Navajo Pine Girls Basketball Season Recap: A Year of Growth, Grit, and Rising Expectations

In the high desert of New Mexico, where resilience and community run deep, the Navajo Pine High School girls' basketball team spent the 2025 season proving that heart, hustle, and hunger can defy expectations. Led by Head Coach Henry Moore, this young and determined squad battled their way through a rollercoaster season filled with close contests, key player development, and defining moments that have laid the foundation for what could be a breakthrough year in 2026.

A Young Core That Rose to the Challenge

Coach Moore didn’t have the luxury of senior leadership this season. His roster was composed entirely of underclassmen: 3 juniors, 6 sophomores, and 4 freshmen. That youth could have been a weakness. Instead, it became a badge of pride. “This year was all about growth,” said Moore. “The girls didn’t back down from the pressure. They responded with energy, commitment, and a surprising level of maturity.” The core four who emerged as the team’s heartbeat were Riley Dawes, Mikayla Baker, Kyle Jumbo, and Faila King.

Riley Dawes, a sophomore post, shouldered the heaviest load. She was the go-to scorer, rebounder, and defender—often drawing double and even triple-teams as opponents adjusted to her dominance. Her efforts earned her All-District recognition, and her impact went far beyond the stat sheet.
Mikayla Baker and Kyle Jumbo, both juniors, provided critical support. As Riley faced constant pressure from opposing defenses, Mikayla and Kyle stepped up, adding scoring punch, rebounding toughness, and defensive grit.
Freshman point guard Faila King was thrust into the spotlight early, leading the team’s offense as the floor general. Despite being one of the youngest players on the court, she embraced the leadership role with poise and handled pressure situations with confidence far beyond her years.

Season Highlights: Close Games and Big Lessons

The 2025 season was a testament to grit. While the Lady Warriors didn’t dominate the win column, they turned heads with how they competed, especially in games against Legacy Academy and Dulce, two respected programs known for playoff success. Both games went down to the wire. One was decided in overtime, and another by a single point. Though they ultimately fell short, those games were proof to both the players and the wider community that Navajo Pine belonged in the conversation. “We had some really close ones,” Moore recalled. “But the game that changed everything was the overtime battle against Legacy. That’s when the girls realized they could play at a higher level.” From that point forward, a shift in mentality occurred. Communication improved. Team chemistry deepened. The girls began to believe—and more importantly, they began to compete.

A Midseason Turning Point

That game against Legacy Academy wasn’t just a close battle—it was a spiritual awakening for the team. “After that night, everything changed,” said Moore. “They started encouraging each other more, holding each other accountable, and believing in what we were building.” The impact was evident in their play. They started taking more risks, diving for loose balls, pushing the pace, and locking in on defense. The young players found their voices, and the culture began to shift from hopeful to hungry.

Individual Growth and Team Chemistry

While Dawes anchored the team statistically and emotionally, her teammates weren’t far behind in their development. Kyle Jumbo and Mikayla Baker especially began to bloom late in the season. They attacked the basket more confidently, increased their scoring averages, and became integral in games when Riley faced heavy defensive coverage. “By the end of the year, they weren’t just role players anymore,” Moore said. “They were leaders on the floor.” Faila King, meanwhile, may have had one of the most difficult tasks—running the offense as a freshman point guard. Her learning curve was steep, but her composure never wavered. Mistakes came, as expected, but so did growth. And that growth made a major difference.

Handling Pressure, Learning the Hard Way

While the team stayed mostly healthy—avoiding any serious injuries—Coach Moore pointed out that navigating pressure situations was a new experience for most of the roster. “We made a few late-game miscues, especially in single-digit losses. But that’s expected with such a young group,” he said. “These are the kind of experiences that will make us better next year.” And with every close game, every learning opportunity, and every timeout huddle, the girls continued to evolve.

No Seniors, No Ceiling

One of the most exciting aspects of the 2025 campaign? No seniors. Every single player is eligible to return next season, and barring transfers, Coach Moore is looking forward to welcoming the exact same core back, with added help from an incoming freshman class that’s eager to make its mark. “Next year, we’re not just going to compete—we’re going to aim for the top of our district,” said Moore. “We have the pieces. Now it’s about execution and experience.”

Offseason Plans: Finishing at the Rim

Despite their strong effort and determination, one area Coach Moore has identified for improvement is finishing around the basket. “We missed too many close-range shots,” he admitted. “That’s something we’ll work on all offseason—along with passing, spacing, and offensive fluidity.” Expect the Lady Warriors to put in serious gym time this summer, both in skill development and team-building activities.

A Program on the Rise

The 2025 season may not have ended with a championship, but it may go down as the year Navajo Pine turned the corner. They went from a team fighting to prove themselves to one that nearly knocked off perennial playoff contenders. They transformed from individuals learning the game into a cohesive unit with defined roles and shared goals. And perhaps most importantly, they set a cultural tone that will drive the program forward. “We’re young, but we’re ready,” Moore said. “And now, everyone else in our district knows that, too.” With a maturing core, motivated underclassmen, and a unified team culture, the Lady Warriors of Navajo Pine High School are preparing to go from underdogs to district contenders. Stats and more on Navajo Pine Girls Basketball can be found on MaxPreps.

Navajo Pine Girls Basketball Season Recap: A Year of Growth, Grit, and Rising Expectations