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