The Northeast women’s basketball team will take on a whole new look this coming season with only one player returning from last year’s squad.  For many programs that would spell danger, but for the Northeast women’s basketball program, it spells opportunity and excitement, according to Head Coach Matt Svehla.   

The lone returner for the Hawks is 5’10” Jennifer Heller from Wisner, Neb.  Heller started most games for the Hawks during the 2006-07 season and led the team in rebounds at 5.5 rpg.  Coach Svehla is expecting Heller to play a bigger role this season.  “With Jennifer being our lone returner, she will be asked to do a lot,” he said.  “She may have the same role in terms of contributing statistically, but her leadership role will be greater.  Without a doubt, Jennifer can step into that role.” 

            The program did sign two transfers, Tiersa Fernandes, 5’7”, Brownsburg, Ind., and Deja Watson, 5’10”, Westerville, Ohio.  According to Coach Svehla, Fernandes is a combo guard who can run the point position and shoot the three.  He said Watson is a forward who has great quickness and athleticism.  Both players transferred from Wabash Valley College in Illinois and will bring experience to the program.

            The signing of the incoming freshmen class is key to every junior college program, but it may be even more important for this year’s team, according to Svehla.  The freshmen will not have the luxury of coming along slowly and following the lead of a large sophomore group.  “They will be thrown into the mix and be asked to contribute immediately,” Coach Svehla said.
           
            He likes the freshmen group of players.  “I feel good about our new kids.  We always want to get the best talent that we can get, but also want kids with great attitudes and work ethics,” he said.  “These freshmen have those characteristics and I am really anxious to coach them.  We signed nine freshmen and we have all positions covered.” 
           
            Coach Svehla offers these observations on his players:  Alexis Habiger, 5’6”, Wilbraham, Mass., is a quick combo guard who plays very hard and is a leader.  Jasmine Lovejoy, 5’8”, Wilbraham, Mass., is a great athlete who is a scorer and can play anywhere on the floor.  Whitley Smiley, 5’10”, Chicope, Mass., has good strength and mobility in the post.  Mairead McNally, 5’9”, Belfast, Northern Ireland, is a combo guard who can slash and shoot the three.   Elisha Foley, 5’8”, Melbourne, Australia, is a multi-skilled guard with great court sense and knows how to compete.  Ebonie Graham, 5’7”, Lexington, Ky, is an athletic player who can play any position.   Brittany Reeg, 6’1”, Genoa, Neb., is a fundamentally-sound lefty who can play in the post or on the perimeter.  Raelene Buschow, 6’0”, Blue Hill, Neb., has good strength and is fundamentally sound in the post.  Monickia Strong, 5’10”, Omaha, Neb., is a player who can score with strength or versatility. 
            Coach Svehla is expecting these freshmen to be major contributors and says he really likes the make-up of the entire team.  “It is always nice to bring freshmen along at a steady pace, but these freshmen will have to grow up fast because some will be on the floor right away.  These newcomers may experience some ups and downs, but I believe that this is a talented group that will develop nicely,” he predicts.  “As a whole team, I feel that the fundamentals and the basketball instincts are pretty high.  The team depth may also be a strength with this group.” 

More Information

Matt Svehla
(402) 844-7316
matt@northeastcollege.com