Mount Zion Christian Academy WBB

State Champions should never have to ask for their rings… but today we are.

They already did the hard part.

They sacrificed.
They stayed disciplined.
They trusted each other when the pressure was heavy.

And because of that… they are STATE CHAMPIONS. 🏆

Now it’s time to put a ring on what they built.

A championship ring isn’t just jewelry.
It’s proof of every early morning workout.
Every long practice.
Every prayer before tip-off.
Every moment these girls chose heart over excuses.

They truly deserve this.

Our goal is $2,750 to purchase State Championship rings for the team so this historic season is something they can carry with them forever.

And hear me when I say this —
no donation is too small.

$1 matters.
$5 matters.
$10 matters.

Because when people come together, small contributions build big things.

These young women earned their place in history.

Now let’s make sure they wear it. 💍🏀

GoFundMe | CashApp | Apple Pay | Venmo

✨ There wasn’t a defender in this state that could stop her. Not one.

She saw every coverage you could draw up.
Face-guard. Trap her. Bump her. Blitz her.
It didn’t matter.

She dissected it.

23.2 a night.
6.4 assists.
5.6 steals.

That’s not stat-padding.
That’s domination with discipline.

And don’t confuse her calm for softness.
She’s patient because she knows exactly how and when to strike.

CAA4SC 1A Championship MVP.

We don’t build athletes just to survive moments.
We build them to own them.

Favor was on her.
But so was work. So was sacrifice. So was obedience to the process.

Across the entire state… nobody had the answer.

Valerin Lopez.

Different.

God did not bring us this far to stop at a state title.

After winning the State Championship, we’re headed to Nationals in North Myrtle Beach this Wednesday, 3/4/26 — and we’re believing for the full experience these young women have earned.

“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” — Proverbs 16:3

This season has been covered in prayer, discipline, and obedience. Now we’re raising $600 to help cover travel and food expenses for the trip.

If you feel led to sow into something meaningful, this is good ground.

Donations can be sent directly to Coach Smith:
Cash App: $JamellaSmith
Venmo:
Apple Pay: (919) 923-7203

Coach Smith will be directly housing, feeding, and transporting the athletes.

We’re walking by faith and competing with fire.
Go Warriors. 🏆🔥

✨ Survive and Advance 🏁

62–24.

I’m just… proud.

Proud of their focus.
Proud of their composure.
Proud of the way they refuse to let adversity overcome their desire to reach their goals..

This wasn’t hype. This was preparation showing up on time.

Three rounds down. And this group is still hungry.
Grateful we get to keep playing. This run is for you Dre❤️💛

✨ Two Warriors earned All-Conference honors in the T.A.C CAA4SC Conference, and they earned every bit of it.

Valerin Lopez-Larrota | #12
16.3 PPG | 5 AST | 5 STL
Poise. Pressure. Playmaking. She impacts the game on both ends and makes winning plays look normal.

Joy Okauru | #5
14.8 PPG | 8.4 REB | 2 AST | 2.3 BLK
Physical. Reliable. Tough. She does the work that changes games and doesn’t ask for credit.

First year at Mount Zion Christian Academy, and these two have helped set the tone for what this program is about—buy-in, consistency, and competing the right way. No shortcuts. No fluff. Just work and trust paying off.

Proud of them. Proud of the growth. Proud of the direction. 🏀
Let us continue 🙏🏾🏆

✨Mount Zion basketball is rooted in integrity, unity, and relentless effort—and this season’s schedule is the perfect stage to show it.

🏀 We’re entering gyms across the state with the same message: we’re here to compete, to grow, and to honor the grind that shaped us.

📝 My coaching philosophy is simple—be disciplined, be teachable, be courageous. And this season, with every game circled, every date marked, we’re stepping forward with high hopes and higher standards.

🏀 This schedule isn’t just a list—it’s a calling.
And we’re answering it with fire in our chest and purpose in our stride.

💭We can’t control everything in life, but we can control how we respond.

💡 Every day we’re faced with choices—choose peace over anger, love over hate, and discipline over chaos. That’s the culture we’re building at Mount Zion, on the court and beyond. 🏀✨

🏀✨ Help Us Build the Vision! ✨🏀

Our Lady Warriors are growing on and off the court — and we’re creating a space that reflects excellence, comfort, and faith. 💪🏾 From training tools to locker room essentials, every item on our MZCA WBB Wish List is an investment into our program, our players, and their future.

If you’d like to support, check out our wish list and be a part of what God is building here at Mount Zion. 🙌🏾

📌 Every contribution makes a difference.
📌 Every gift pours back into the mission.
📌 Every seed you plant helps our athletes shine.

💛 Thank you for believing in us. Together, we rise.

🚨 We’re Recruiting! 🚨
Mount Zion Christian Academy Women’s Basketball is building something special — and we’re looking for athletes who embody our culture: discipline, relentlessness, coachability, and a team-first mindset.

If you’re ready to grow on and off the court, we want to connect with YOU. 💪🏾🏀
📩 DM us for more info or to set up a call/visit.

📣 It’s an exciting week here at Mount Zion Christian Academy! 🏀✨

We’re kicking things off with Open House tonight at 7PM — where the community meets the culture. From academics to athletics, tonight is about showing the heartbeat of Mount Zion and the excellence we stand on. ⛪️ 🏫 🙏🏾

Mount Zion Women’s Basketball is ready for the season ahead, and we can’t wait to share this journey with you. Stay tuned for more updates and highlights! 👀🔥

🏀✨ Mt. Zion Women’s Basketball is back!
A new season. A fresh start. The same drive to grow, compete, and build something special together. 💪❤️

Follow our journey—this is only the beginning.