ppg, 1st in FT% at 87%, 1st in 3-pt% at 47%, 6th in FG% at 59%, and 8th in assists per game with 4 apg.

Katrina Graham is 13th in the ACCAC in scoring with 13.8 ppg and 2nd in FG% at 62%.

Ladies Win Again

Dominant defense spurs 83-64 victory at Scottsdale

The nation is starting to notice Mesa Lady Thunderbird Basketball.

Garnering interest to move into the #2 spot in the country, overtaking Illinois Central, the third-ranked women keep rolling through the competition.

With the latest win, the ladies are now 9-1 overall and 7-1 in the ACCAC. Their only loss came at the hands of Cental Arizona. Central is in Division I and Mesa plays out of Division II.

Sam Darley led the way for Mesa on Saturday night, scoring 18 points. Vanna Moses dominated the boards, ripping down 10 total.

"The kids led 41-18 at the half. They made a committment to a progression in their defensive efforts, which presented opportunites for some of our bench players to get some quality minutes," says Coach Stephenson.

The ladies get a break for the holiday and return to play at the Aztec Interstate Classic in Tucson on Monday and Tuesday, December 29-30 versus NIACC and Salt Lake City CC. Mondays tip is at 2:00 p.m. and Tuesday's tip is at 5:15 p.m.

Lady Birds Keep On Rolling

4-1 in conference play, 8-1 overall

Coach Stephenson's bunch is running roughshod through the ACCAC. Their latest victim came in Glendale Wednesday night, December 10 much to the dismay of the Lady Gauchos.

Katrina Graham led the way for Mesa with 30 points. Brooke Jackson continued her torrid pace, hitting for 26. Callina Hurley's 20 rounded out the top scorers.

"We are happy for the win, but we are disappointed in our defensive efforts," says Assistant Coach Katie McDonald.

McDonald also mentioned Mesa committed too many unforced turnovers.

Coaches on an 8-1 team ranked third in the country have to find something to be critical about to maintain their team's competitive edge.

Thunderbird Nation can simply focus on the wins and losses, of which the former are adding up rather nicely. Eight and counting.

The Lady T'birds are averaging 93 points per game, which is a higher average than three NBA teams, Charlotte, Los Angeles Clippers, and Oklahoma City.

Mesa looks to make it nine over the weekend in a road game at rival Scottsdale, Saturday night at 5:30 p.m.

Mesa Now 7-1 with Drubbing of Phoenix College

102-82 and it wasn't that close

Coach Stephenson and her staff are seeing all of their efforts come to fruition on the court each and every day.

Saturday against Phoenix College was a total domination in favor of Mesa.

Balanced scoring and unmatched quickness was too much for the Lady Coyotes as Mesa ran them out of the gym by halftime.

A triple-threat of Mesa guards all scored 20 or more as Brianna Benjamin (20), Brooke Jackson (21), and Sam Darley (20) led the Lady Thunderbirds. Jackson also added seven boards and eight dimes.

Mesa travels to Glendale Wednesday, December 10, then Scottsdale on Saturday, December 13 as ACCAC play heats up.

The ladies return to the Theo Heap Gym after the New Year on January 2 at 6:00 p.m versus Northwest College.

Ranked #3 In The Country, Lady T'Birds Roll CGCC, 94-81

Coach Stephenson Lights A Fire At Halftime

It was a tale of two halves as nationally-ranked Mesa let Chandler-Gilbert stay close in the first one, much to the dismay of Coach Kori Stephenson.

The second half was a different story.

After letting her girls have it in the waning moments of the first half, the Lady T'birds came out of the locker room and took charge over the Coyotes.

Led by the sensational guard play of Brooke Jackson and Callina Hurley, the T'Birds second-half lead grew to 24 points. Jackson was unstoppable again, scoring 31 points to go along with six rebounds, five assists, and three steals. Hurley added 12 points and three steals.

Katrina Graham had another strong game as well, scoring 14 points on seven of 13 from the floor, nabbing 12 boards, and picking four pockets.

The Lady T'Birds are now 6-1 on the season, 2-1 in the ACCAC.

Phoenix College visits Theo Heap Gym Saturday for a mid-afternoon tip, starting at 2:00 p.m.
Coach Stephenson has announced those bringing one can of non-perishable food will be admitted free. The food will be donated to a local food bank to feed the needy this upcoming holiday season.

Mesa Lady T'Birds Too Much For Eastern

Coach Stephenson's bunch rips Monsters 89-55

Off to a 5-0 start on the young season, the Lady T'Birds are garnering some national poll recognition.

After a drubbing of conference-rival Eastern Arizona, that notion is becoming reality.

Leading the way for Mesa was sophomore guard out of Mountain View, Brooke Jackson. Jackson's 19 points and five assists are a continuance of her strong guard play thus far.

Jackson's Grandfather Carvel won six National Track and Field Championships with Mesa Community College in his 29 years of service to the college. The late, great Carvel Jackson is an inaugural member of the Mesa Community College Sports Hall of Fame.

Also in double-figures for Mesa was freshman guard out of Basha, Briana Benjamin, who notched 12 points. Callina Hurley and Sam Darley eached tallied 10 apiece.

Mesa travels to Coolidge Saturday, November 22 at 5:30 p.m. to take on Central Arizona College as the Lady T'Birds look to move to 2-0 in the ACCAC.

Lady T'Birds Set For Home Opener

ACCAC rival Eastern Arizona visits Theo Heap Gym

Coach Stephenson and her staff are off to a 4-0 start as they enter conference play Wednesday night, November 19 at 5:30.

Catch all the action live or visit www.swsn.net for all the play-by-play.

2008 ACCAC Jamboree Highlights Women's Strength

Lady Tbirds shine on home court

Although it was a series of scrimmages, Coach Stephenson was more than pleased with her girls on Saturday, October 11.

Mesa dominated South Mountain, edged Chandler-Gilbert, routed Glendale, and defeated Cochise.

"These scrimmages were strictly a prep for the season, for us to see our personnel and schedule our practices in areas we see will best help our team," says Assistant Coach Katie McDonald.

In all, eight teams particpated in the annual tournament hosted by Mesa Community College Basketball. The ladies will scrimmage Central on the road this Friday, October 17 at 3:00 p.m. then scrimmage Tucson Del Sol on Saturday, October 25 at 10:00 a.m.

Chacon Off To Siena

The Saints hope point guard is answer to their prayers

Charlieann Chacon is Mesa basketball. She is the eptiome of a team player - good court vision, leaderships skills, and hustle. Now, the Siena Saints have a point guard they so desperately need and Mesa has another student-athlete heading off to a Division I school.

Her accolades this year include 1st Team All Region, 2nd Team All-ACCAC, Region I Tourney MVP, and pre-season All-American. The two-year starter at MCC and four-year starter at Deer Valley High School is primed for the next level.

"I've been striving to get to this point. I'm scared but I'm ready," says Chacon. The opponents in the MAAC (Metro-Atlantic Athletic Conference) are the ones that should be scared.

Chacon averaged 10.7 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 3.7 apg, and 3.4 steals per game as a freshman in 06-07. This year she scored 11.1 ppg, pulled down 5.6 rpg, dished out 4.8 apg, and had 2.7 steals per game. (more)

As a senior at Deer Valley, Chacon led her team to the Division II state championship.

Chacon wears the number 24 as did her coach at Mesa, Kori Stephenson. In her recent visit to the Siena campus in Albany, New York, Charlieann hoped to retain the same number. A teammate already had the number but wants to wear the number ten, so Charlieann will even wear the same number.

"I wish I could wear my Mesa jersey underneath my Siena jersey next season," says Chacon.

Her devotion and love for Mesa can be attributed to Coach Stephenson. "Coach has been the best teacher of basketball I have ever had. I can't say enough about her," says Chacon.

The feeling is mutual as Coach Stephenson knows a special talent when she sees one.

"I think Charlie would run through a wall for her teammates. She's a great kid and one of the most coachable young women I've ever been around. Not to mention she's done so much on her own - -she's just so determined," says Stephenson.

Chacon will leave the safety nest of home and travel across the country to New York in August to don a Saints jersey.

"I'm gonna miss my family but I can't wait to represent Mesa Community College in the MAAC. I couldn't have done it without the support from my mom, dad, and sisters, Bryanna and Sabrina," says Chacon.

One thing's for sure, the Lady T'Birds will miss Charlieann next season. However, Mesa now has a shining star at the University of Siena, and the pride of Mesa basketball in the Empire State.

Ladies Fall In Nationals Opener

Hope to stave off elimination Thursday morning, March 20

Poor shooting did in the Lady T'Birds in the first half of the game one of the 2008 NJCAA Women's Basketball Championships. Coach Stephenson's bunch fell to host Illinois Central 70-62.

Mesa will regroup and play Garrett College of Maryland Thursday morning, March 20 at 10:00 a.m. If Mesa can get the win, they will play again on Saturday.

Natasha Begay led the scoring with 13 points. Charlieann Chacon followed with 12 to go along with eight boards. Samantha Darley chipped in 12 as well and Vanna Moses snagged 7 boards.

"The girls just had a tough time knocking down shots in the first half, but we beat 'em in half number two," said Atheltic Director John Mulhern.

The ladies were outsized as well and it showed in the rebounding advantage Illinois Central had (57-44).

The ladies can still place seventh in the tournament but have to win out.

Illinois Central has monopolized national titles since the mid '90's, winning six over that time period.

Charlieann Chacon Named MVP Of Regional Tourney

Charlieann Chacon was named MVP of the Women's Region I Tournament this week. In two games against Socttsdale and Chandler-Gilbert, Chacon averaged 11.5 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals. She also logged the minutes, averaging 37.5 per game.

Lady T'Birds Head Off To Illinois Monday, March 17

First game set for Wednesday at 2 p.m. vs. Illinois Central College

Follow the ladies run through the national tournament by accessing this tournament bracket...2008 NJCAA Women's Basketball National Tournament

WOMEN WIN REGION I - OFF TO NATIONALS

72-57 win at Chandler-Gilbert sends ladies to Peoria, Illinois

The Mesa Thunderbird Women's Basketball Team is headed to Peoria , Illinois to represent thier college in the national tournament.
The ladies won two playoff games on the road. A 72-57 victory over Chandler-Gilbert Thursday night guaranteed a trip to nationals at Illinois Central College on Wednesday, March 12, 2008. Times are to be determined.
"The girls were amazing tonight, I didn't even have to coach," said Head Coach Kori Stephenson.
The ladies will ride a three-game win streak to nationals along with a boatload of confidence.

Ladies Head Into Playoffs With Convincing Win

Dominate SMCC 78-64, take third place in ACCAC

Head Coach Kori Stephenson leads her staff and team into the playoffs after a convincing win over South Mountain Friday night, 78-64. The team finished in third place in the ACCAC and will travel to Scottsdale on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at 7:30 p.m.

The team comprised of sophomores Lauren Hall, Mariah Roberts, Shaina Chafin, Rachel Dekonty, Alicia Anderson, Charli Chacon, and Natasha Begay, and freshmen, Mary Natsyn, Katrina Graham, Samantha Darley, Vanna Moses, Samia Stokes, and Abbey Ritz, has shown toughness and fortitude throughout the season in dealing with some difficult injuries.

Assistant Coach Katie McDonald's court knowledge has been a priceless asset to the ladies all season.

A win Tuesday night would guarantee a matchup versus Phoenix College in the second round, one game shy of the ACCAC Division II title game against Chandler-Gilbert.

T'Birds Handle Eastern Arizona

Team has won two of three with 82-72 victory over Lady Gila Monsters

Balanced scoring and tenacious defense carried the Lady Thunderbirds to their second win in three games. Four scorers in double-figures and 21 forced turnovers helped Mesa notch their seventh win on the season.

Samantha Darley led Mesa with 16 points. Katrina Graham notched 15 to go along with six boards. Natasha Begay scored 14 and pulled down nine rebounds. Vanna Moses threw in 11 points and also snagged 9 boards.

The women look for their first back-to-back wins since mid-December on Saturday, February 2,at home against Pima. The game is slated for a 5:30 p.m. tip.

2007- 08 Women's Basketball

Teamwork and Togetherness

Women Pummel Listless Glendale

100-61 win moves Lady T'Birds to 5-4 on year

Mesa manhandled a hapless Lady Gaucho squad Saturday night December 15, improving the team's overall record to 5-4. The Lady T'Birds are 4-2 in the ACCAC and have won three of four.

"This was a great week for us. A big win in Yavapai and then a solid victory tonight over Glendale," said Head Coach Kori Stephenson.

Mesa had four scorers in double-figures on the night, led by sophomore guard Natasha Begay's 25, six rebounds, and two assists. Begay was five of eight from the three-point-arc. Freshman gourd Katrina Graham had 20 points to go along with five rebounds. Sophomore guard Charlieann Chacon notched 17 points and nine assists. Sophomore guard Lauren Hall added 16 points and eight assists.

Shooting 55 percent for the game, Mesa overpowered Glendale from the opening tip, leading by 33 at the half.

The ladies are on a two week break and next take on Salt Lake City College on Saturday, December 29 at home at 6:00 p.m.

Lady T'Birds Looking To Jump Above .500

Women ready for Glendale Saturday night, December 15 in last matchup before the holidays

The Lady T'Birds are 4-4 on the young season and are showing signs that they will start to take charge in the ACCAC. A big conference matchup Saturday night pits the Gauchos against Mesa. The game will be the last contest for two weeks as the clubs break for the holiday season.

Coach Kori Stephenson knows the Gauchos will be the test her team needs to show if they are ready to take that next step. The game starts at 5:30 followed by the men's contest.

On December 29, Salt Lake City Community College will vist the valley for a game at 6:00 p.m.

2007- 08 Season Outlook

Head Coach Kori Stephenson has a nice mix of incoming freshman and returning sophomores to balance a team expecting to compete for the ACCAC Conference title.  With the assistance of Katie McDonald, the ladies have bevy of experience to lead them this season.

Returning to the Lady T’Birds are 5’9” Forward Mariah Roberts, 5’5” Guard Lauren Hall, 5’10” Forward Alicia Anderson, 5’7” Guard Natasha Begay, 5’7” Guard Shaina Chafin, 5’6” Guard Charlieann Chacon, and 6’0” Forward Rachel Dekonty.

Incoming freshman upstarts include 6’0” Forward Vanna Moses, 5’3” Guard Mary Natsyn, 5’8” Guard Abbey Ritz, 5’8” Guard Katrina Graham, 5’7” Guard Samantha Darley, and 6’2” Center Samia Stokes.

The Lady T’Birds look to build on an impressive 16-13 overall record last year, where they went 13-9 in the confernce .  That record was best among Division II schools in the ACCAC

Demik Honored For Academics

Sophomore guard Lindsi Demik was announced as a Distinguished Academic All American by the National Junior College Athletic Association. Demik's 3.95 GPA was recognized by the NJCAA for the 2006-2007 academic year. Lindsi is another fine example of MCC's committment to a balancebetween athletics and studies.

2007 MCC Women's Basketball Wrapup

Alissa Ingallina launches one

Coach Kori Stephenson in the huddle

The lady Thunderbirds finished up a strong season under Coach Kori Stephenson. At 13-9 in the ACCAC and 16-13 overall, the squad has a lot to build on for next year.

After eliminating Phoenix College in the first round of Regional play, they had a cold-shooting night against Chandler-Gilbert and lost by a 51-40 score. The Coyotes ended up taking seventh place in the Division 2 12-team tourney held at Phoenix College.

"Our girls played really hard this year, and we have a strong core coming back next year,"  Coach Stephenson said. Freshman Danielle Reiher averaged 13.8 ppg to lead the team which placed her 12th among ACCAC scorers.  Another first-year player, Charlieann Chacon led the team in steals with 3.5 per game, third best in the Conference.

Sophomore Jessica Tsingine was accurate from the free throw line, hitting on 77 per cent of her attempts. As a team, Mesa scored an average of 65 points per game, but gave up 65 to the opposition, a reflection of their season. They were successful on 31 per cent of their three-point shots. Twice during the season they had four-game win streaks. Overall, they finished the season ranked 17th in the country.

The team had its share of adversity during the season: a siege of the flu, an injury to Gabe Garcia, and a personal loss affecting one of the players. Coach Stephenson even took time out in January to bring her first offspring, Brady Scott Stephenson into the world.

“While Daniele Reiher was our leading scorer, it seemed like a different player stepped up to make a difference in every game,” according to the Coach. “Linsi Demik was a defensive standout. She just never quit. They were a very coachable team, and we had good chemistry.” Lauren Hall, Alissa Inguillina and Danielle Reiher were all  named ACCAC Players of the Week during the season.

While Coach Stephenson loses three key players, she is optimistic in looking forward to the 2007-2008 season. “Our expectations are high, and we plan to pick up right where we left off and make a run for a national championship,” she said.

Please contact The Womens Basketball Department for comments or corrections| phone: 480-461-7544