Back-to-back: Rezbombers repeat as NABI National Champions

By Lee Begaye
Navajo Times

PHOENIX

The 22nd Annual Native American Basketball Invitational ended the same way it did a year ago—with the Rezbombers girls squad hoisting the championship trophy high inside PHX Arena.

This time, the defending champions outlasted a formidable Oklahoma-based squad, the Legendary Elite, with a balanced attack and stifling second-half defense, capturing their second consecutive NABI title.

The win also capped a historic personal achievement for Sandia senior and BYU signee Sydney Benally, who was named the MarJon Beauchamp MVP for the second year in a row. Benally averaged 15 points through the tournament, though in the championship game she was held to just 10 points—yet her presence still anchored the team.

That’s when others stepped up.

Farmington senior Kjani Anitielu took the spotlight, leading the team with 15 points, while Kirtland Central sophomore Allyson Tsosie added 14 in a breakout performance. Rylie Whitehair, a recent Gallup graduate and UTRGV signee, added 11 points—seven of those coming in the second half. Benally finished with 10, and all four players were in double digits.

“Anitielu has been one of our main returners and for her to perform as she did, that was expected of her,” said Rezbombers head coach Brian Kaye. “But for Whitehair, this being her first tournament with us, she emerged right when we needed her.”

The first half was a back-and-forth affair. The Rezbombers opened with Tsosie draining a 3-point shot followed by a layup leading them to a 16-6 lead before Legendary Elite called timeout. Led by Cherokee sophomore Joscelyn Stamper, the Elite roared back with a 12–4 run to pull within one at 20–19. Stamper, a towering 6-foot-2 post, made her presence known with seven points before halftime, but Whitehair, despite early foul trouble, stepped up to defend her in key moments.

Rezbombers held a slim 32–27 lead at the break.

In the second half, the Rezbombers’ defense turned up the pressure. Sophomore Kaiyah Benally and Tsosie locked in on the perimeter, forcing turnovers and disrupting Legendary Elite’s rhythm. Whitehair added seven early points to set the tone, and Anitielu scored eight more down the stretch. The Benally sisters closed it out with a combined four points in the final minutes.

Legendary Elite stayed competitive thanks to Neveah Parrish (Santa Clara commit) and Zoie Austin (Lake Region State College signee), who combined for 13 second-half points. Their roster was packed with talent, including Aaliyah Shawnee (Northeastern State), Gabrielle Fineday (Bemidji State), Cecily Swimmer, Bobiey Parker, and others.

Coach Kaye acknowledged the strength of the opposition, especially Stamper: “She’s got great presence. Just a sophomore, but already one of the best low post players we’ve seen. We knew Rylie would be our answer.”

How they got there

In the semifinal, the Rezbombers met the RockHawks of Montana, and Sydney Benally immediately set the tone. She scored 17 of her 23 points in the first half, drilling five 3-pointers in total. Tsosie added 15 and Anitielu scored 12, while Kaiyah Benally and Whitehair added seven each. The game was called at the 4:32 mark due to mercy rule, with the Rezbombers up 66–34.

Legendary Elite advanced by defeating Quiet Storm 46–33 behind 14 points from Stamper, eight from Austin, and six from Parrish.

Looking ahead

Coach Kaye praised his squad’s ability to adjust throughout the tournament: “We had the first half to feel things out and make the adjustments. That’s what we did—and we came out with the win.”

When asked about a possible three-peat in 2026, Kaye smiled.

“I’ve got Tsosie, Kaiyah, and Kjani coming back,” he said. “Krista Tsingine-Yazzie will return, too. Two of them in their final year. And I’m sure we’ll add more talented players.”

If the past two seasons are any indication, the Rezbombers are far from finished.

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