Author - Crossover Exposure

The Long Road with Cierra Johnson

Mobile, AL 2017

One thing is for certain, Cierra Johnson has persevered and overcome many obstacles in her winding road of a basketball career thus far.  One of the most highly recruited guards out of high school in the class of 2016, Cierra was forced to take an unconventional route and attend JUCO at Shelton State after not qualifying for the NCAA and a scholarship offer to the University of Alabama.  Johnson’s list of pre-collegiate accolades includes McDonald’s All-American, USA Today All-Alabama first team, Naismith High School All-America Watch List and Jordan Brand Classic All-American.  She has now added NJCAA All-American (1st team), NJCAA All-Star Weekend MVP, ACCC Player of the Year & First Team honors to this list, while leading her team to an ACCC Championship last season.

We had a chance to catch up with Cierra for an interview about her past, present and future to better understand her story and what drives her to be great.

CRX: Growing up in Mobile, AL, how did you get started playing basketball and how old were you?
CJ: Growing up in Mobile, Al I developed the love for basketball at a very young age. My dad first put a basketball in my hand when I was 4 years old, when I first bounced a ball I was 5 and when I played my first real game, I played on an all boys basketball team.

CRX: Tell us about some of the challenges you had growing up. What was life like for you as a kid and in/through high school?
CJ: Growing up I had very dependable parents. We didn’t have much, we had a lot of struggles but my parents made sure I had everything I needed, not what I wanted. My parents invested a lot into my basketball career growing up. They may not had it all the time but they made a way to pay my fees for trips or fees for the team I was on, or sometimes people would pay for me out of the kindness of their heart because we just didn’t have it. I struggled a lot in high school, mostly with focusing on what was really important. Other than that, high school was good to me basketball was great and the people were amazing.

CRX: Take us back and walk us through your mental state when you found out you had to attend JUCO last year due to not qualifying for NCAA.
CJ: I remember sitting in my mentor’s classroom, Ms. Buchanan, when we were going over my grades discussing how I wasn’t going to qualify. I was hurt but I was more so focusing on what others were going to say. During that time I thought JUCO was going to be bad for me. I was thinking about who was going to pick me up. I didn’t have a school to attend because not qualifying was so sudden. My mental and confidence were so gone I wanted to give up because people had such high hopes for me and I felt like I let them down. But now I look at it as everything happens for a reason. God always has a plan that we all need to follow. JUCO has been the best thing that happened to me academically, mentally,socially, and has made me a better person and player.

CRX: You were selected in the JUCO All- Star Weekend and named MVP of the weekend. How was that experience and what did that mean to you?
CJ: The All- Star weekend was a great experience. I have a hard time being social but that weekend I was introduced to a lot of new people whom I still communicate with now. I am so glad I was invited to that event. When I was named MVP it meant a lot to me because even though I didn’t score a lot my intentions were to make the people around me better and I was glad my hard work didn’t go unnoticed.

CRX: What is your outlook for Shelton State this year and what are your goals as a team and individually?
CJ: Even though we lost a lot of people that were a good aspect to the team we have some key returners and some very talented freshman that can and will help us win it all. I think we all have the same team goal to WIN, to win the conference championship and the National championship. My individual goal is to be JUCO POY and to better myself as the year goes on as a person and a player.

CRX: You have achieved a lot and gained recognition as one of the best in the country. What is your ultimate goal in basketball and life?
CJ: Since I was younger I have always wanted to play Professional basketball and impact lives. My ultimate life goal would be to better my relationship with God and to help everybody know his name.

CRX: If you could speak to High School students in a similar position as you what would you tell them?
CJ: SCHOOL IS IMPORTANT!!!!!! You can not go anywhere without grades because its another athlete with better grades and the same talent as you and coaches will overlook you for them. I would also tell them you have to always work everyday to better yourself, everybody in JUCO have the same goal, to play D1 ball so you have to work and better your craft everyday. Also keep God 1st

CRX: Outside of basketball, what do you enjoy to do?
CJ: SLEEP!!!!!!!!!!  Draw or hang with friends.

CRX: Who are some influential people that have helped you along the way?
CJ: I have a few people that have helped me along the way. 1. My mom and dad for believing in my dreams and investing their time in me. 2. Barbarrah Hatcher and Tamika Hardin and Toya Steile my first coaches when I was little without them I don’t think I would be the player I am today. 3. Tiffany Buchanan for helping me with my school-work, mentoring me, and being a mother figure while in school. 4. My sisters for their undying support. They support me in every decision I make. 5. Jordan LeNoir for being in my corner and helping me make decisions, supporting me, and being their for me while I’m away from home. All of these people have made a major impact in my life.

CRX: Who is Cierra Johnson?
CJ: Cierra Johnson is a girl who grew up in Happy Hill projects in Mobile, Al. She didn’t have much but she used basketball as her ticket to get her and her family out of the situation they are in now and she puts all of her trust in the lord and would do anything to give her family the world.

CRX: Who is your favorite NBA and WNBA player and why?
CJ: My favorite NBA player would be Russell Westbrook because of his drive; he plays every game like it is his last. He is loyal to his team he would give any and everything to his team, he leaves it all on the court. My favorite WNBA player would be Maya Moore, the way she plays is so smooth she is humble, and loves the game. Maya Moore is a leader, her and Russell both gives all the glory to God.

CRX: Alabama won 22 games last year, the most since 1997. How do you see yourself fitting in with Coach Curry’s system and also with the emergence of PG Jordan Lewis?
CJ: I see myself fitting into Coach Curry’s system very well, she has a will to win so do I. I feel I bring a lot of drive and I would be a great fit for the team. Jordan Lewis is a great point guard I feel we will be a good combo in the back court.

              

Shelton State’s first game of the season is on November 3rd at Walters State Community College for the Senators Tip Off Classic @ 5:00pm .  Cierra’s long road of faith continues to transform into a testimony and body of work that will soon make her a household name in the upper echelons of Women’s collegiate and professional basketball for years to come.

Twist of Fate Brings Harrell to SE Illnois

Atlanta/Harrisburg, IL 2017

The Summer signing of former South Atlanta standout combo guard, Jada Harrell (pictured kneeling above), by SE Illinois is more than meets the eye. Harrell originally had an offer from Coach Reeves to attend Gardner-Webb University in NC, a Division 1 school in the Big South Conference. Due to slightly missing the academic standards to receive a D1 scholarship, Harrell was forced to consider other options. Coach Steve Kenner of SE Illinois immediately expressed strong interest in Jada, noting “Jada has the potential to be really good! She has something special! She is long and athletic with good ball handling skills and can play out on the perimeter as well as in the post. She is someone who can create for herself and for others! We really like what she brings to the table and she fits into our exciting brand of basketball.”  When asked what qualities are ideal during recruiting, Coach Keener offered, “When my staff and I are out evaluating recruits at events, we look for a variety of things within a student-athlete. Some of the characteristics of our rubric consists of; coach ability (how well does she take constructive criticism), comradery (is she a good teammate), work ethic (willing to work hard and put in extra time), positive energy and effort, selfless, and potential ability (willingness to be great).”

More interesting perhaps, is the back story of the area where SE Illinois is located (in an area called “Little Egypt” between Harrisburg and Equality in Saline County, IL) and Jada’s until recently unknown ancestral ties to the area.  Jada is a direct descendant of the Taborn family, the most acknowledged of the founding families of Lakeview, an unincorporated township started in 1818.  After the war of 1812 between British and United States forces, in which various Indian/Indigenous nations fought on both sides, the Taborns and six other families (7), referred to as ‘freedmen’,  moved from North Carolina and were welcomed by the 13 remaining Indian families.  Lakeview was originally called “The Pond Settlement” and was named after the Cypress swampland and wetlands that surrounds the area of Carrier Mills. It is one of the oldest settlements in Illinois, and holds the oldest dominantly African American cemetery in Illinois, which is a state historical landmark.

According to Wikipedia, “Census records indicate that the first settlers were the Allen, Blackwell, Taborn, Mitchell, Evans, Cofield, and Cole Families. These earliest Lakeview residents were most self-sufficient. They depended on a mixture of hunting and farming for their food. The early families had substantial land holdings in the Pre-Civil War era. It was only after the village of Morrillsville, later known as Carrier Mills, was established that some of these holdings were sold off. Whites continued to buy land around Lakeview during the remainder of the nineteenth century, resulting in the breakup of the larger land holdings.  Lakeview covered a series of farmsteads concentrated about 3 square miles (7.8 km2); however, the focus of the settlement has always been on the church and school, along what was is now Taborn Road.”

Jada exclaimed jokingly, “I have already been warned that any tall, light skinned guys around here could likely be my cousin.  It is really kind of nostalgic to hear about these stories.  I don’t think it is a coincidence.” Whether a coincidence or whether somehow she was drawn there, Ms. Harrell’s story is amazing in that prior to her recruitment, there was little connection for her to this historical tale in which her family played a major role as pioneers and lends to the exploration of more of her family’s legacy.  “I’m here to focus on basketball and school and I’m sure I will have the chance to learn more about our history and meet many relatives along the way.”

The Lady Falcons have a long season ahead and Coach Kenner is taking over the reigns of the Head Coaching position with high hopes of a successful campaign.  Originally from Atlanta, GA, Coach Kenner reiterates “I am really excited for us! We have a new team, with new players, and with a new coach! I believe we have a chance to be special again this year and make a run in the National Tournament. I am a firm believer that we are a “WE” program! This program is not about any individuals or myself…it is about “WE”.

 

                            

Kanna Suzuki chosen to play in NJCAA Women’s All Star Weekend

Atlanta/Niceville, FL
2017

Kanna Suzuki, along with teammates, Houlfat Mahouchiza and Ester Adinike have been chosen to participate in the 9th annual NJCAA Women’s Basketball Coaches Association All-Star Weekend.  The event will be held from July 21-24 in Niceville, FL at Northwest Florida State College.  Featuring the top 40 rising sophmores in the country, Suzuki, one of four GCAA players selected, is coming off an impressive Freshman year both individually and as the floor leader for the Lady Jets.  Kanna started in 32 out of 35 games and logged the most minutes on South Georgia Tech and fourth most in the GCAA.  She averaged 9.1 ppg and also lead her team and the GCAA with 4.8 assists (10th in NJCAA) and 36.7% from beyond the arc, while ranking 3rd in assist/turnover ratio.  Suzuki was also named the 2016-17 GCAA Freshman of the Year, helping South Georgia Tech to a testy GCAA Tournament Championship and a second round appearance in the National NJCAA Tournament.

Suzuki noted “I am super excited to receive this honor to join the top players in the country in competition.  It is a good chance to evaluate myself amongst the others and of course a good exposure opportunity.”

Suzuki is one of four returning players from last year’s surprising SGT team of 7 Freshman players.  Asked about her outlook for the upcoming season and her Summer plans, Kanna commented “Well, I came home to Japan to see my family, enjoy home and get some training.  I will return to US and train more with Dorian Lee of Bball 101 before I return to  South Georgia for the All Star Tourney.  I think we have a good core of players returning and a lot of experience.  We lost three top players in Coleman, Corbin and Fluellyn, not to mention James, but I know Coach Frey and Conyers have worked hard to bring in some new talent as well, so I feel confident that we can improve upon last year’s season and compete for our ultimate goal of an NJCAA Championship.”

Lofty goals are nothing new for the anomaly of the 5’2 Suzuki.

Camille-Awa Baud Brings Clear Vision to Cloud County

Nantes/Concordia, KS
2017

Cloud County recently signed Camille-Awa Baud, a senior PG currently finishing up at North Central Texas Academy to fill the void in the Thunderbird’s backcourt.  Ms. Baud made an instant impact on her arrival at NCT as a junior, leading her team to a 6th consecutive TAPPS State Championship and putting up around 25ppg.  Hailing from Nantes, France, Baud reflects on her journey “My first trip to the USA was in 2015, I believe in March or April, accompanied by my basketball coach Vincent Mbassi (Vince) from Kameet Basketball Academy. We went to Atlanta to see his friend Dorian Lee of Bball101, in order to play and evaluate my level in the USA.  During this week, we played really hard. It was interesting to be in a totally different environment than what I am used to. I am thankful for those two coaches, especially Vince.”

Asked about the difference between her Junior and Senior years in the US, Baud noted “During my junior year, I still had to adapt to my new way of life since it was my first year in the USA. Also, I had to play AAU which consumed a lot of my time because I lived 1:30 hours far from my team location. On the other hand, at the beginning of my senior year and during the first few months, I had to work extremely hard for many tests (ACT, SAT, TOEFL) and work on my college applications as well. I have to admit that it was a stressful period but once I was done with this, I got to relax and this allowed me to make new friends. Overall, I would say that I liked my senior year better than my junior year.”

Coach Erkenbrak, the now legendary Head Coach of Cloud County offered insight into why he extended an offer to Camille “We were in search of a quality point guard who could lead our team since our pg was graduating after back-to-back all conference seasons.  We really like Camille’s ball skills (dribbling, shooting, passing) and think she can be an effective leader for us.” When asked about Baud after her official visit, Erkenbrak replied “I have been most impressed by Camille simply by her demeanor and personality.  I really think she is the “whole package” when it comes to being a student-athlete.  Camille is forthright, honest, motivated and dedicated to doing well on the floor and in the classroom.”  Baud echoed the Coach’s sentiments, saying “Coach Erkenbrack is without doubt a great person. The first time I met him, we directly got along. He is a very respectful and interesting person and I am looking forward to be coached by him next year. Cloud County was the team that clearly wanted me without doubt and knew they could do big things with me. After talking to their coaches and visiting the school, I realized that it was the right place for me.”

Cloud County Community College has a long tradition and legacy of over 50 years under the tenure of an Erkenbrak coach.  Starting in 1975 with Dennis Erkenbrak, who coached for 23 years and compiled an impressive 502-225 record, the baton was passed to his son and current NJCAA Region 6 all time winningest Coach, Brett Erkenbrak, who has logged an astonishing 628-268 record, winning at a 70% clip.  Brett was recently inducted into the NJCAA Hall of Fame and rightfully so.  In his 29th season at the helm, Erkenbrak has seen it all, helping over 150 young women (over 50 Division I and over 100 Division II and NAIA) go on to play in 4 year schools.  Prompted about his recent induction into the NJCAA Hall of Fame, Brett said “It is a great honor and very humbling that my peers have chosen to recognize me while I am still alive and coaching.  I think it speaks to the longevity and stability of our program and most certainly to the high quality of people and players that we have had here.”

Expanding on his experience with international players, Coach Erkenbrak said “As of today, Camille is our only international player for next season.  We have had a large number of very good international players from Australia, New Zealand, Serbia, Latvia, Chile’, Cameroon, South Africa, Canada and others.  Many of these young ladies went on to play at NCAA Div. I universities  in the US.  Klara Wischer, from Melbourne, Australia, was an All-American selection for us in 2011.  She went on to play at the University of San Diego and is currently playing professionally in Australia.”

Ms. Baud has set high goals for her first year at Cloud County,  “In my first year, I believe I will bring lots of energy and motivation to our team, which is extremely important. Also, I plan on making our team collectively good, since I am a good play maker and passer, and making us all understand each other on the court and have that kind of connection that makes it all easier. I also want to bring our team the furthest possible in the national tournament and of course win a championship. But that will be a teamwork, it won’t only depend on me.”  Coach Erkenbrak countered “We have finished in the top four of our region tournament each of the last two years and 14 of the past 24 seasons.  I certainly anticipate that to continue and look for us to be a top team nationally.  Each of the top four teams in our region this past season relied heavily on sophomores who have moved on, but I would anticipate a similar finish from all involved next year.”

Its not easy to leave one’s home country in high school to find their dream and Camille Baud, known affectionately by her friends and family as Cammy, concludes with the ups and downs of crossing over “I would say that I really like the fact that anybody (in the USA) can succeed in what they want to do, there are lots and lots of opportunities. If you want it you can do it. It does not work like that everywhere. What I miss most about my country is of course my family. There are also many other things that I miss about France but to me my family is more important than anything else. ”

 

                                                                                    

 

Shogo Yasunobu signs with Victory Rock Prep

Kyoto/Bradenton

Shogo Yasunobu has been making his mark at every turn and his story continues as he crosses over to attend Victory Rock Prep post graduate program in Bradenton, Florida.  The program has a long history of success under the helm of founder and head coach, Loren Jackson, former IMG Basketball Director who has coached and developed many top players around the globe, including NBA, top Division 1 and overseas talents.  Yasunobu is a 5’8 PG, originally from Okayama, Japan.

Asked about the opportunity to work with Yasunobu, Jackson touched on the development process in guard development, “I am always pleased to work with international talents and help with the refining process through top training and competition.  Victory Rock Prep is the 2016 Grind Session National Champion and is consistently ranked as one of the top programs in the country.

Shogo made his mark early as a junior high school student, participating in the national tournament and making it to the final 8 teams, being selected as a delegate for the U15 Japan team.  With a recommendation and coming off of success, Shogo joined the basketball powerhouse Rakunan High School, the well known program in Kyoto, Japan.

After graduation, Yasunobu had the opportunity to visit the US with the Shizuoka Gymrats on a national tour.  “We heard about Shogo and were excited to see him in action, as he had a high recommendation,” noted Crossover Exposure CEO, Jerone Dodd.  “We had the chance to travel in North Carolina and West Virginia with Takuya Okada and really connect on a road trip, so it was a lot of fun to get to know Shogo and see how he matched up against some other top talent and even older competition.  He has the edge he needs to be successful and I knew Coach Jackson would be a perfect fit in terms of guard development.”

Yasunobu has taken another step in the direction of his dream of playing professional basketball. Although a small guard, Shogo packs a punch with shifty ball handling and tough finishes.  He says that he always wanted to come to the United States because of its basketball supremacy.  “People are friendly, gentle and funny.  And there are plenty of basketball courts and you can play one-on-one or pick up games anytime.  And finally I would like to teach Japanese children what I learned in the USA.”

One thing is for certain, Mr. Yasunobu and Victory Rock Prep are both looking to continue their successful ways.

SGTC Flattens Georgia Highlands 65-63 in GCAA Championship Thriller

For the second year in a row, the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association Division 1 Women’s Championship was a show-off between Georgia Highlands and the South Georgia Tech Lady Jets.  Nationally ranked SGTC (28-4|13-1) trailed the Highlands (19-14|12-2) after the first quarter in a back and forth duel.  The Lady Jets dominated the Highlands in both regular season games, but with top scorers La’Deja James and Camille Coleman (ACL injury) gone for the rest of the season, the task of topping last year’s GCAA Champion Chargers was a tough task.

The Highlands led a see-saw game into the 3rd quarter before SGTC unleashed a barrage of timely 3 pointers by Freshmen Kanna Suzuki, Marina Balaguer and Sophmore Shaineequah Fluellyn.  Fluellyn was aggressive on offense constantly creating a shot for herself in the lane and sinking threes from deep.  She led all scorers with 30 points and has carried the Lady Jets as the main scorer since Coleman and James have been out.  All American Desiree Corbin, also recovering from a knee injury, put in quality minutes although she fouled out late in the 4th quarter along with other big Houlfat Mahouchiza, who hit a key jumper in the 4th quarter to ward off a run by Highlands.  Esther Adenike also came up with a big offensive rebound and put back late in the fourth quarter and Fluellyn and Kidd hit big free throws to cement the deal.

After last year’s nail biting loss to the Highlands, Head Coach James Frey was relieved to get over the hump and not repeat the misery of leading the GCAA all year only to miss the NJCAA tourney.  Prior to the game, the GCAA announced several awards for SGTC, with Coleman and Corbin making All Conference 1st Team, Fluellyn making All Conference 2nd Team and Kanna Suzuki bringing in the GCAA Freshman of the Year Award.  Coach Frey was also Co-Coach of the Year in the GCAA.

The Lady Jets now have a week to prepare for their next game on Saturday 3/11 versus Denmark Tech in District J at 2:00pm.

Suzuki holds form as SGTC Continues to Dominate GCAA

Atlanta/Americus

South Georgia Tech continues to impress with its clear hold as the number one team in the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association, zooming to 18-3 amid conference play in a lopsided 91-39 victory vs. Chattahoochee Tech.  A couple of losses earlier in the season bumped the once top 25 program from the rankings, but from the looks of things, Coach James Frey squad may be back in the top 25 next week.

Strong play from the team’s sophomores, Desiree Corbin, Camille Coleman and Dejia James has led to a experienced and balanced attack all year.  Corbin, an All American last season, continues to dominate as a defensive force, ranking #2 in the GCAA at 10.9RPG and #1 in at 56 total blocks.  She is also chipping in 8.9 PPG.  Sharpshooter Camille Coleman is currently leading the GCAA in 3PT% at a stellar 47.9% and chipping in 10PPG and 4.4RPG.  Repeat GCAA Player of the Week and top scorer La’Deja James is posting an impressive 14.5PPG, 6.1RPG and is #1 in the conference in steals and overall FG%.  She is also shooting a conference leading 82.9% from the charity line.

Perhaps one of the biggest surprises thus far has been the play of Freshman PG Kanna Suzuki, from Hamamatsu, Japan.  Kanna has started all but 3 games in her push to lead the team to an NCAA tournament.  Last year’s loss to Georgia Highlands in the conference championship has left a bitter taste in the mouth of Coach Frey and Conyers.  Kanna’s story is interesting in that she didn’t even play her senior season due to injury.  She made a name for herself at Brandon Hall School in the GISA private school circuit as a junior, pushing her team to its first ever GISA state tournament and earning All State honors while averaging 24.5PPG.  Falling off the radar her senior year, Suzuki was discovered by Coach Conyers while playing AAU with the Georgia Red Storm in a last ditch effort to get noticed.  “I got information about Kanna while I was at the Battle of the Boro tourney and I knew that we needed to fill a PG position, so I checked her out.  I was impressed with her ability to stretch the floor, her vision and timing.  Considering that she had just recovered from an ACL injury, it was clear that she would get much better, so we took a chance with her.”

Suzuki has not let down the high expectations and has quickly made a name for herself thus far, leading the GCAA in 3PT made (39) along with total assists (94), while averaging 8.3PPG.  Sharing time with other freshman PG, Trakyra Kidd, has had its growing pains, but the two have been forced to grow up quickly and learn to minimize mistakes.  The Lady Jets look to extend their record to 19-3 next week as they journey to Atlanta to face Atlanta Metropolitan College on January 28.

Camille Coleman

La’Deja James

Desiree Corbin

Photos Courtesy of South Georgia Tech College

Mato Drgon is picked up by University of Northern Colorado

The University of Northern Colorado has officially committed to overseas standout Mato Drgon, bringing their international player count to four.  Mato, originally from Hamuliakovo, Slovak Republic, is a 6’9 stretch forward who plays inside out.  He is an efficient scorer inside and is also known for his 3 point shooting and his ability to stretch the floor.

Drgon is a two-time Slovakian National Team member with notable international experience.  He drove his team to a third place finish in the 2016 FIBA U18 European Championships, averaging 13 points and 6 rebounds.

Crossover Exposure lead scout, Jerone Dodd Jr, had the unique chance to meet and evaluate Mato this summer in Luxembourg at the LBBA (Luxembourg Basketball Association) Combine, where he competed with players from all over Europe.  “I really like Mato and think he has a tons of upside.  Anytime a big can shoot like he does and still be able to mix it up down low, it brings an asset to any team.  He comes from a good family and we were super excited to hear the good news of him joining UNC.  We anticipate that he will be able to adjust to the speed and physicality of American basketball and thrive in a program like UNC.”

drgon2 drgon1

UNC Bears Link

Akama and Kaida Contribute as Huntington Prep Blue goes to 2-0

The inaugural season for Huntington Prep Blue has been surrounded with a fair amount of anticipation for the organization to court a 2nd competitive team.  Opening on Friday night versus Alice Lloyd College, HPB didn’t hold any punches, cruising to an 83-62 win in front of a home crowd at St. Joseph’s High School.  The team exhibited an even scoring attack, with Alley leading all scorers with 22, Dekoninck dropping 19 and big man Okpomo with 10.  The two Japanese sophmores from Osaka, Japan, Kota Akama and Rintaro Kaida, also contributed solid performances in their first game, posting 9 and 8 points respectively.  Akama started at the point guard position and had a nice floor game, getting other teammates involved.  Rintaro Kaida was not far behind, showing flashes of his sharp shooting and scoring ability.

The second game  at Wesley Christian Red in Allen, KY, was much closer, going down to the last 2 minutes of a neck and neck game.  Huntington was eventually able to pull out an 8 point victory, 64 – 56.  Coach Aholode stressed the importance for all of his players to continue to develop individually and as a team.  “I told Rintaro that he is on of a few guys who have the ‘green light’.  We know he can shoot, so we just want him to be ready to take the shot with confidence and things will start to pick up for him.”  Kaida scored 5 points in the second game and Akama put 3 on the board in limited time.  Alley led all scorers for the second consecutive game at 22 points and Warden followed him with 13 points.

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All Photos by Alicia Anderson

Suzuki has Impressive Performance in South GA Tech Opener

The South Georgia Tech Lady Jets started their season with an opening home game thriller, topping Chattahoochie Valley Community College on November 1st.  With only one returning player and two freshman point guards, South GA Tech used timely defensive pressure and key scores in the 4th quarter to overcome a seesaw battle in front of a full crowd.

Down by 5 points with less than 2 minutes remaining, Kanna Suzuki hit a big three pointer to pull South GA Tech to within 2 points.  Kanna was soon fouled thereafter and converted the first free throw before missing the 2nd.  Fortunately for South GA Tech, Ester Adenike, one of the 5 international players on South GA Tech’s roster, was able to slide in for an offensive rebound and the put-back to lift the Lady Jets by 1 point.   The Lady Jets were able to hold on and post a 68-63 win over CVCC.

Starting at Point Guard, Suzuki ended as the high scorer for the Lady Jets, tallying 16 points, 4 assists and 2 steals.  Head Coach James Frey noted in a pre game interview that Kanna has brought a certain calm to the team and provided a good example on and off the court.  The Lady Jets take on IMG in the Lady Jets Tipoff Classic on November 5th and look to keep their winning ways going.

Links:

Lady Jets Site