PURCHASE SEASON AND SINGLE-GAME TICKETS
There were plenty of signs during
Laura Dinkins' first season that Northern Arizona women's basketball was beginning to find its footing.
The Lumberjacks were young, almost entirely new and, at times, streaky. But as the season progressed, so did NAU.
After a 1-9 start, Northern Arizona began turning flashes into wins. From mid-December through early January, the Lumberjacks won five of six games, including a four-game winning streak and Big Sky victories over Montana and Weber State. Later in conference play, NAU put together another three-game winning streak, beating Weber State at home before winning back-to-back road games at Portland State and Sacramento State.
The Lumberjacks ultimately finished 10-22 and 6-12 in Big Sky play, but the larger takeaway from year one was clear progress. The next step is finding more consistency, and Dinkins believes a deeper, more versatile roster can help provide it.
"We want to play fast, be dynamic and attack downhill," Dinkins said. "We want to push the tempo, put constant pressure on defenses and be physically prepared to sustain that style of play."
Conditioning became a major offseason priority after Dinkins felt the Lumberjacks did not use Flagstaff's elevation to their advantage enough last season. This year, she wants pace, and the ability to sustain it, to become part of NAU's identity.
The roster was constructed accordingly.
"Our goal in building this year's roster was to become a more dynamic and versatile team," Dinkins said. "We wanted players who could contribute in multiple ways, create opportunities for one another and give us more balanced production across the roster. We want our success to be driven by our collective strength rather than relying heavily on one or two individuals."
Seniors and Fifth Year Seniors
NAU's veteran group brings a combination of experience, leadership, toughness and perimeter shooting to a roster built around versatility and balanced production.
Graduate transfer
Olivia Moore arrives from South Dakota as a combo guard who Dinkins expects to help stretch the floor. She joins senior
Micayla Silas, a Milwaukee transfer known for her quick release and ability to knock down perimeter shots.
They are part of a deliberate recruiting effort to improve NAU's perimeter scoring after the Lumberjacks shot 33.2% from three last season.
"This year, we wanted a more balanced offensive attack with multiple threats from beyond the arc," Dinkins said. "If our shooters have an ounce of daylight, they have the green light from this coaching staff to let it fly."
Senior
Aaliyah Smith brings a different dimension to the Lumberjacks' offense. The Eastern New Mexico transfer is a physical, aggressive player who thrives attacking the basket and putting pressure on opposing defenses.
"She is a little bit of an enforcer for us," Dinkins said. "She's extremely tough."
Beyond her physicality, Dinkins praised Smith's basketball IQ, court vision and passing ability, noting that her experience and leadership will be valuable additions to the Lumberjacks.
Ray'ven Robinson, a transfer from Georgia Southwestern State, gives NAU another experienced combo guard who can score at all three levels. At the same time, 5-foot-10
Alondra Lizama arrives from CSUN to add physicality inside. Dinkins describes Lizama as a physical forward who embraces contact and uses her strength to take advantage of mismatches around the basket.
Juniors
The largest class on the roster may also hold the key to the program's next evolution under Dinkins.
Madison Watts returns after averaging 10.4 points and a team-best 6.9 rebounds while shooting 47.2% from the field. Her numbers increased during Big Sky play to 11.8 points and 7.3 rebounds per game.
Dinkins believes Watts has All-Big Sky Conference potential and the ability to become a consistent double-double contributor. Beyond her production on the court, Dinkins is challenging Watts to embrace a greater leadership role.
"We've really tried to empower her to use her voice as a natural leader for this team," Dinkins said.
Emma Dasovich also returns after averaging 6.9 points and 3.4 rebounds last season. She shot 34.6% from 3-point range overall, improving to 38.8% during conference play. Dinkins describes Dasovich as a high-IQ player who makes those around her better and expects her to take on an expanded offensive role this season.
Layla Davis provides interior toughness after averaging 5.7 points and 4.1 rebounds and leading NAU with 26 blocks. Her rebounding and physicality will be important for a team that, at times last year, was mismatched on the boards.
The newcomers also add several different dimensions.
Point guard
Morgan Hawkins arrives from Cal State Bakersfield as a quick, shifty floor general who Dinkins expects to make an immediate impact.
Tianna Knighton, a transfer from Central Arizona, brings perimeter shooting, the ability to create her own shot and a poised offensive presence, rarely allowing defenders to speed her up. UMass transfer
Leah Bullard adds size and inside-out versatility, giving the Lumberjacks another dynamic offensive weapon. Dinkins expects all three newcomers to play significant roles this season.
Returning guard
Alyssa Harris rounds out the junior class. Dinkins believes her familiarity with the system, combined with her continued development, will allow her to make a greater impact this season.
Underclassmen
NAU's two freshmen bring athleticism and tremendous upside.
Guard
Shayla Cordis arrives from North Thurston High School in Washington with explosive speed and an ability to get downhill.
"She is an absolute speed demon," Dinkins said. "Her first step is extremely explosive, and she has the ability to get downhill and put tremendous pressure on opposing defenses."
Naomi Johnson, a 6-foot-1 guard from Sacramento, gives the Lumberjacks another long, athletic option who can shoot from three and attack off the bounce. Both freshmen are adjusting to the speed and physicality of college basketball, but Dinkins believes each has a chance to make an impact this year.
A Clearer Identity
Perhaps the biggest difference entering year two is that the Lumberjacks are no longer building everything from scratch.
Four players return with experience in Dinkins' system, the entire coaching staff is back, and the newcomers were recruited specifically to fit the style NAU wants to play.
Plenty of new faces will still be there, but Northern Arizona also has a much clearer blueprint for what it wants to become. The Lumberjacks have added depth and more players capable of creating offense, all while building a roster designed to play with pace and pressure opponents from the opening tip – even outside of elevation.
Fast, downhill and dynamic is the identity Dinkins wants this group to embrace. Year two has expectations, but Dinkins and the coaching staff believe they are prepared.
"We have been working hard this offseason as a team and a coaching staff to really build something special," Dinkins said. "I know we are on the right track with this group."
