Women’s Basketball Team Looks to Become Powerhouse in New Conference

The Clinton College women’s basketball team ended last season with a winning record, but head coach Jessica Blair refuses to dwell on the past as her team looks to prove itself in the Eastern Metro Athletic Conference this upcoming season.

The women’s team finished 23-3 in the National Junior College Athletic Association last year but had to move into the EMAC because Clinton College is a four-year institution.

Blair believes her team has what it takes to make some noise and take the title their first year in a competitive conference that includes back-to-back champions, Johnson & Wales University, The Apprentice School, Mid-Atlantic Christian University and Warren Wilson College.

“We have to prove ourselves all over again this season. Nobody cares about how successful we were last year,” said Blair. “However, we are up for the challenge and I’m excited to see what we can get done.”

Sophomore Rayanna Davis says she looks forward to playing against better competition and is confident Clinton College can be a powerhouse team.

To be a championship team, Blair and her players know they have to get better, especially on the defensive end. Blair has brought in Larryea Inman and Shay Lawrence to assist former Defensive Player of the Year, Taylor Mines. When it comes to overall leadership, key returners Logan McDaniels, Taylor Mines, and redshirt Kamaria Green will be called upon to complete the task on the floor.

But defense isn’t the only skill the team is focused on.

“I think one of the biggest things we need to do is remain humble…It’s time to set new goals, also build team chemistry with each other,” said Davis.

For Clinton College fans who want to catch an exciting game, Blair says she’s looking forward to two games in particular.

“I look forward to playing Johnson & Wales University because it’s in my hometown and it’s always good to see family and friends in the stand cheering us on. I also look forward to playing my alma mater Morris College.”

The women’s first game of the season is on November 4th at Benedict College.