Combs High School Girls Basketball 2025 Season Recap: A Championship Culture in the Making
The 2025 winter season for the Combs High School Girls Basketball team will be remembered not just for wins and stats, but for a remarkable turnaround that saw a once-struggling team evolve into a regional powerhouse. Under the leadership of Head Coach Heidi Bush, the Coyotes finished the year 13–9 overall and second in the region—a stunning leap forward from a winless regional campaign the year prior.
“This was hands down my favorite season I've ever coached,” Coach Bush reflected. “Watching this team grow, come together, and buy into a team-first mentality—it was something special.”
That growth wasn’t accidental. It came from grit, selflessness, and a culture built on accountability, unity, and leadership. From tenacious defenders to dynamic scorers and humble captains, every player had a hand in this remarkable journey.
Key Contributors: Stars at Every Position
The 2025 roster was filled with difference-makers, each one bringing a unique strength to the court. Leading the charge was Heather Jo Bush, a 5'8" guard who defied expectations by dominating the boards and lighting it up from beyond the arc. Equally valuable was her defensive prowess—she consistently disrupted opposing offenses and set the tone on both ends of the floor.
Cherish Jones, the team’s defensive anchor, was the engine of their press and fast-paced style. “Quick, aggressive, and always a threat to pick your pocket,” Coach Bush said of her. Jones led the team in steals and brought a fiery presence that ignited Combs' transition game.
Inside the paint, seniors Avery and Celyn were a formidable duo. Known throughout the region as elite shot-blockers, they anchored the interior defense and made the lane a no-fly zone. Their shot-altering presence turned away would-be scorers and gave the guards confidence to press high.
Team captains Jazelle and Jalynn were the heart of the program. While their numbers might not always have been flashy, their impact was undeniable. They kept the team connected, motivated, and focused, helping navigate adversity with poise and purpose.
And then there was freshman phenom Ambriah Lujan, a revelation in her first varsity season. Her ball-handling and ability to attack the rim gave Combs a scoring punch few teams could match. “She’s a star in the making,” said Coach Bush. Her ability to thrive under pressure was beyond her years.
A Season of Firsts and Highlights
The 2025 season wasn’t just about improvement—it was about making history. After struggling through a winless regional run the year before, Combs flipped the script and finished second in the region, earning their first winning season under Coach Bush’s tenure.
“This group truly embodied the 'we over me' mentality,” said Coach Bush. “We passed up good shots for great ones, ran the floor hard, and turned defense into offense.”
The shift was evident not just in the box scores, but in the way the team carried itself—focused, cohesive, and confident. They embraced a fast-paced, high-pressure style, forcing turnovers and scoring quickly in transition. That mentality became their identity—and their advantage.
Turning Points: A Team Transformed
Every championship-caliber team has a moment when things start to click, and for the Coyotes, it came early in the season.
“The toughest part was getting the girls to buy in and trust each other,” said Coach Bush. “But once that happened, everything changed.”
A couple of key wins in region play marked a turning point. The confidence began to build, the chemistry grew stronger, and suddenly, Combs wasn’t just competing—they were dictating play.
From that point forward, the team embraced their identity: relentless on defense, unselfish on offense, and emotionally resilient. They leaned on one another, adjusted in real-time, and grew stronger with every game.
Player Development: Rising to the Challenge
Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of the 2025 season was the growth of individual players into pivotal roles.
Freshman Ambriah Lujan exemplified this. Game by game, her confidence grew, and so did her production. Whether it was slicing through defenses, controlling the pace, or hitting big shots in the clutch, she played far beyond her age.
Meanwhile, Cherish Jones grew from a fiery role player into a true defensive leader. She elevated the team with her intensity and communication on the court.
Seniors Avery and Celyn, initially known for their defensive grit, evolved into more complete players who took over games in the paint on both ends.
“These weren’t just contributors,” Coach Bush said. “They were difference-makers.”
Responding to Adversity: Resilience Redefined
Success didn’t come without setbacks. Injuries, tough losses, and pressure-packed moments tested the Coyotes—but each time, they rose to the occasion.
“Early adversity forced us to grow up fast,” Coach Bush said. “But this group never folded. They leaned on each other, stayed positive, and always believed we could win.”
That unwavering mindset became one of their greatest strengths. Regardless of the score, the Coyotes fought until the final buzzer. That resilience, Coach Bush believes, was the bedrock of their breakout season.
Senior Class: Legacy of Leadership
The impact of the senior class cannot be overstated. Six players who, through dedication and determination, changed the trajectory of the Combs basketball program.
“They led on the court, in practice, and in the locker room,” said Coach Bush. “They brought energy, embraced everyone, and left a legacy that will last.”
More than wins, their lasting gift to the program is the standard they set: play with purpose, support your teammates, and never back down.
Looking Ahead: The Future Is Bright
With a strong core returning and young stars ready to take the reins, the outlook for Combs girls basketball is glowing with potential.
“The culture these seniors built is here to stay,” said Coach Bush. “We’ve got hungry returners, and players like Ambriah already stepping into big-time roles.”
Offseason goals include sharpening offensive execution—reducing turnovers, improving transition decision-making, and increasing consistency on the boards and free throws. “The little things that separate good from great,” Bush emphasized.
The players are already putting in the work—and with the foundation laid, the next chapter could be even better.
Stay Connected
All team and individual statistics from the 2025 season can be found on MaxPreps. Simply search for the Combs High School Girls Basketball Team to follow the numbers behind the narrative.
Conclusion: Just Getting Started
The 2025 Combs High School Girls Basketball team wasn’t just a success story—it was the start of something special. In just one season, they went from underdogs to contenders, from individuals to a family, from hopefuls to believers.
And as Coach Bush puts it, “We’re just getting started.”
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