Photo by: Jake Richardson

Every year there is always that team that plays well beyond all expectations and go really far. This year, that team has been the Mesa State men’s basketball team, who has rocked the teams in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference and have earned national recognition as a top notch team. But how did we become so fortunate this season? How have the Mavs been able to play like champions? Yes, the team has stepped up and every player has had a role, but it’s their go-to guy that is leading the way.
Senior Mike Dominguez grew up in Espanola, N.M. and played ball at Capital High School in Santa Fe. His playing days began well before that as he played basketball and football.
“I loved football first,” Dominguez said. “I was just too small so I played more basketball. Once I reached high school I knew I would go to college for that.”
He wasn’t highly recruited by many colleges, though, so Dominguez played for Northeastern Junior College in Sterling. After a couple of losing seasons, he transferred to Division I Florida International University, a school that would give him more challenges.
“My dad is from Miami, so I thought I could jump in and help contribute from the start,” Dominguez said.
After one losing season, enough was enough. DomingueProxy-Connection: keep-alive
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wanted to win. Just as Dominguez had decided to sign his release forms and transfer, FIU hired NBA Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas as head coach.
“I talked to him for maybe a week,” Dominguez said about Thomas. “He had good plans, but he wanted to rebuild. I’m a senior now and I just want to win now, not rebuild.”
He had a decision to make, Mesa State College or Fort Lewis College. The rest is history.
“I wanted to play in the RMAC,” Dominguez said. “It was close to home and it’s always competitive. I chose Mesa because I knew I could fit in. I love the boys and the coaches.”
Averaging 20.9 points a game and bringing in 5 rebounds a game, Dominguez has lifted the team to places it’s never been before. Mesa State has soared to its first-ever top 10 ranking and achieved the top ranking in the region. The season has brought many memories to the players and fans, but one sticks out in Dominguez’s mind.
“The game at New Mexico Highlands is my best memory,” Dominguez said. “It was my first time playing home and all my friends and family were there. I had 37 points and I hit the buzzer beater. That felt really good. It was an important game to me because I was never recruited by New Mexico Highlands and I only grew up about two hours away, so that has always hurt me.”
They’re undefeated at home. The Mavs bring in an average of 1,235 fans a game and more importantly, The Herd has become more loud and proud.
“I love the fans here,” Dominguez said. “They are always standing and always loud. I think they are the best in the RMAC. It’s definitely good that I am on their good side.”
With countless possibilities leading to the season’s end, Dominguez continues to lead a team that has grown this year. His performance in clutch situations continues to give his teammates a boost and carry their spirits high.
“I don’t want to lose,” Dominguez said. “I never want to lose. I have always been competitive and want to win it all. We have only had one goal all year and that’s to win the RMAC championship.”
Mesa State has had an incredible season with a 20-2 overall record and 14-1 in conference play. Four games remaining on the regular season before the RMAC championship begins March 2. Despite losing senior Jase Herl to a grade three ankle sprain, the team has still stepped up. With a pair of games at home still to come, a first place ranking  in the region is still highly likely.
u
ahimes@mesastate.edu