NJCAA REGION I DII WOMEN'S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW
For the 14th time in the last 18 seasons, Mesa Community College and Pima Community College will meet in the NJCAA Region I Division II Women's Basketball Championship. The long-standing ACCAC rivals will face off Friday, March 6 at 7:00 PM at Aztec Gym in Tucson with the region title and an automatic berth to the NJCAA Division II National Tournament on the line.
No. 1 Pima advanced to the finals after defeating No. 4 Phoenix College, while No. 2 Mesa earned its spot following a dramatic double overtime victory over No. 3 Scottsdale in the semifinals.
Season Series
The regular-season meetings produced a 2–1 edge for Pima, with all three matchups showcasing the competitiveness between the two programs.
Mesa opened the series with a 71–60 road win on January 7, shooting efficiently from the perimeter (7-for-17 from three) and converting 20-of-23 free throws to secure the victory.
Pima responded on January 31 in Mesa, pulling away late for a 76–69 win behind a strong rebounding effort that included 46 total boards and 21 second-chance points.
The final regular-season meeting came on February 25, where the Aztecs secured the series with a 74–60 victory in Tucson while controlling the glass with 62 rebounds.
Key Players
Mesa features a balanced lineup led by Lakeisha Robinson, who has been one of the Thunderbirds' most consistent scoring threats and recorded 25 points in the January matchup against Pima.
Carmella Gallardo provides perimeter shooting and rebounding from the guard position, while Amya Bekele adds scoring punch and defensive versatility.
The Thunderbirds will also lean on the experience of Meisha Caserio & and Maddy Brown. Caserio has been a steady presence offensively and as a facilitator, including an 11-point outing against Pima in February. Sydnee Patterson contributes scoring and rebounding from the wing and delivered 14 points in the January meeting in Mesa.
Brown plays a key role for Mesa on both ends of the floor, providing defensive stability and rebounding from the at her position while helping manage the tempo of the offense.
Pima counters with a balanced attack led by Kiley Sours-Miller, Reigne Waugh, and Lucy Fisher. Sours-Miller has been particularly effective inside, scoring 25 points in the January meeting and 20 points in the February matchup, while Fisher has been a major presence on the boards throughout the series.
Trends to Watch
Rebounding has been a deciding factor in the series. In Pima's two wins, the Aztecs controlled the glass, including a 62–26 rebounding advantage in their final meeting.
Mesa's success has come when the Thunderbirds spread the scoring and shoot efficiently from the perimeter. Bench depth has also played a role, as Mesa has received strong contributions from its reserves throughout the season.
Championship Stakes
Friday's matchup adds another chapter to one of the ACCAC's most consistent postseason rivalries. With both teams familiar with each other and the championship stage, the winner will claim the NJCAA Region I Division II Championship and advance to the NJCAA Division II National Tournament.
Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM Friday night in Tucson as Mesa looks to reclaim the region crown while Pima aims to defend its home court in the latest installment of the Thunderbirds–Aztecs rivalry.