AWC women draw 17-seed, set to open NJCAA tournament against New Mexico

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) -  The path is set for Arizona Western women’s basketball.

The Matadors are headed back to the national stage… earning the No. 17 seed in the NJCAA Division One Tournament and drawing a first-round matchup against No. 16 New Mexico in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Tip-off is scheduled for March 24th… and it comes early — 8 a.m. Mountain Time — but for head coach Chelsea Dewey, that’s not a concern.

Dewey says her team has been tested all season with travel and unusual game times… something she believes has prepared them for this exact moment.

More importantly, she says this group has been building toward this opportunity all year.

“I wouldn’t say it was unexpected,” Dewey said. “It was just a matter of when this team was going to turn it on. We’ve seen the talent… it was about making winning plays when we needed them.”

That switch flipped late in the season.

Arizona Western enters the tournament riding momentum… highlighted by a statement win over then top-ranked Eastern Arizona in the Region I Championship — a game that proved this team can compete with anyone in the country.

Still, despite the potential of a second-round matchup with No. 1 overall seed Butler… Dewey is making it clear her team isn’t looking ahead.

“It’s one game at a time,” she said. “Right now, it’s New Mexico. If we look too far ahead, it’ll get away from us. We only get one opportunity… and we’ve got to put it all on the floor.”

That focus reflects a team that’s grown together over the course of the season — not just in talent, but in trust.

Freshman guard Kimora Jenkins says that connection has been key during their recent run.

“We’ve just been staying together and picking each other up,” Jenkins said. “That’s what’s helped us play so well.”

For sophomore forward and conference Player of the Year Mable Doumbia… this tournament carries added responsibility.

As the team’s lone returning player with national tournament experience, she’s embraced a leadership role — helping guide a roster filled with freshmen.

“It was hard at first,” Doumbia said. “But I knew I could support them and be there for them. We love each other… and we play for each other.”

Doumbia also understands what it takes to succeed at this level.

She says the national tournament demands more than the regular season — more energy, more intensity, and a complete team effort.

“We have to give more,” she said. “We’re playing the best teams… so we have to play harder to win.”

That mindset could be what makes Arizona Western dangerous.

Between experienced leadership, a confident young core, and a team that’s already proven it can beat top competition… the Matadors enter the bracket as a team no one can overlook.

And while the seeding may not be ideal, Dewey sees it as something bigger — an opportunity.

“I don’t love the draw,” she said. “But it is what it is. You don’t take postseason for granted… this is a chance for our players to go showcase themselves.”

Now, that opportunity is here.

One game at a time… starting with New Mexico.