Defending Open champ Xavier College Prep and the Sandia High Matadors (Albuquerque) tipped off the first day of the 2024 Section 7 Basketball Team Camp Friday morning with their matchup in the Avondale Toyota Bracket.

The Matadors proved why they, too, are a reigning state champ as they rallied and continued to build their lead until the final whistle blew and the score read 67-47 at State Farm Stadium.

Despite the loss, Xavier coach Jennifer Gillom held a positive mindset postgame.

“We knew we had our work cut out for us today,” she said. “I am very happy where we are right now.”

Xavier just graduated six seniors, including Dominique Nesland, who averaged 14 points and six assists last season, but expectations were still high coming into the summer.

The team’s frontcourt consists of 6-4 incoming junior Irene (Noelle) Giaumatsia and 6-6 incoming senior Atheil Mlat.

The lengthy duo proved effective on both ends of the floor, each tallying a block in the first half, along with a steal for Guiamatsia. Senior point guard Lucy Sanford was producing early, drilling two triples on back-to-back possessions, including a 4-point play.

The Gators held a 33-21 lead at halftime.

“I thought my team came out ready to play today,” Gillom said. “They played together. They looked strong. They looked together.”

But in the second half, the Sandia Matadors’ defensive mindset, which was proudly presented by coach Lee Kettig’s shirt that read ‘DEFENSE FIRST’ on the back, took over.

Their full-court press completely overwhelmed the Gators’ offense, as Sandia took its first lead with nine minutes to play.

“I just think fatigue got the best of us in the second half. But that’s to be expected. This is a new team, they’re learning to play with each other,” Gillom said.

Xavier’s second Section 7 opponent of the day, Idaho Pocatello, also posed a challenge. 

The Gators' tired legs couldn't keep up with Pocatello during a 62-34 loss.

On Saturday at 8 a.m., Xavier will attempt to rebound against the Oak Park Eagles out of California during Setion's 7 second day.

Led by Gillom, the Gators won the Open title against Desert Vista this March, their first state title in program history. Gillom played for the Phoenix Mercury from 1997-2002 before finishing her playing career with the Los Angeles Sparks in 2003.

She also won a gold medal in the 1988 Summer Olympics and was recently inducted into the Phoenix Mercury Ring of Honor.

“When I saw my number come down in the rafters, I just had to pinch myself,” Gillom said. “And to see the women's game just continue to grow, I’m glad to be a pioneer for that.”