For the Schoolcraft College women’s basketball team, the 2019-20 season understandably was one of transition, learning and growth under first-year coach Shay Lewis. The Ocelots finished 9-18 overall, but feel they created a foundation for success in the coming seasons.
Lewis joined the program in August of 2019, so this is her first recruiting class as she continues to build the program and establish the culture.
“The biggest thing I was looking for was high-character student-athletes,” she said. “I think if that’s your starting point, then everything else will work itself out.”
In terms of skills, Lewis brought in players who can defend, are sound fundamentally and ready to work.
“We want to defend, run and get a lot of transition buckets,” Lewis said. “I’m super-excited about the student-athletes we have, and I can’t wait to get them on the court.”
Here’s a profile of each new player, with comments from Lewis:
Natasha Carter / Detroit/ Macomb / Forward / Chippewa Valley High School
MAC Blue All-Conference Honorable Mention; All-MAC Academic
“Natasha will help us plug up the paint on defense. She is a long and strong body who will have a great inside presence. She is a strong rebounder and has the potential to be a dominant force around the basket offensively and defensively.”
Samantha Smith / Wyandotte / Roosevelt High School
All News-Herald Dream Team; Downriver All-League; Team MVP
“Sam is going to be a huge force for us on both ends of the court. She will stretch the floor with her ability to play inside and the perimeter. She attacks the basket strong and is a long defender who will be a key part to our defensive pressure.”
Alicia Ortiz / Dearborn / Guard / Crestwood High School
Honorable Mention Detroit News All-Area - West
“Alicia is so athletic. She has a lot of moves in her bag and is a dynamic offensive player. Defensively she is quick and has good hands and good instincts.”
Justina Szalkowski / Dearborn / Guard / Dearborn High School
All Conference KLAA; BCAM Top Shooters - sixth in the state for free-throw percentage; KLAA East Division All Conference Team; Honorable Mention Detroit News All Area - West
“Justina is our sharpshooter. We believe she is one of the top girls’ high school shooters in the state. She can also defend and works really hard. She is going to bring a strong work ethic and a great passion for playing every single game.”
Markayla Shannon / Flint / Forward / Kearsley High School
Honorable Mention Flint Metro All-League - Stripes Division
“Although she will only be a freshman, I think Markayla is going to be one of our leaders. She has a great spirit and work ethic. She's fast, long and has quick hands. She plays with a lot of energy and has a positive attitude, which is really important.”
Laila Bell / Wayne-Westland / Guard / Wayne Memorial High School
“Laila is another one of our shooters and plays with such a big heart. She also has a high basketball IQ. She's a smart player and a very tough defender.”
Jasmine Ellis / Mount Clemens / Forward / Michigan Math and Science Academy
Broke several records at her high school, including most blocked shots, most points scored in a game, most rebounds and she was her Team MVP
“’Jazz’ is a strong body and has a good inside presence. She will play a big part of helping us dominate on defense and on the boards.”
Iasia Rimson / Detroit / Guard / Farmington High School
OAA White First Team All-League
“Iasia, a transfer from Saint Clair County Community College, is a talented point guard. She has good court vision, good passing skills and is able to create and get to the basket.”
Taedom Stein / St. Clair Shores / Forward / Lakeview High School
Detroit News Division 1 All-State Honorable Mention; Macomb Area Conference - Blue, First Team All-League ; Detroit News All-Area - East Third Team; Team MVP
“Taedom is another player who will be very valuable for us on both ends of the court. She is a dominant rebounder and strong finisher around the basket. She also will stretch the floor because she can shoot the three ball consistently and has the court vision of a point guard.”
Angelena Willis / Pontiac / Shooting Guard / Avondale High School
“Angelena will stretch the floor for us. She can shoot the three well and has long range. She will also be another strong body on the glass for us. Angelena is all about a ‘team first’ mentality and will look to be a vocal leader on and off the court.”