Women's Basketball Press
Kish Women Finish 13th in WBCA G.P.A. Poll
The Kishwaukee College Women’s Basketball Team Finished the Season ranked 13th in the final WBCA All-Academic Top 25 Poll this season. The Kougars have constantly been ranked in the poll for their dedication and hard work in the classroom and ability to represent both on and off the court. “We are thrilled at the results of the team’s hard work and their continued recognition for all of their accomplishments” notes Wiley of the appearance.
The Women’s Basketball Coaching Association (WBCA) ranks all junior college DI-DIII G.P.A.’s by quality points earned per semester with the team and their individuals. The Kougars boasted a 3.129, landing the 13 spot on the top 25.
Alde and Espe Named NJCAA Academic-All-Americans.
Sophomores Emily Alde and Christine Espe were both named to the NJCAA Academic All-American team for their two year basketball careers at Kishwaukee College.
Alde was named to the All-Academic while Espe, who boasted a near perfect 3.94 was named to the Distinguished Academic-All-American Team. Both sophomores were also named to the Arrowhead Conference Academic Team and the Kishwaukee College Dean’s List, while Alde was also a member of Phi Theta Kappa and both graduated from Kishwaukee with high honors and their Associate’s Degrees.
“We are very proud of these two young women and what they have accomplished. We strive for excellence in the classroom and on the court and they have worked hard to earn such admirable honors” Alde will be attending the University of Illinois to complete her degree in Agriculture Finance while Espe is transferring to Bethel College to continue both her academic and basketball career in Indiana. “We wish both young women the best in their future endeavors and thank them for their hard work and dedication to the program. We are excited for what the future has in store for them and look forward to their upcoming successes” notes Head Coach and Athletic Director Karen Wiley of her two sophomores.
Kish Women’s Basketball Recognized by NJCAA for Their Team GPA in Spring Academic Team of Year!
The Kishwaukee College women’s basketball team has an awful lot to be proud of this season as they continue to break program records. Although constantly nationally ranked in the Top 5 by the Women’s Basketball Coaches’ Association (WBCA) in team GPA’s, the Kougars have never held a place on the NJCAA Academic Team of the Year spot…until now.
The NJCAA announced academic teams of the year and their honorable mentions this week for the winter and spring sports, as KC appeared on the list for women’s basketball.
All three sophomores, and three of the returning five members of the women’s basketball team made the Arrowhead Academic All-Conference Team while two sophomores were named NJCAA Academic All-Americans. The team boasted the best GPA in the Kishwaukee Athletic Department for the spring semester and held the top spot for overall team GPA in the department too.
Still awaiting the WBCA Poll, the coaching staff was thrilled with the recent accomplishment. “The team had set a GPA goal in August and worked hard wanting to accomplish it for themselves, each other, the coaches and the program. We are very proud not only of their continued success on the court but their academic accomplishments as well. These are lessons that they will carry forever and will hopefully continue to build them into strong, bright, talented young women. The sophomores have left their mark on the program in a variety of ways and the returning five along with a talented group of freshman will continue where we have finished this season. The GPA of the above eight was above the team goal of 3.15 and I thank them for their continued dedication and hard work” notes Associate Head Coach Kat Martin. Wiley couldn’t be more pleas as those are the things, “you cannot put a price tag on” she says beaming.
Bryant becomes a Kougar as she inks with Kishwaukee
Jalisa Bryant of Chicago Holy Trinity signed a Letter of Intent with Kishwaukee College after a long courtship with the Kougars. Bryant had several DI offers but felt like Kishwaukee would be the best fit for her and an opportunity to take herself and her game to an even higher level. “Jalisa is very talented and has the ability to take over a game, she has high basketball IQ and has great court vision. We are thrilled that she has chosen to accept our offer and look forward to all that she will bring the team both on and off the court” notes Wiley of the incoming freshman. Bryant was a 3 year IBCA All-State Selection, and four year varsity member. She was 3 year GCAC All-Conference and a Queen of the Hill Finalist. She was also named to the Top 100 Juniors by Ronnie Til and Carolina Scouting Reports and finished with a very decorated and respected career at Holy Trinity. Martin adds of Bryant, “I’m thrilled that Jalisa will continue her career with us and have seen her do things with the ball that are amazing and exciting, she brings an energy to the court and will fit into our system very well.”
Looking to MURPH in 2009-10...
Standout Emily Murphy of DeKalb High School and 2009 Female Athlete of the Year signs with KC! Emily Murphy, who was the team’s leading rebounder in 2007-08 and 2008-09 and leading scorer of 2008-09 will be wearing green and gold next year. The senior is a two-time recipient of the Heart of a Barb Award and two year All-Conference and DeKalb Chronicle First Team All-Area selection averaged 11.3ppg and just under 10 rebounds a game. She was a three year varsity member and two year captain for the Barbs. She was named to several All-Tournament Teams and led the area in scoring this season. She is also a member of the DeKalb Athletic Board and TAGS program. “We are very excited to have Murph as a part of the upcoming season. We really feel like we are getting not only a complete player, but the whole package as a student-athlete and good person who is very dedicated in all she does. She works hard and has proven leadership and coachability in a strong high school program. She will do very well here and we are proud to have local talent”.
Gary and Johnson sign with KC
Raven Gary and Rebecca Johnson both sign letters of intent with Kishwaukee College. Raven was the starting point guard for the 3A IHSA 3rd Place Marshall High School and the 2008 IHSA State Champions. Raven has great court vision and intelligence and not only sees the floor well but can create for herself and her team. She plays great defensive and boxes out like she is 6’2”! We are very excited to add Raven to our roster and bring her leadership and athletic talents to the court.
Rebecca Johnson is a 6’1 Center from Rockford Christian. This year she not only led her team but also the Greater Rockford Area in rebounding, pulling down 11.25 a game. She also averaged just under a double-double with 9.6 points a game. She brings great height, strength, and ability to the court. She will make an immediate impact for us in the paint, and we are excited to have her.
Congratulations to Emily McLain, NJCAA All-American
Congratulations to Emily McLain on her selection to the NJCAA All-American Team. She was awarded with 2nd team honors, and is only the second freshman in program history to receive the NJCAA honors, and fourth freshman to receive All-American Honors. Emily averaged 17 points a game and nearly 9 rebounds a game. She swept post-season awards as she also took home Region IV MVP, First Team All-Region IV, Arrowhead Conference Freshman of the Year, and First Team Arrowhead All-Conference. She is 11th in single season scoring with 504 on the season, and 11th in single season rebounding (270). She is also 4th in single season free-throw percentage knocking down 75% from the line. She becomes only the 5th Kougar to score 500 plus points in a season. She is already ranked 13th in career scoring records as a freshman. “We are very proud of Emily and all of her accomplishments. She has worked very hard throughout the season and has always been a constant for us. She led the team in scoring, rebounding, and steals at only 5’7”! We are looking forward to great things from her next season, as she continues to strive for excellence in the off-season” lauds Head Coach Karen Wiley.
Samantha Galas Signs with Kishwaukee College
St. Bede Senior and Bureau Valley Player of the Year Samantha Galas inked with Kishwaukee College on April 21, 2009, following a very successful season and career at St. Bede. Sam led the team in scoring and rebounding and was named to the First Team Tri-County All-Conference, News, Tribune All-Area, News-Gazette Special Mention All-State Team, and the La-Salle Peru News Tribune Player of the Year. “We are very excited about adding Sam to our roster. She is a well coached and very fundamental athlete that adds size and strength on the inside. She has greats hands and has a nose for the ball. Her ability to score and rebound makes her an impact player for us!” adds Wiley of Galas.
Nicole Dames Continues her Career at the University of West Alabama
Sophomore standout Nicole Dames signed with UWA on Thursday, April 24, 2009. During her two years as a Kougar, Dames saw her name placed in the Kishwaukee College record books several times: 6th All Time Career Scoring (828); 13th Single Season Scoring (466); 1st in Single Season Assists (178); and 1st in Career Assists(261). In addition, during the current season, Dames was named to the NJCAA Pre-Season First Team All-American; NJCAA All-American nominee; Region IV Player of the Week; and was a valuable contributor to the Kishwaukee women's basketball team's first 20-win season. Her career boasts appearances on the All-Region IV Team and the Arrowhead Athletic All-Conference and Academic All-Conference teams as well. “Nicole has been a huge part of our success this season and really helped build the program to our current success. She was a huge part of recruiting and her leadership ability both on and off the floor made her a cornerstone to our success. She has truly been a program changer for us and we are so happy and proud that all her hard work has paid off and she has found a new home to continue her success” lauds Martin of Dames. “She is going to be hard to let go” adds Wiley.
Robinsons signs with KC basketball
Natasha Robinson, a 6’0” guard/forward has signed to play basketball with Kishwaukee College women’s basketball for the upcoming season. Robinson is transferring from the University of Eastern Michigan where she was on the court during the 2008-09 season. During her high school career, Robinson played for Bartlett High School for three years and Wheeling High School during her senior year; she was also a member of the Full Package Platinum AAU team while in high school. Robinson has led her teams in scoring, rebounding and assists and is strong from behind the arch and free-throw line, as well as being able to post up or handle the ball. “We are very excited to welcome Natasha into our family. She is an outstanding ball player, but also a very talented and dedicated young woman with a passion for the game and for life. She does a little bit of everything and is definitely expected to contribute right away,” stated Karen Wiley, Kishwaukee College Athletic Director and Head Women’s Basketball Coach. Pictured during the signing of the letter of intent to play for Kishwaukee are, seated, L to R, Aelia Robinson, Natasha’s mother, and Natasha Robinson. Standing L to R, are Dr. Tom Choice, President of Kishwaukee College; George Robinson, Natasha’s father; Karen Wiley, KC Athletic Director and Head Women’s Basketball coach, and Kat Martin, Assistant to the Athletic Director and Assistant Women’s Basketball coach.
