The Marshalltown Community College women's basketball team will open the 2014-15 season with a similar look to last year, but in a completely different setting. The Tigers will embark on the program's first year at the NJCAA Division I level.
"We know it'll be a challenge at the Division I level this year," stated head coach Steve Garber, "but we expect to raise our standards this year as well."
The Tigers return five players that provided quality minutes during their freshman seasons. Jasmin Howe (Millicent, Australia/Millicent), Jamerka Martin (Milwaukee, WI/Rufus King), and Courtney Williams (Milwaukee, WI/Bradley Tech) all started at least 16 games last year while Kaleigh Sieck (Toledo, IA/South Tama) started 13 games before suffering a season-ending injury. Point guard Ilsie Calles (Van Nuys, CA/Fulton Prep) appeared in all 30 games in the backcourt.
Howe led the Tigers in scoring last year, averaging 15.2 points per game while shooting almost 40 percent from three-point range. Martin also hit double-figures with a 10.1 average. Williams-Perry averaged 10.1 rebounds per game.
"We're strong in the leadership category this year," Garber continued. "We're hoping to see each of the returners increase their basketball skills over the course of the year."
"Jamerka has shown improvements coming into the year. She's stronger and more confident. She's looking to score more. Ilsie has shown an aggressive side early on in preseason as well."
The Tigers welcome five new faces to this year's team, including four freshman.
"The freshman will provide stability for us this year. We'll count on the freshman to give us something each game. It's a nice refreshing need for this team."
Sammie Sproul (Waterloo, IA/Waterloo West) will provide stability in the backcourt for the Tigers, both offensively and defensively. MCC will rely on two freshman down low in JeAnn Hiraldo (Ames, IA/Ames) and Jaden Davenport (Tama, IA/Meskwaki).
Davenport came to MCC as a walk-on but has proven herself early. "Jaden does what she needs to do. She's been a consistent presence in the preseason. She's been a surprise and does everything we ask of her. She's got a little fight in her that will benefit the team."
The Tigers will look to provide a balance between the front court and back court. "We'll look to penetrate at times with our guards, while our inside game will eventually become stronger."
"The kids look for each other, similar to last year. Teamwork is what we're going to bank on."
The 2014-15 conference schedule will feature Iowa Western Community College and Northeast Community College in the new look Division I conference for the Tigers. Both teams have been predicted to finish in the top four in the district this year.
Garber alluded to the overall schedule as a challenge the Tigers look to take on. "Top to bottom, our schedule will be tough. We play quality nonconference teams along with strong Division II teams."
"As long as we don't fear the opponent and we work hard as a team, we'll be successful."
The Tigers waste no time getting accustomed to the Division I level as MCC opens up the season at the Comfort Inn/Pizza Hut Classic hosted by Moberly Area Community College this weekend.
