Arizona Western women’s basketball looks to extend national tournament streak
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) — Arizona Western College women's basketball is looking to make it three consecutive trips to the NJCAA Division I Women's Basketball National Tournament as the Matadors prepare to open a new season.
Arizona Western is coming off another successful campaign, winning the Region I championship against top-ranked Eastern Arizona. The Gila Monsters went on to capture the national championship, while the Matadors earned their second straight appearance in the national tournament.
Now entering her fourth season at the helm, head coach Chelsea Dewey has five returning players to help lead the way. With a roster featuring athletes from across the country and around the world, building team chemistry has been a major focus during the preseason.
Freshman guard Madison McDonald said the team's connection has developed quickly despite the players coming from different backgrounds.
“Everybody's from everywhere, and yet we gel so well. We have four or five Americans, and everybody else is international. The way we connect, bond and laugh and go to games together has been phenomenal," McDonald said. "It's probably one of the best experiences I've ever had.”
On the court, sophomore forward Aline Mastelic said the Matadors are continuing to build their offensive chemistry while emphasizing improvement on the defensive end.
“It's about practicing, practicing and practicing. Defense is a big part of it," Mastelic said. "We really need to get it together and have a tight defense because offensively, we're getting there. We're finding each other, and everybody can play. We just need to play hard on defense.”
With five returners back, Dewey wants this year's team to establish an identity built on toughness, competition and playing with heart. She said earning playing time will come down to how consistently her players compete.
“I want us to be the toughest team in the country and play our hearts out every single night," Dewey said. "These kids are built on toughness. They're going to compete, and if they don't compete, you won't see them on the floor. We're trying to find the best way to help them become better human beings and better athletes.”
The Matadors open the season in Thatcher at the Eastern Arizona College Gila Monster Tournament. Dewey expects one of the toughest schedules in the country, but Arizona Western will have its sights set on another deep postseason run.
