Midland College Women to Open Season November 2
The Lady Chaparrals basketball team starts its 2026-27 campaign this weekend at home.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Basketball
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Midland College women's basketball team prepares to tip off its 2026-27 season on November 2, 2026. The squad aims to improve upon its performance from last year while targeting a postseason appearance for the first time in five years.
Why it matters
After finishing with a 15-14 record last season, the team is focused on increasing its overall scoring output. Success this year hinges on improved athleticism and building chemistry among the returning players.
Head coach Ron Jones enters his 33rd season at the helm of the program, boasting a career record of 777-288 over 34 years. The team returns six players from the previous season, including 5-foot-7 sophomore guard Claudia Chessari.
The players
Ron Jones
He is the veteran head coach of the Midland College women's basketball team who has maintained a career record of 777-288.
Claudia Chessari
She is a 5-foot-7 sophomore guard returning to the roster for the 2026-27 campaign.
The details
The program is prioritizing a deeper bench and more rigorous training to address scoring gaps identified during the 2025-26 conference play. Players have been working through competitive scrimmages to refine team chemistry before the opener.
Timeline
The 2025-26 season concluded with a 15-14 record.
The season opener against Wayland Baptist JV is scheduled for November 2, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The push for a postseason appearance follows the pattern set by qualification standards established during the 2021-2022 NJCAA basketball season. Achieving this goal would mark a significant turnaround in the program's competitive standing within the conference.
With only six returning players, early-season games will be critical for determining the primary rotation and bench utility for the rest of the year. The upcoming match provides the first look at whether the offseason focus on athleticism translates into higher scores.
The takeaway
Developing a consistent bench rotation early in the season is vital for teams looking to secure a postseason spot. Maintaining high intensity in non-conference games often sets the competitive tone for the remainder of the year.
Further reading
For more on the local team, check the Midland Basketball coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Midland Reporter-Telegram.
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