The Ellsworth Community College women's basketball team will begin its season in just a few short weeks. The women have already attended several jamborees and scrimmages to get ready for regular season play.
"This year's team will be a lot more balanced," says Head ECC Women's Basketball Coach Ed Geitz. "We will have a deeper bench than the last couple of years."
The Panthers return five sophomores: Chantelle Rumph (Sanford, FL), April Jones (Humboldt, IA), Tyra Wickland (Guthrie Center, IA) and Anna Smith (Marengo, IA) are bringing a lot of floor experience from last year. Jade Brown (Sanford, FL) was injured last year but will return to contribute with the team's veterans. Rumph, a point guard from last year, will bring the most floor experience for the team.
ECC has also brought in transfer Jahne Williams (Jacksonville, FL) to help the Panthers. Williams is a 5'10" post/forward. A transfer from Trinity Bible College, Williams was just awarded DII Top 4-year transfer by the NJCAA. "Jahne will bring a good presence inside and on the perimeter," commented Coach Geitz.
The Panthers have a big freshman class to help the team as well, with seven incoming players. Antoinette Williams (Jacksonville, FL) will be a ball handler for the team that the Panthers are hoping will do good things. Megan Marlette (Ackley, IA) is a local player from AGWSR who is an athletic forward/center. Devin Leffler (Ottumwa, IA) will play wing for the Panthers; Devin is a good passer, defender and rebounder. Janelle McCullough (Detroit, MI) is an inside player. Rebekah Hart (Elgin, MN) is a 6'1" post. Sydney See (Nevada, IA) is a guard for the Panthers, and Olivia Barritt (Marshalltown, IA) will be a perimeter player who will provide ECC with a bigger presence on the outside.
"The incoming class has a lot of talent. Rebekah will be the strongest physical player we have ever had at ECC. Sydney has a good basketball IQ and will really help us on the perimeter," commented Coach Geitz. "Olivia was named NJCAA DII Top Incoming Freshman, and she was 3rd Team All State last year at GMG."
The Panthers will be on the road for the first five games of the year starting at NIACC in the Konigsmark Classic on Friday, Nov. 6, at 2 pm. ECC will host its first game during the Dale Howard Classic on Friday, Nov. 21, at 6 pm.