Head coach Melvin Mitchell and the Maricopa High School Rams are regrouping to follow up their run to a state title. Photo by William Lange

The expectations for the Maricopa High School girls’ basketball team could not be higher after the team won the Arizona Interscholastic Association Division II State Basketball Championship last season.

In March, the Rams made a surprising run through the playoffs as a 12th seed to capture the school’s first state title in the sport. With eight players from that team returning, many expect the Rams to see similar success in the 2015-16 campaign.

However, Maricopa’s tremendous success also brought loss. Coach Kati Burrows was honored with numerous “Coach of the Year” awards following the team’s success last year, but left the program to pursue a dream opportunity as an assistant coach with Montana State University. Maricopa Unified School District Athletic Director Mark Cisterna brought in Burrows’ former assistant coach Melvin Mitchell to take over the head coaching position.

“My expectations for this upcoming season are to continue to work hard, be resilient and play one game at a time,” Mitchell said. “We understand the magnitude of last year’s success, but we have to focus on getting better each and every day, not taking any plays off, hustling, grinding, scrapping and playing Maricopa basketball.”

Of the players returning, senior standout performers Danae Ruiz and Raegene Womack will be back to lead the girls’ team. They will be joined by fellow seniors Jaleesa Rodriguez, Kelsee Keys and Alyssa Haley. Ruiz was a second team All State selection last year, and Womack was an honorable mention.

“I expect us to come together as one and play team ball,” Womack said. “I hope to dominate on the court and excel in offense and defense.”

Keys added, “We need to work on our defense and make sure we have that down as a team.”

The Rams will start their regular season on the road against Casa Grande High School on Tuesday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m.

A championship ring highlights a team gathering. Photo by William Lange
A championship ring highlights a team gathering. Photo by William Lange

“Our schedule is a lot tougher than last season’s,” Mitchell said. “We have a lot of basketball powerhouses on the schedule, but I see it as an advantage. If we make the playoffs, the level of skill won’t be as much of a shock. We’ll be playing those teams all season.”

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Seniors Danae Ruiz and Raegene Womack are leading the Rams back to the court this season under their state title banner. Photo by William Lange

Schedule:
Nov. 18     5 p.m.     (H)     Desert Vista (Scrimmage)
Dec. 1     7 p.m.     (A)     Casa Grande
Dec. 2     7 p.m.     (H)     Buena
Dec. 8     7 p.m.    (H)     Arcadia
Dec. 10     7 p.m.    (H)     Corona Del Sol
Dec. 11     7 p.m.    (A)     St. Mary’s
Dec. 14     7 p.m.    (A)     Mesquite
Dec. 18     7 p.m.    (H)     Mesa
Jan. 6     7 p.m.    (A)     Seton Catholic
Jan. 8     7 p.m.    (A)     Desert Mountain
Jan. 12     7 p.m.    (A)     Campo Verde
Jan. 15     7 p.m.    (H)     Queen Creek
Jan. 19     7 p.m.    (H)     Williams Field
Jan. 22     7 p.m.    (A)     Westwood
Jan. 25     7 p.m.    (A)     Betty H. Fairfax
Jan. 27     7 p.m.    (H)     Skyline
Jan. 29     7 p.m.    (A)     Mcclintock
Feb. 2     7 p.m.    (H)     Desert Ridge
Feb. 5     7 p.m.    (A)     Marcos De Niza