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Wilson Named Defensive Player of the Year; Cervantes Earns All-Region Honors

Wilson Named Defensive Player of the Year; Cervantes Earns All-Region Honors

The Phoenix College Bears continued their upward trajectory during the 2025–26 season, finishing 12–15 overall and 9–9 in conference play while securing their second consecutive conference tournament appearance. Leading the way were standout freshman forward Jada Wilson and sophomore point guard Steffy Cervantes, both of whom earned postseason recognition for their performances.

Wilson was named Conference Defensive Player of the Year and earned Second Team All-Region honors, while Cervantes was also selected to the Second Team All-Region following her strong all-around season.

Phoenix College freshman guard Jada Wilson delivered one of the most complete seasons in the conference, finishing ranked among the top 10 in multiple statistical categories.

Wilson averaged 16.1 points per game — ranking 7th in the conference overall and 5th in conference-only play (17.1 ppg). Her 434 total points ranked 5th overall and 3rd in conference games.

Efficiency was another major strength. Wilson shot 46.8% from the field (8th overall), improving to 49.6% in conference play. She ranked 4th in total field goals made overall and 2nd in conference-only contests. Her ability to consistently convert in the paint made her a difficult matchup throughout the season.

On the boards, Wilson ranked 9th in total rebounds (212) and 9th in rebounds per game (7.9). In conference play, she elevated to 5th in total rebounds (133) and 3rd in offensive rebounds (64), showcasing her relentless motor and physical presence.

Defensively, Wilson proved to be one of the most disruptive players in the league. She finished 5th overall in steals (72) and 4th in conference-only steals (48), while also ranking 13th in blocks overall and 10th in conference play — impressive numbers for a guard. She additionally ranked 10th in points per 40 minutes (21.0) overall and 13th in conference play (22.5), highlighting her overall productivity on both ends of the floor.

Alongside Wilson, Steffy Cervantes made her mark as a steady leader in the backcourt.

Starting 26 of 27 games, Cervantes averaged 9.8 points per game while logging a team-high 31.7 minutes per contest. She shot 39.5% from the field and added 3.4 rebounds per game.

In conference competition, Cervantes averaged 10.3 points and 3.6 rebounds per game while dishing out 2.8 assists per contest. She finished the season with 68 assists and 59 steals, ranking 10th overall in the conference in steals and 7th in conference-only play (40). Her ability to pressure the ball, create turnovers, and facilitate the offense provided the perfect complement to Wilson's interior dominance.

Together, Wilson and Cervantes formed one of the conference's most impactful defensive duos, helping guide Phoenix College to its second straight conference tournament appearance. Their presence in the top 10 across multiple statistical categories underscores the leadership, toughness, and production that powered the Bears throughout the 2025–26 season.