Skyline Gila River Lady Mustangs Capture CAA Division I State Title
February 27, 2026
Jeston Morris
Community Newsperson
Rivers Leads Lady Mustangs to State Championship Victory Skyline Gila River point guard earns MVP
TEMPE, Ariz. — The Skyline Gila River Lady Mustangs defeated the Ville de Marie Crusaders at Desert Financial Arena on Feb. 14 to claim the 2025-2026 Arizona CAA Division 1 State Championship. The match up was a déjà vu rematch of the last year’s title game, and this time the Mustangs persevered in a close contest. Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis, Gila River fans, Principal Brown and school staff filled the arena to cheer on their home team.
The Lady Mustangs’ championship journey unfolded during the second week of February. They hosted the quarterfinal on the home court, played the semifinal at Thunderbird high school and returned to Arizona State University’s Desert Financial Arena for the championship game.
According to Athletic Director and Coach, Daveda Taylor, Lucianna Rivers was named the MVP of the CAA Division 1 Girls Varsity Basketball State Championship Game.
“Rivers is the heart and soul of our team. When she is on the floor, she makes everyone around her better,” Taylor said. “Rivers isn't just a scorer, she’s also able to pass the ball to the right player at the right time.”
Taylor added that Rivers “played her very best during the playoffs, doing the little things that led to winning,” noting her leadership over the past two seasons. “Skyline coaching staff is impressed by her growth on and off the court,” said Taylor.
The 2025-26 season was a standout for the Lady Mustangs. After losing in last year’s championship game, the team committed themselves to returning stronger. The girls stayed in the gym all summer working on their skills as well as participating in basketball tournaments, basketball leagues, and NABI.
“We added some new players in Jazmyne Mendivil and Indica Lugo, which made our team even stronger,” Taylor said. “Throughout the season, Monica Benally was our most consistent player and did a great job of anchoring our defense. Mendivil and Alexis Lewis put constant pressure on our opponents, making them the best defensive back court in Division 1.
Taylor also praised Alai “Zia” Davis, whose confidence “grew tremendously throughout the season, giving us scoring when the team needed it the most. We are so proud of these young ladies for having a specific goal at the beginning of the season and being able to work towards accomplishing their goal by the end of the season,” she added.
Quarterfinals
The Lady Mustangs opened the playoff journey at Skyline gymnasium on Feb. 11 against BASIS Prescott. Fans from both schools packed the gym for the 5:00 p.m. tipoff. Skyline won and advanced to the semifinals.
Post game reflection interviews
“This was a really big win for us. Our team is experiencing flu bug, and our energy level is not the best. Getting a 19-point win in a quarterfinal playoff is very good for us,” Taylor said.
Rivers scored 27 points, while Biarco added 15 and delivered “excellent defense,” Taylor said. Lewis sparked the team with three consecutive steals and several excellent layups.
Andre Murray, head coach of Skyline boys’ basketball, praised the team’s preparation and discipline, saying they “have a good chance of going all the way.”
“We did really good. Our team communication and defense started clicking. Our win is awesome. We are looking forward to our next game,” said Rivers.
“Tonight’s win was a team effort. Everyone played their positions. We did excellent on defense,” said Biarco.
“The team we played is really sounded. They are really good. We did our best,” said Dan Buchanan, head coach for BASIS
Prescott girls’ basketball team.
Semifinals
The Lady Mustangs faced Tri City Christian Academy at Thunderbird High School on Feb. 13. After falling behind early, the Lady Mustangs rallied to win by seven and advanced to the championship.
Post game reflection interviews
“Man, that was an amazing win. For us to be down and for us to come back and win by 7 points, that’s incredible,” Taylor said. “My girls were determined. They did not give up. They gave 100% effort for the entire game. I am super proud of them right now,” said Taylor.
Assistant Coach Darius Turner said the team “fought to the end” and was excited for the championship.
“I am glad we won. It was a close game. We finished off good. I am excited to play in the champion game tomorrow,” said Rivers.
“I was nervous at the beginning of the game. After getting into the game, I felt like I pick up energy. I really enjoyed today’s game,” said Lewis.
“It was a close game. But we were able to push through and win. We’re all excited to play in the championship tomorrow,” said Biarco.
Championship Game
The Mustangs met the Crusaders once again at Desert Financial Arena on Feb. 14. Fans from both teams filled the arena for the noon tipoff.
Post championship reflection interviews
“Oh my goodness, it was hard work. We were here last year and we did not win.” Taylor said. “One of our main goals was to get here again and get a chance to win. I am super proud of my girls. They had resilience for the entire season. I am super proud of them for pulling off a tough win. This was a tough game, and we were able to pull off a win. This is a wonderful season for my girls,” said Taylor.
“I feel like all my players are top players. We had a big contribution from Mendivil. She was tough on defense the entire game. Rivers came in with some big buckets. Benally did an excellent job with defense and rebounding. It was an all-round team effort. Everybody played well in the championship game,” she added.
“It was an exciting game. We have worked so hard for this moment. We were able to use our experience from last year to our advantage. We were able to persevere and bring home the championship to the community,” said Turner.
“Awesome win. They fought all season and they finished what they started. The game was amazing to watch. Congratulations to Coach Taylor,” said Coach Joe, English teacher at Skyline Gila River.
“I feel really good after winning the championship. Playing point guard can be challenging because it feels like everything is on you. But it’s really rewarding especially after pulling off an amazing win. I received the MVP and I am proud of my team,” said Rivers.
“It was a tough game. Our defense was really good and our offense was amazing. We pulled through and won the championship,” said Mendivil.
“It feels so good to win the championship,” Lewis said. “We played them last year and lost. Winning the championship is a huge milestone for our team. We’re all elated and proud.
“We played a tough game. We played the same team from last year and lost. We communicated well on the court and pulled off a championship win,” said Benally.