By Sara Atencio-Gonzales, The Paper. – The New Mexico Lady Bullsnakes have quickly become one of the top stories in women’s semi-professional basketball in the Southwest.
While the program may not receive the same attention as some of the state’s larger sports organizations, it has quietly emerged as one of Albuquerque’s hidden gems, building a winning culture and bringing high-level women’s basketball to local fans.
The Lady Bullsnakes have established themselves as one of the best teams in the WABA West this season, building an undefeated record and earning a place among the conference’s championship contenders. Throughout the year, New Mexico has showcased an explosive offense, depth across the roster and the chemistry that has helped fuel its success.
Among the team’s standout performances was an 86-70 victory over Arizona Ice, a game that highlighted the Lady Bullsnakes’ ability to take control early and sustain that momentum throughout four quarters. Mya Williams sparked the effort by scoring the first 10 points of the contest as New Mexico jumped out to an early advantage before pulling away in the second half.
For first-year head coach Jaquarius Bunn, the team’s success comes down to a simple formula. “It’s been focused, focused aggression and discipline,” says Bunn.
That mentality has helped the Lady Bullsnakes establish themselves as one of the league’s most dangerous teams heading into the postseason. However, competing at the semi-professional level requires much more than talent on the court.
Many of the players balance basketball with jobs, family responsibilities and everyday life. According to Bunn, succeeding at this level demands toughness. “A lot of the girls have jobs that they do,” says Bunn. “What it takes to compete at this level is you have to be tough and mentally prepared to be able to endure what’s going on during the games.”
That commitment has helped create a close-knit group that players believe is different from previous teams.
Williams, who joined the Lady Bullsnakes this season after hearing about the team from a teammate, explains that the team’s chemistry has been one of the biggest reasons for the undefeated start. “Oh, I feel really good about it,” says Williams. “We have no drama on the team, it’s pretty cool. We all connect really well on and off the court, so that helps a lot.”
Williams believes that chemistry has translated directly into results. “I feel like we brought a winning culture around, because I know the past couple seasons haven’t been the best, but this season we haven’t lost a game yet, so I feel like we came together very well,” says Williams.
The support surrounding the program has also been a major factor. Bunn praises the fan base and the support systems many of his players already have through family and friends.
“The fans are great,” says Bunn. “Everyone loves the women’s team.”
As Championship Weekend approaches, the Lady Bullsnakes understand the challenges that await. Teams throughout the league have now seen New Mexico’s style of play and will be making adjustments of their own.
“I would say, more so, that teams already know our style of play,” says Bunn. “So, now we have to just make arrangements for when we go back to play these teams.”
Williams acknowledges that the postseason brings both excitement and pressure. “Oh, it’s very exciting. It’s nerve wracking, of course, because we have something to keep on our shoulder,” says Williams. “But I think we’ll be great and overcome all the obstacles we have to go through.”
A championship would represent much more than a trophy. For Bunn, it would be a victory for the players, coaches, organization and the state’s basketball community. “It would give great recognition for all the girls,” says Bunn. “It would be a great thing for New Mexico basketball.”
The Lady Bullsnakes also see themselves as part of a larger mission. Women’s semi-professional basketball provides opportunities for athletes who still want to compete at a high level and represent their communities. “It shows that women out here still can do something,” Bunn says. “They still have the opportunity to become more than what they think they are.”
Williams believes the team’s success could help grow women’s basketball across the state. Williams explains that New Mexico lacks many opportunities for fans to regularly watch and support women’s semi-professional basketball, something she hopes the Lady Bullsnakes can help change. “We don’t have something like that here,” says Williams. “I feel like as time goes by and people see that we’re a winning team, we can start something new here in New Mexico.”
Championship Weekend is set for July 18 through 19 in Albuquerque, where the Lady Bullsnakes will compete in WABA West Championship Weekend against the conference’s top teams. Games will be held at KingMaker Gym (2851 Arenal Rd SW). Tickets will be sold at the door. To stay updated on the Lady Bullsnakes, follow the team on Facebook at New Mexico Bullsnakes Basketball.
If you go…
WABA West Championship Weekend
- July 18 – 19
- KingMaker Gym (2851 Arenal Rd SW)
- Tickets sold at the door.