Experience, Grit, and Growth: Moreno Valley Girls Basketball Wraps Up a Milestone 2025 Season
For Coach Larry Wright and the Moreno Valley High School girls basketball team, the 2025 season was more than just a campaign of wins and losses—it was a proving ground. Through intense matchups, national competition, and the weight of high expectations, the team emerged tougher, smarter, and more connected than ever.
Despite falling just short of their ultimate goal of a section and state title, the Lady Vikings walked away with something even more valuable: a deeper sense of identity, the confidence to compete with anyone, and a championship legacy still intact.
Building Around Talent and Role Players
Coach Wright credits much of this season’s success to the reliable contributions of three standout players: Leiayjah Mills, Alaysha Mills, and Bella Medina.
“Each of them played their role to perfection,” Wright said. “Leiayjah was a big guard—defensively disruptive and a confident shot-maker. Alaysha gave us scoring at all three levels and was a monster on the boards. Bella ran the show. She was our primary distributor, but when we needed a big shot, she stepped up every time.”
The trio provided not just stats, but leadership and competitive fire that carried the team through crucial stretches of the season. Their impact went far beyond the box score—they were the engine, the spark, and the glue.
Milestones and Highlights
The Lady Vikings didn’t walk away empty-handed. They clinched their fifth consecutive league championship, an impressive run that speaks volumes about the consistency and culture that Coach Wright has built at Moreno Valley. But that wasn’t all.
One of the proudest highlights of the year came on a national stage at the prestigious Nike Tournament of Champions in Arizona, where Moreno Valley secured a 3rd place finish. That performance proved they could hang with some of the top teams in the country.
“That trip to Arizona was a turning point,” said Wright. “It brought us together in a way that no practice or regular season game could. We played against some of the best, and it gave our girls the confidence to know that we belong.”
Growth Through Adversity
As with any high-level team, the Lady Vikings faced their fair share of challenges. Injuries, tough opponents, and high-pressure moments tested their resilience. But true to their character, they rose to the occasion.
“Our team just ‘played through,’” Wright explained. “We know basketball doesn’t start or stop with us, so we always have a next-player-up mentality.”
That mental toughness became a trademark of the 2025 squad. Whether trailing late in a game or missing key personnel, the team stayed composed, trusting in the system, their preparation, and each other.
One player who epitomized this adaptability was MJ Gillman, who embraced a new role as the team’s all-around utility player.
“She became our Swiss army knife,” Wright said. “She excelled on defense and gave us the kind of energy boost that every team needs. MJ played every role we asked of her—and played it well.”
Senior Legacy
The senior class may not have lifted a state trophy, but their impact on the Moreno Valley program will be felt for years to come. “They brought energy and togetherness,” said Wright. “They paved the way for the future of this program.”
Their leadership helped foster a culture of discipline and unity, setting a tone that younger players will carry forward. For a program with championship aspirations every year, that kind of cultural legacy is priceless.
Eyes on the Future
Despite graduating key seniors, Coach Wright is energized by what lies ahead. “What excites me the most is the experience we’ve gained,” he shared. “We have new blood entering the program, and we’re young at our best positions.”
This blend of experience and youth is a promising formula. With strong returning players and fresh talent rising through the ranks, Moreno Valley is poised to remain a force in the region and beyond.
The offseason will focus on two key areas: defensive tenacity and physical presence—the ingredients Wright believes will take them from contenders to champions.
The Bigger Picture
When asked what stood out most about the season, Wright didn’t point to a scoreboard or stat sheet. Instead, he talked about growth, resilience, and belief.
“We didn’t accomplish everything we set out to do,” he said. “But we learned a lot about who we are and what we’re capable of.”
The journey to a state championship is rarely linear. It’s built through moments of triumph and trial—through road trips, tough losses, unlikely comebacks, and the everyday grind of practice. The 2025 Lady Vikings didn’t just play the game. They learned the game—together.
Track the Team
Fans, scouts, and basketball enthusiasts can follow Moreno Valley’s stats and updates online through:
MaxPreps – Moreno Valley Girls Basketball:
https://www.maxpreps.com
This platform includes player stats, team rankings, schedule breakdowns, and highlights from the 2025 season.
Final Thoughts
As the gym lights dim on another season, Coach Larry Wright and the Moreno Valley girls basketball team aren't dwelling on the near misses—they’re focusing on what’s ahead.
With five straight league titles, national exposure, and a foundation built on discipline, grit, and unselfish play, the Lady Vikings have shown they’re not just a team—they’re a program. And with their eyes set firmly on a section and state title, the journey is far from over.
From Arizona to their home court, from adversity to achievement, 2025 was a season of growth. And for Moreno Valley, the best may still be to come.
Share With