Last season, Scottsdale Community College women’s basketball finished 19-11, falling to Pima Community College in the NJCAA Region I, Division II Championship.
This season, the team looks to put it all together and run deep into the postseason.
Scottsdale lost a number of players late last season, and head coach Latasha Washington is pleased that this year’s team has more depth.
“We have a lot more in the post, we have a lot more depth in the guard position, and we’re huge,” said Washington.
Washington is entering her third season as head coach and improved from 14-14 in the 2021-2022 season to 19-11 in the 2022-2023 season.
The confidence is palpable when you are around Washington and her team.
Sophomore, guard Talia Dial thinks this year’s team can go far.
“Definitely nationals is the goal—the plan,” Dial said.
As a result of their new depth and added size,they have tunnel vision that is focused on going the distance. Starting with the regional championship and culminating with the national tournament.
Last season’s Freshman of the Year, Danay Williams talked about the tone of the locker room going into the new season.
“I wouldn’t say there’s pressure but it’s just they have a high expectation, and we as a team need to meet that,” Williams said. “We are going to get our get back for sure,” She said about last season’s loss in the division championship.
Ashten Martinez had to redshirt last year as a sophomore because of an ACL injury.
“Win it. Win it all,” said Martinez about this season’s goal.
The team will see their first action during the ACCAC Jamboree on Oct. 7 at the KROC Center in Phoenix. They play at 10:40 and 1:00.
SCC’s home opener and first regular season game is scheduled for Oct. 20 against Park University-Gilbert.
