Skyline Girls and Boys Teams Dominate Home Opener

December 12, 2025

Jeston Morris

Community Newsperson

CHANDELR, Ariz. — The Lady Mustangs dominated Alta Vista High School on Dec. 2 at the Skyline Gila River gymnasium, rolling to a 74–4 victory before a hometown crowd.

The Mustangs wasted no time, racing to a 35–0 lead after the first quarter. Junior center Monica “Mo” Benally anchored the offense, scoring more than 20 points and grabbing double-digit rebounds. Freshman point guard Jazmyne Mendivil repeatedly drove into the paint, either finishing at the rim or setting up teammates. By halftime, the Mustangs led 50–0.

The second half brought more highlights. Kameryne Marion contributed with sharp passing, outside shooting and rebounding. Natalie Garcia added three-pointers and drives to the basket, while eighth-grader Maryanah Benally broke through the defense for scores and rebounds. Alta Vista managed just four points as the Mustangs closed out the win.

Head coach Taylor praised her team’s defensive intensity. “The highlight was our defense. Players were everywhere on the court — we call it ‘controlled chaos,’” she said. “Quick breaks from our defense led to baskets, and Monica was outstanding.”

Players echoed the emphasis on communication and teamwork. “Today’s game went really well, but we could have talked more on the court,” Monica Benally said. Mendivil added, “Our goal from the beginning has been to win the state championship.”

The Mustangs, now 2–0, fell short of a title last season but are determined to finish the job this year. With defense and depth, they have set their sights firmly on the championship.

Boys Basketball.

Defending state champion Skyline Mustang boys’ varsity basketball opened its season with a 55-52 win over Ville de Marie on Dec. 2 at Skyline Gila River.

A packed gym watched as Adam Dixon, Darrell Brooks, Isaiah Fino, Blake Jackson and Nayvin Charles started for the Mustangs. Head coach Andre Murray and assistant coach Darius Turner returned to lead the team after last year’s state title run.

Brooks set the tone early, winning the opening tip and earning multiple trips to the free-throw line. Skyline led 16-8 after the first quarter and held a 26-23 advantage at halftime.

The third quarter remained tight, but freshman Grant Biarco’s defensive energy helped the Mustangs pull ahead. Jackson also drew several fouls and capitalized at the line, extending Skyline’s led to 45-36 entering the fourth. The Mustangs held off Ville de Marie’s late push to secure the three-point victory.

“Last year we won the state championship. We expect teams to play hard against us,” Murray said. “This year, we have a new group of players; they were feisty. It was a tough win for us today, but it was much earned. The kids played hard.”

Murray praised Biarco and Charles for their second-half contributions. “Biarco set the tone in the third quarter. This is his first year playing varsity as a ninth grader. I give him a lot of praise,” he said.

Jackson, the team’s center, said the win reflected Skyline’s teamwork. “Our team win feels good. We had a lot of energy on defense, plenty of good passes,” he said.

Charles, the point guard, added: “Our season opener was a good game.”