Former MVHS Lady Cougar Alyah Blackwater competes at Taft College

Alyah Blackwater, a recent graduate of Monument Valley High School, is playing basketball at the college level as a member of the Taft College Womens Basketball team.
Taft College, in Taft, CA, is a member of the California Community College Athletic Association.
At Monument Valley High School, the 5’7” guard led the team in scoring, assists, and steals.
In her senior season, Blackwater averaged 13.5 points, four steals, and six assists per game. She shot an outstanding 49 percent from the field.
Taft College Head Coach Romeo Lagmay said, “I really like Alyah. She comes from a successful program. Her numbers are great and she truly loves the game.
“When a player is all about her craft, it becomes a joy to see and coach. Alyah does a good job of finding the basket to score and the open teammate to score. She will do well in our system at Taft.”
Blackwater finished her 2022-2023 season on high notes. Monument Valley went 3-1 in the 1A Utah State Tournament, finishing fifth. Blackwater had a huge impact on the game with an amazing triple-double: 18 points, ten rebounds, and 16 steals.
Her 16 steals are tied for the second-most in Utah high school girls basketball history and the most ever in a playoff game.
Blackwater had a decorated career as a four-year starter, three-year captain, and three-year Team MVP. She was voted First Team All-State as a junior and senior, 1A-2A Utah Senior All-Star Team, Navajo Times First Team All-State, and SENCA Tournament All-Tournament.
Monument Valley Basketball Head Coach Terri James said, “Alyah was the backbone of our team. She was super competitive, driven, and a hard worker.
“She led by example and the rest of the team followed her lead during games. She was very vocal on the court, helping the others, motivating the team, and adjusting the defense or offense.
“Alyah was always looking to improve her game and worked hard to achieve that. Off the court she was also a leader. She was very vocal and was involved with school activities.
“She was an officer in the school’s Unity Club and was involved in senior class activities also. In the community she was involved with promoting cultural awareness and volunteered in various ways helping elders.”
Blackwater stated, “I chose to commit to Taft because I felt it was a great opportunity to use basketball as my tool to continue my education.
“Education is very important in my culture, so I will greatly benefit from doing what I love. Also, I want to represent and inspire the youth in my community.
“T’aa hwo’ aji t’eego!”