The Fort Lewis College women’s basketball program had a great start to its season over the weekend. The Skyhawks began the new campaign with two wins, Friday and Saturday, but there was another win for FLC last week, and it was Jason Flores’ early signing class.
The big find for Flores was the commitment of five-star recruit and ESPN’s 26th-ranked player in the nation, Vivian Gray. Gray, from Argyle, Texas, turned down some of the country’s top programs to come to Durango. She was named Most Valuable Player of the state tournament and an invitee to the U.S. Under-18 National Team. She was getting recruited by the likes of Baylor and Texas, but family ties and familiarity brought her to the rim.
The talent headed to Whalen Gymnasium, however, doesn’t stop there.
Fort Lewis rounded out the early signing class with three additional players, and Flores is thrilled.
“Yeah, I’d say we surprised some people,” Flores said in an interview with The Durango Herald. “Anyone would have been happy to get Vivian, she’s a great player, but this is just an incredible signing class all around. We’re going to be set up for a while.”
As one of the top players in New Mexico, according to Flores, Albuquerque’s Sydney Candelaria will be a contributor in the FLC back court. The El Dorado High School star was a first team all-state selection last year, and was also named first team all-metro, all-district and District Player of the Year.
“Sydney’s been on our radar for a while,” Flores said. “She’s already played in some high-intensity games and situations. She’ll be a big help.”
Another Albuquerque guard and first team all-stater, Hanna Valencia, will also help. At 5-foot-9, Valencia has the tools to play anywhere and experience after two state title runs at Hope Christian.
“Hanna can play anywhere for us,” Flores said. “She’s a smart player and can create tough matchups for opponents, so we’re excited to have her.”
Shiprock’s Tanisha Begay has also been in the big games. The 4A first team all-state selection can light it up from the perimeter and run the offense with excellent ball-handling skills.
“She comes from a great tradition at Shiprock, and she fits in to what we do nicely,” Flores said.
With the current Skyhawks 2-0, and a clearly bright future, Fort Lewis women’s basketball couldn’t have had a better week to start the season.
FLC will try to keep the good fortune going at 5 p.m. Monday in a road matchup with Western New Mexico.
jfries@durangoherald.com
