After developing a fast-paced, team-oriented style of play, Scottsdale Community College coach Tasha Washington has her women’s basketball team primed for a strong playoff push. 

Coming into their game against the South Mountain Community College Cougars on Jan. 7, the Fighting Artichokes showcased their tenacious full-court defense while also stuffing the stat sheets with assists, rebounds and steals. 

Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community superstar student-athlete Angie Montoya again proved why she’s known as a true game changer by making an impact on the court immediately after she checked in during the second quarter. 

Within moments, she stole the ball and hurled it toward her teammate on the opposite end of the court for the easy lay-up. All game, Montoya seemingly knew where the ball was going to go, even before the Cougars could set up their next play. Consistently communicating with her teammates on the court, Montoya operated like a future WNBA star all game. 

The Fighting Artichokes led 47-7 with two minutes before halftime. The Cougars never led at any point during the game. In fact, the game was ended after the third quarter, when SCC was leading 126-16.

Shooting 10% from the field as a team, the Cougars simply could not overcome the Fighting Artichokes, who shot 49%. Additionally, the Cougars did not make a single 3-pointer, whereas SCC went 7-25 from long range. Montoya was responsible for two of the team’s 3-pointers, which came in the third quarter and sent the home crowd into a frenzy. 

In all, Montoya played 14 minutes, finishing the game with eight points, a steal, three assists and one rebound. 

SCC has games scheduled against Pima, Chandler-Gilbert and Mesa community colleges as they hope to bring home a title in this year’s National Junior College Athletic Association championship game later this season. 

According to the NJCAA rankings, with their dominating style of play this season, the SCC women’s basketball team has returned to the top 25 of the best Division II basketball teams in the nation. 

Here are the remaining regular-season games for the SCC women’s basketball team. 
Home games are in bold. 

Feb. 14, 2 p.m., at Mesa Community College

Feb. 18, 5:30 p.m., at Phoenix College

Feb. 21, 2 p.m., vs Chandler-Gilbert Community College 

Feb. 25, 5:30 p.m., at South Mountain Community College 

Feb. 28, 2 p.m., vs Glendale Community College