LINDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, NJ – The Linden Lady Tigers are back in the state sectional tournament after clinching the 2025 Union County Conference Valley Division title with a 9-2 record. Under the leadership of 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐓𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐤𝐚 𝐃𝐢𝐱𝐨𝐧, the team has reclaimed its spot among the top teams in the area and is now preparing for the state sectional championship against Union High School Farmers on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 5 PM.
A win in this game would propel the Lady Tigers into the next phase of the state tournament, bringing them one step closer to the ultimate goal of winning the state championship.
𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐃𝐢𝐱𝐨𝐧’𝐬 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧
In her first season, Coach Tameka Dixon has revitalized the Lady Tigers, turning them into a hard-working, competitive team.
“This season has been absolutely amazing thus far,” Dixon says. “I feel that this team has grown not only as individuals but as a unit. I truly wish I had more time with my seniors, but they’ve done a phenomenal job helping us build a culture of hard work and strong leadership. We haven’t been division champs in a long time in the city of Linden, and we’ve reached that goal. Now, we have an opportunity to compete for the state sectional championship and, ultimately, a Group 4 title! I’m excited about the future of Linden’s girls’ basketball, and I’m extremely proud of my girls!”
𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩
The foundation of this successful season was built on the tireless work and determination that began long before the first tip-off. Senior starters Regina Winston, Jaylah Boyd, and Zuhirah Kelley have been key to the Lady Tigers’ success.
• 𝐉𝐚𝐲𝐥𝐚𝐡 𝐁𝐨𝐲𝐝 (𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐫, 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝): Boyd has been a dominant force, leading the team with 219 points this season. She’s been effective inside with 89 2-point field goals and has also contributed 29 free throws. Boyd’s relentless work on the boards has paid off with 157 rebounds, and her 37 steals and 7 blocks highlight her defensive prowess.
• 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧 (𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐫, 𝐆𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐝): Winston has been a vital contributor, scoring 227 points with 70 2-pointers, 15 three-pointers, and a remarkable 54 free throws. On the defensive side, she’s totaled 44 steals and 21 assists, playing a key role in facilitating the offense and maintaining the team’s intensity on both ends of the floor.
• 𝐙𝐮𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐡 𝐊𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲 (𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐫, 𝐆𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐝): Kelley has been a defensive standout, leading the team with 34 steals. Offensively, she’s added 93 points, including 23 2-pointers and 6 three-pointers. Kelley has also contributed 86 rebounds and 16 assists, solidifying her value as a two-way player.
𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬:
Looking ahead, sophomores Iyanna McDuffie and Janali Thomas have emerged as critical contributors to the Lady Tigers’ success.
• Iyanna McDuffie (Sophomore, Guard): McDuffie’s energy and tenacity have made her a key asset for the team. She’s scored 190 points this season, shooting 82 free throws (the highest on the team) and contributing 48 rebounds. McDuffie’s aggressive playstyle has been pivotal in creating opportunities for the Lady Tigers on both ends of the court.
• 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐬 (𝐒𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞, 𝐆𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐝): As the team’s floor general, Thomas has been instrumental in orchestrating the offense. She’s contributed 175 points, including 30 three-pointers, and has added 31 rebounds. Her court vision and leadership have been critical to the team’s success, keeping the Lady Tigers organized and poised in every game.
𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐮𝐩𝐬
Linden enters the state sectional championship with a strong record against the Farmers. The two teams faced off earlier this season, and Linden emerged victorious in both contests:
• January 30, 2025: Linden defeated Union 47-41
• February 3, 2025: Linden defeated Kent Place 46-38
With these impressive wins in their recent games, the Lady Tigers are primed and confident heading into the state sectional championship.
𝐀 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭:
This season's success is the result of the hard work and dedication of the entire coaching staff. Assistant coaches Latoya Milstrey, Kyle Phipps, and Joe Russo have been instrumental in developing the team’s skills and fostering a positive and cohesive environment. Their support has allowed the players to grow and thrive as individuals while strengthening the team as a whole.
The Future is Bright:
With strong leadership from the seniors and promising talent from the younger players, the future of Linden Girls Basketball is incredibly bright. Coach Dixon and her staff have already set a strong foundation, and the Lady Tigers are poised to continue their rise to prominence for years to come.
The state sectional championship is the next step in this exciting journey, and with the team’s determination and skill, there’s no telling how high they can go. Linden fans, get ready for an unforgettable ride—this is only the beginning for the Lady Tigers!