Tia Torio- Manteca, CA

1. Miles CC Lady Pioneers add Shooting GuardMay 12, 2015Miles City, Mont. – Miles Community College head women’s basketball coach Liz Lewis has announced the signing of Tia Torio from Manteca, CA for the 2015-2016 season.Tia Torio – 5’5” –Guard Manteca, CA/ Excel Academy-Stockton, CATorio is the daughter of Michael and Leah Torio and currently attends Excel Academy in Stockton, CA.On the hardwood, Torio finished her senior season averaging 10 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, and 4 assists per game for head coach Larissa Founts. In her freshman season at Excel Academy, Torio was awarded the Defensive Player of the year. In her senior campaign she was named team captain and earned the top speed and agility award. In addition, Torio was named as All-League Honorable Mention shooting guard. In the past few seasons, Torio has spent time competing at the AAU level for PLB Elite and Hoopology.While at MCC, Torio plans on working towards her degree in Nursing.

Why Tia chose Miles Community College: “There were numerous reasons to why I chose to attend Miles Community College, but the three that stood out to me the most was the coaches and future teammates that I have yet to meet in person are all so kind and make me feel so welcomed. The last thing that made me choose Miles mainly has to do with my sister Kayla who plays there right now. I think that it is a great opportunity to be able to get the chance again to play with her because not a lot of people can say that they got the chance to play with their sister in college.”Coach Lewis on the signing of Torio: “We are very excited for Tia to join the Lady Pioneers. Her speed and aggression in the full court will be a pivotal part of our program this next season. Due to her high basketball IQ she is excellent play maker. We are thrilled she has chosen to be a part of our program.”

2. Pioneer trio honored on All-Region TeamMarch 12, 2015Sophomores Petra Lumpert, Jaycin Tini, and Shelby Weeks earn Region IX accolades(Miles City, MT) After leading the Pioneers to a 19-12 overall record and 9-6 in Region IX, a trio of Lady Pioneer Sophomores were honored on Thursday as members of the 2014-2015 Region IX D1 All-Region Basketball Team. Petra Lumpert and Jaycin Tini were named to the All-Region IX team, while Shelby Weeks was named to the All-Region Defensive Team.

Petra Lumpert 

Lumpert, a native of Jesenice, Slovenia led the Pioneers with 15 points per game, starting 26 of 30 games for MCC. On the season, Lumpert shot 46% from the field, 37% from 3-pt. range, and 71.5% from the free throw line. She added 4.7 rebounds and 4 assists per contest. 

On November, 7th she had a season high 30 points in a 66-58 win over the Minot All Stars. She scored 30 points on 10-of-16 shooting from the field, including 3-of-7 shooting from 3-pt. land, and 7-of-10 shooting from the free throw line. 

Lumpert added season highs in assists with 10 in a 93-37 win vs. Little Big Horn College, and a season high in rebounds with 10 in a 76-68 win vs. Gillette College. 

Jaycin Tini

Tini, a native of North Shore, New Zealand finished the 2014-2015 campaign with a 14.4 points per game scoring average. For the season, Tini shot 43.5 from the field, 32.9% from 3-pt. range, and 71.4% from the charity stripe. She added 7.6 rebounds and 1.9 assists per contest. 

On February, 17th she had a season high 25 points in a 93-37 win against Little Big Horn College in only 17 minutes. She earned 25 points on 9-of-10 shooting, including 5-of-6 shooting from 3-pt. range, and 2-of-2 from the free throw line. 

Tini added season highs in rebounds with 14 in a 68-66 loss to Casper College, and a season high in assists with 6 in a 75-45 win over Western Wyoming Community College.  

Shelby Weeks

Weeks, a native of Culbertson, Montana was third in scoring for the Lady Pioneers with 12.6 points per game. On the season, Weeks shot 42.4% from the field, 28.1% from 3-pt. range, and 75.2% from the line. She added 4.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game. 

Her season high in scoring came twice when she poured in 23 points in a 74-45 win over Western Wyoming on 10-of-16 shooting, including 3-of-8 from long range. In the first round of the Region IX tournament, Weeks scored 23 points on 9-of-14 shooting and 5-of-6 from the free throw line in a 101-89 loss to Lamar Community College. 

In the win vs. Western Wyoming, she added a season high 10 rebounds. She connected on a season high 6 assists in a 77-71 against Casper College on January 10th. 

Honored as a defensive specialist, Weeks had at least 1 steal in 29 of 30 games. For the season she recorded a total of 77 steals, which included swiping 8 steals in three different games. 

MCC finished with a 13-1 record at home. 

2014-15 Region IX D1 All-Region Women's Basketball Team

Tiana Hanson- Sheridan College

Sierra Toms- Sheridan College

Dana Bjorhus- Northwest College

Petra Lumpert- Miles Community College

Jaycin Tini- Miles Community College

Gabby Johnson- Casper College

Bree Throop- Casper College

Kassidy Scott- Casper College

Jolonna Sazue- Central Wyoming College

Kiara Skinner- Central Wyoming College

Celia Garcia-Paunero- Otero Junior College

Lile Havili- Western Nebraska Community College

Chante Church- McCook Community College

Yeliz Dogan- Western Nebraska Community College

Brooke Blair- Northeastern Junior College

Khadijah Vigil- Lamar Community College

Joanna Perez- Eastern Wyoming College

Arianne Sheka- Northeastern Junior College

Macy Myers- Otero Junior College

Kori Eurich- Trinidad State Junior College

All-Defensive Team

Ray Washington- Northeastern Junior College

Abi Lujan- Western Nebraska Community College

Haley Martinez- Otero Junior College

Asia Roper- Eastern Wyoming College

Kendra Baucom- McCook Community College

Stephanie Smith- Central Wyoming College

Kassidy Scott- Casper College

Shelby Weeks- Miles Community College

Zuzana Talackova- Sheridan College

Kealani Sagapolu- Northwest College

3. Lamar outlasts Pioneers in high scoring affairMarch 5, 2015MCC finishes season 19-12 with first round loss to Lamar CC(Scottsbluff, NE) Trailing 40-38 at halftime, Lamar Community College outscored the Lady Pioneers 63-49 in the second half on their way to the Region IX tournament win, 101-89.

Lamar received 41 points from Khadijah Vigil and outscored the Pioneers 36-13 in bench points.MCC was hampered by turnovers (30) and fouls (31). Lamar converted 30 Pioneer turnovers into 24 points and 31 fouls into 27 free throws.Miles was led by sophomore Jaycin Tini who finished her Pioneer career with 23 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists. Sophomore Shelby Weeks also poured in 23 points and 4 rebounds.Freshman Shelby Holmes chipped in 18 points, while snagging 10 rebounds. Sophomore Petra Lumpert added 10 points, while freshman Mikiya Givens added 11 points 3 rebounds.MCC shot 60% from the field and 68% from the free throw line. MCC out-rebound LCC 45-42, while holding a 14-11 advantage in second chance points.Miles CC finished the season 19-12 overall, 9-6 in Region IX play, and went an impressive 13-1 inside Kailey Gymnasium at home.Finishing off their Pioneer careers include: Lumpert, Tini, Lindsey Warner, Savanah Robinson, and Weeks.Lumpert finished the season averaging 15 ppg, Tini with 14.4 ppg, and Weeks 12.6 ppg. Tini added 7.6 rebounds per contest.Returning for head coach Liz Lewis for 2015-2016 season will be Holmes, Kayla Torio, Mikaya Givens, and Theresa Mac-Dangosu.For all of your Pioneer Athletics News stay tuned to www.mccpioneers.com or on Facebook with Miles Community College Pioneers.

4. Pioneers earn 4th seed in Region IX North, play Lamar in first roundFebruary 26, 2015Miles CC vs. Lamar CC square off on March 4th at 7:00 pm(Scottsbluff, NE) The Lady Pioneers of Miles Community College finished as the 4th seed in the Region IX North after closing out the regular season with a 70-60 victory over Sheridan College. MCC finished with a 19-11 overall record and 9-5 in Region IX play and will head to Scottsbluff, Nebraska for the Region IX Women's Tournament March 3-7. 

MCC will meet the 5th seed from the South, the Lamar Community College Runnin' Lopes in the first round. Lamar CC earned the 5th seed after finishing the regular season with a 12-15 overall record and 3-5 in the Region IX South. MCC and Lamar tip-off at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, March 4th.  

Lamar Community College- Lamar enters the Region IX tournament as the 5th seed after losing a close tie-breaker with McCook Community College on Wednesday morning. LCC pushed their Region record to 3-5 after winning at Trinidad State JC on Tuesday evening, 92-83. In 27 games this season, the Runnin' Lopes are averaging 88.9 points, 44.7 rebounds, and 18.6 assists per game. Offensively, they are led by Khadijah Vigil (20.9 ppg), Celina Quayle (13.6 ppg), Gabriela Jimenez (11.9 ppg), and Ariel Rosa (11.1 ppg).  

Miles Community College- MCC enters the tournament with a 19-11 overall record and 9-5 in the Region IX North. MCC is averaging 71 points, 41 rebounds, and 13.2 assists per contest. The

Pioneers are led by Petra Lumpert (15.1 ppg), Jaycin Tini (14.1 ppg), and Shelby Weeks (12.2 ppg). 

Region IX Tournament- March 3-7 Scottsbluff, NE

Tuesday, March 3rd

3:00 pm- Northeastern Junior College (S1) vs. Gillette College (N7)5:00 pm- Central Wyoming College (N2) vs. Trinidad State Junior College (S7)7:00 pm- Western Nebraska Community College (S1) vs. Little Big Horn College (N8)

Wednesday, March 4th

1:00 pm- Eastern Wyoming (S4) vs. Northwest College (N5)3:00 pm- Sheridan College (N3) vs. McCook Community College (S6)5:00 pm- Otero Junior College (S3) vs. Western Wyoming (N6)7:00 pm- Miles Community College (N4) vs. Lamar Community College (S5)

The MCC/Lamar winner will advance to play the winner of host Western Nebraska Community College and Little Big Horn College at 7:00 pm on Thursday, March 5th. 

The complete tournament bracket, box scores, updates, and live video webcast for each game can be found at http://www.hometeamsonline.com/teams/?u=REGIONIXWBASKETBALL&s=basketball.

Stay tuned to www.mccpioneers.com for all of your Pioneer Athletics News!   

5. 1st Place Lady Pioneers continue Region IX schedule this weekendJanuary 28, 2015The Miles Community College Basketball Teams continue their Region IX schedule when they hit the road for two conferences games Friday, January 30th and Saturday, January 31st.The Women are currently tied for first place in the Region IX North with an overall record of 15-7 and 5-1 in Region IX.The Men currently sit at 10-12 overall and 1-5 in the Region IX North.All 4 games will be broadcast live from Riverton and Powell.Friday, January 30 @ Central Wyoming College- Riverton, WYWomen @ 5:30 PM: http://www.mywyoming.org/local/2qpk5crxqwMen @ 7:30 PM: http://www.mywyoming.org/local/2qpk5crxqwSaturday, January 31st @ Northwest College- Powell, WYWomen @ 6:00 PM: http://www.ihigh.com/northwest/Men @ 8:00 PM: http://www.ihigh.com/northwest/Please stay tuned for all updates at www.mccpioneers.com

6. Lady Pioneers kick start 2014-2015 season FridayOctober 28, 2014(Miles City, MT) Under the direction of 2nd year head coach Liz Lewis, the Lady Pioneers of Miles Community College will tip-off the 2014-2015 campaign on Friday, October 31st when they host the Pioneer Club Invite.Last year's squad finished the regular season with a 14-17 overall record and completed the Region IX schedule with a 5-11 record.In May, the team was honored as the 2013-2014 NJCAA Division 1 Academic Team of the Year, finishing with a cumulative grade point average of 3.59.Returning for MCC this year will be last year's scoring leader, Jaycin Tini. Tini finished the season averaging 16.6 points per contest, while snagging 8.5 rebounds a game. Petra Lumpert also returns after averaging 11.2 points a game and dishing out 4.1 assists. In addition to the two scoring leaders, Shelby Weeks (8.6 ppg and 4.5 rpg), Lindsey Warner, and Savanah Robinson also return as they welcome in a new core of freshman to the mix.Montana products, Haley Ohm (Havre, MT) and Shelby Holmes (Seeley Lake, MT) join the Pioneers as freshman this year. Last season, Ohm was instrumental in the Lady Blue Ponies capturing the 2014 Class A State Championship in March. Holmes led her Seeley-Swan squad to an impressive 21-3 record, while playing for her father, Shawn.Also making their college debuts will be freshman Kayla Torio (Stockton, CA), Makiya Givens (Layton, UT), and Theresa Mac-Dangosu (Abuja, Nigeria).The Pioneers will kick off the season when they host Rocky Mountain College on Friday, October 31st at 5:30 pm. The tournament will continue for the Ladies when they host Bismarck State College on Saturday, November 1st at 4:00 pm.PIONEER CLUB INVITE SCHEDULEFriday, October 31st1:30 pm- Northwest College vs. Bismarck State College (Women)3:30 pm- Blackfeet Community College vs. Bismarck State College (Men)5:30 pm- Miles Community College vs. Rocky Mountain College JV (Women)7:30 pm- Miles Community College vs. Rocky Mountain College JV (Men)Saturday, November 1st12:00 pm- Northwest College vs. Rocky Mountain College JV (Women)2:00 pm- Blackfeet Community College vs. Rocky Mountain College JV (Men)4:00 pm- Miles Community College vs. Bismarck State College (Women)6:00 pm- Miles Community College vs. Bismarck State College (Men)*Tournament Notes:The Pioneers will kick off their 2004-2015 Basketball Season on Halloween Night! Come and join a night of basketball and prizes! Anyone (including adults) who come to the game dressed up in a costume will receive free admission and some candy. All children dressed in a Halloween costume will put their name into a drawing to win Pioneer gear. During timeouts and halftime there will be a drawing for a child to win Candy, Pioneer gear or an Arby’s coupon. After a night of trick or treating, come join a night of fun and support your Pioneers!

On Saturday, all fans that bring their CCDHS Cowboy Playoff Ticket to the Pioneer games will also be allowed free admission. The Cowboys play Havre at 12:00 pm at Connors Stadium.

7. Pioneers name Liz Lewis head women's basketball coachAugust 22, 2013(Miles City, MT) – Miles Community College has announced the hiring of Liz Lewis as the next head women's basketball coach of the Pioneers. Lewis joins MCC after serving as the assistant women's coach and sports information director at Montana State University-Northern. She takes over for Cathy Hanek who resigned to take the head coaching position at Valley City State University in Valley City, ND.Prior to her stint at MSU-Northern, Lewis served on the staffs of Central Washington University and her alma mater, Rocky Mountain College.Liz is a 2005 graduate of Churchill County High School in Fallon, Nevada, where she was a four-sport standout. She attended Dixie State College (UT) for two seasons before finishing her career at Rocky Mountain College.At Rocky, Liz was a two-time First Team All-Frontier performer, and was named Rocky’s Female Athlete of the Year as a senior. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and a Master’s degree in Coaching and Athletic Administration."We are excited and fortunate to have Coach Lewis join our athletic department," athletic director Jeff Brabant said."To find someone of Liz's quality, work ethic and knowledge this late in the year is critical for our department and for the ladies of her program. Liz comes to us with a great deal of enthusiasm and experience. Having served as an assistant at both Rocky and Northern, Coach Lewis has an extensive background recruiting Montana athletes. Expect a lot of great things coming from the Lady Pioneer program for years to come as Coach Lewis instills her coaching philosophy. Again, we welcome Coach Lewis to our Pioneer family and we are excited at the product that she will be putting on the floor for our fans and alumnus".Joining Lewis in her first year with the Lady Pioneers is assistant coach Janie Rayback. Rayback is a 2005 graduate of Star Valley High School (WY) where she was a two-time All-State basketball player and a member of the Montana-Wyoming and Wyoming-South Dakota All-Star teams.She began her playing career at Weber State University, where she spent three seasons. She was a team captain and starter during her junior season. As a senior, Rayback transferred to Rocky Mountain College, where she earned First Team All-Frontier honors and was named an NAIA All-American. Upon graduation with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, Janie played professionally in Brazil for one season. She is currently working toward a Master’s degree in Sports Psychology.

8. Lewis era begins as Women's Basketball tangles with Rocky Mountain College and Bismarck State

October 31, 2013(Miles City, MT)- The Miles Community College women’s basketball team, under the direction of Head Coach Liz Lewis, begin the 2013-2014 season when they host the annual Foundation Classic, Nov 1-2.Lewis begins her first season as a head coach after coaching stints at NAIA members Rocky Mountain College and Montana State University-Northern, as well as NCAA Division II Central Washington. She played three years at Dixie State University in St. George, UT and finished her career at Rocky Mountain College.She inherits a young squad with only three returners and a 2012-2013 record of 17-15. Leading as sophomores this year will be Tess Blaquiere, Ashley Hildreth, and Ashley Malmquist.Blaquiere finished last year second on the team in scoring with 9.7 points per game, while adding 4.3 rebounds per game. Hildreth chipped in 4.6 points and 2.3 rebounds per contest and lead the team from behind the arc hitting on 35% of her shots. Malmquist chipped in 3.7 points and 2.6 boards a game while shooting 70% from the stripe. The sophomores will be forced to carry a heavy load early in the season as they welcome two new coaches and six players to the tough Region IX conference.Among those new faces are sophomore transfer McKensie Keller (Custer, MT) who makes her way from UM-Western. Joining Coach Lewis as first year freshman Pioneers, include Lindsey Warner (Perry, UT), Savanah Robinson (Highland, UT), Shelby Weeks, (Culbertson, MT), Petra Lumpert (Jesenice, Slovenia), and Jaycin Tini (North Shore, New Zealand).With a bountiful basket of new faces, Coach Lewis is optimistic and pleased with the progress thus far. “These girls have adjusted quickly to a new coaching staff and a new system. We have a very coachable group of athletes that are willing to make changes to become better players.”With only one month of full squad structured practice, it is time to tip off this weekend at the annual Foundation Classic. “We are looking forward to officially starting our season this week. Our girls are very excited and bring lots of energy to practice each day,” stated Lewis.Joining the Pioneer bench this year will be assistant coach Janie Rayback who along with Lewis; played her senior campaign at Rocky Mountain College after transferring from Weber State in Ogden, UT. The two have coached together at Rocky, Central Washington University and Montana State University-Northern.The ladies tip off the weekend tournament when they play host to Rocky Mountain-JV at 5:30 pm on Friday November 1. The tournament will conclude when they square off against Bismarck State College on Saturday November 2nd at 4:00 pm.

9. Tini named to the Region IX North All-Region TeamFebruary 27, 2014(Denver, CO) Lady Pioneer freshman center Jaycin Tini from North Shore, New Zealand was recently named to the Region IX North Sub-Region first team on Monday. The 10 players named to the first team were voted on by the leagues 9 coaches.

Playing an average of 31 minutes per game, Tini is leading the Pioneers in scoring at a 16.7 clip, and averages 8.4 rebounds per contest. She is currently shooting 40% from the field, 29% from 3 pt. range and converts on 71% from the free throw line.Tini will look to add to her impressive first season in Pioneer blue, when her and her teammates head to the Region IX tournament March 1-5 in Rock Springs, WY.Women's Region IX North All-Region TeamJanniqua Thomas (Dawson CC)Kendyl Nunn (Casper CC)Alicia Carline (Gillette College)Kassidy Scott (Casper CC)Jaycin Tini (Miles CC)Madison Forney (Sheridan College)Emily Moore (Western Wyoming College)Whitney Mitchell (Western Wyoming College)Imari Simpson (Northwest College)Haylee Gallegos (Dawson CC)

10. Lady Pioneers open season with sweepNovember 3, 2013Miles CC goes 2-0 to begin Liz Lewis era(Miles City, MT) The Miles CC women’s basketball team began the season 2-0 with a clean sweep in the opening Foundation Classic weekend Tournament. The ladies handled Rocky Mountain College’s JV squad easily as they came away with a 75-37 victory on Friday evening. On Saturday, they were back in action to take on the Lady Mystics of Bismarck State College and were victors once again, 57-49.Friday November 1MCC-75, Rocky Mountain College-37The Liz Lewis era began in winning fashion as she saw her young squad jump out to an early 9-1 lead, never relinquishing that tempo throughout the game. Freshman forward Jaycin Tini (North Shore, New Zealand) led the Pioneers from the field, as she poured in 18 points and 10 rebounds for her first collegiate double-double.Miles City native Tess Blaquiere added 13 points on 6-12 shooting from the field, while pulling down 7 rebounds respectively.Sophomore Ashley Malmquist (Three Forks, MT) supplemented the dominate performance for MCC, as she recorded a double-double as well with 13 points and 11 rebounds.Saturday November 2MCC-57, Bismarck State College-49Game 2 of the brand new season was a little more challenging for the Pioneers as they held a 25-20 advantage at the half and sealed the win down the stretch with transition buckets and converted free throws.

With 1:50 remaining in the contest, Bismarck State cut the lead to six on a three point basket by Emily Kautzman. Petra Lumpert (Jesenice, Slovenia) answered the bell with a field goal and free throw. Tini followed that up with two free throws with 13 ticks remaining on the clock.Once again, Tini & Blaquiere recorded double-doubles for the second consecutive night. Tini scored 12 points and pulled down 10 rebounds, while Blaquiere had 11 points and 10 boards.Malmquist chipped in 9 points and grabbed a game high 14 rebounds in the victory. Freshman Shelby Weeks (Culbertson, MT) added 8 points and 7 rebounds, while Lumpert counted for 13 points.The Ladies hit the floor next when they travel to the CVB Teton Tournament hosted by Williston State College November 8-9. They tip-off on Friday afternoon against United Tribes Technical College at 1:00 pm and face host Williston State College on Saturday evening at 6:00 pm.