Reporter: Rei Tedoco
Mesa, Ariz.- The Millennium Tigers celebrated victory away at Dobson High School, starting their narrative for the 2024-to-2025 winter season.
The Dobson High School Mustangs girls basketball program hosted Millennium at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 26. The Tigers decimated the Mustangs 72-to-33. Millennium being in the 6A Central conference this season shifted strength and confidence for the Tigers, moving up from the 5A Desert West conference.
“Our team is relying on [the idea] to keep pushing. We are keeping that mindset staying strong, pushing through adversity, and to keep that energy going,” Dashia Richardson, a sophomore for Millennium said.
Dashia Richardson, Millennium's #10, ready to pass and shoot to her teammates
Millennium last season finished first in the 5A Desert West conference and had a season record of 19-and-11. Playing a typical 30 games in the season, the Tigers are looking to dominate the court with many of their returning players.
Rihanna Bland, Millennium's #21
“I think we just have to stay true to our goals and know that we are all working up to the same goal,” Rihanna Bland, a junior for the Tigers said. “I feel like each game represents who we are and our consistency throughout it.”
Girls basketball in the Arizona Valley is taking traction. The crowd at Dobson High School was full of fans from both teams, increasing the energy.
Inside the gym in the 3rd quarter with Dobson and Millennium fans
“It is a privilege to play in front of a big crowd and a different school but mainly with these girls,” Bland said.
The growth of girls' and women’s basketball in the past couple of years has sparked inspiration for many such as Millennium’s Ryanne Torres. Torres is a senior and point guard for the Tigers and is no stranger to helping lead her team.
Ryanne Torres, Millennium's #2, is turning things around for the Tigers ready for offense
“It’s really cool to see women’s basketball grow especially with the NCAA Women’s tournament in the spring with Angel Reese, and Caitlin Clark,” Torres said.“People are wanting to come out and support the games now. They really acknowledge the hard work that we are putting in.”
Not only has the game been growing for women in general, it is also opening doors for girls of all backgrounds. Mariah White, senior and shooting guard, knows the game started off as predominately white but it’s become “universal with overseas teams” and she thinks it’s “really great” for the growth of the game. Millennium’s Girls Basketball program is a prime example of team inclusion and excellence on the court.
Mariah White, Millennium's #24, adding to the passing rotation for the Tigers
Although the Tigers' season is still early, they’re ready to pick up and take on the court at home. From Dec.10 through Dec.16, the Tigers will host their contests. This group of empowered young ladies has been preparing mentally and physically for what’s next.
“We just try hard in practice, everything is always good. We always have each other's backs and we never give up,” Alana Gewargis, a senior and guard for the Tigers said.
On Thursday, Dec.5, the Tigers will be playing the Decatur Eagles at the “She Got Game Classic” in Dallas, Texas where they will compete against some of the best girls' basketball teams in the Southwest region of the United States.
Andy Carmona, Millennium's #23, is heavy on defense against Dobson's Shaandiin Sanchez
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