Like most junior colleges, it is sometimes hard to predict how a team will be from year to year. The Northeast Community College Women’s Basketball team loses seven players to graduation. Five of those seven played extensive minutes during the past two seasons.

That’s the bad news. The good news is that the program does return four players who saw good minutes a year ago. Emily Moran is a returning point guard who started every game as a freshman and who also led the team in scoring (15 ppg), assists (4 apg), and steals (3 spg). Her return, along with the return of Cati Keating, 6’2”, Norfolk, NE; Delischa Utsey, 5’10”, Kansas City, MO; and Maria Nilsson, 6’0”, Sweden, will be important to the success of the 2005-06 season. Svehla feels comfortable with his returners, but he said they still have something to prove. “Emily Moran was in the middle of everything last season and really got a lot of experience. Cati, Delischa, and Maria served as subs and were not always in the mix, but we are expecting them to step up and be major contributors this season.” At 6’2”, Keating will give the team a sizeable presence inside. Nilsson is known for her ability to stroke the three, and Utsey is a slashy, left-hander who can get to the basket.

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 because only four players return. Svehla likes his incoming group. “I feel good about our new kids. We received commitments from eight players and we recruited all positions. Generally speaking, newcomers take some time to adjust, but we’ll need some to step-up immediately.” Signed newcomers include: Christine Uzoh, 5’9”, Phoenix, AZ; Angela Long, 5’6”, Omaha, NE; Kelli Lollman, 5’9”, Norfolk, NE; Janae Young, 5’10”, Sacramento, CA; Angie Peters, 5’10”, Dixon, NE; Jenny Schulz, 6’0”, Battle Creek, NE; Ashley Walters, 5’8”, Battle Creek, NE; and Helena Klackenberg, 6’1”, Sweden. Christine Uzoh is a transfer from Central Arizona CC (2005 Nat’l Champs) and will bring experience to the backcourt for the Hawks. Janae Young is a highly skilled inside/outside player who can score. Angela Long is a solid point guard who scored over 1,300 points during her high school career. Helena Klackenberg is a mobile 6’1” forward with solid skills. Kelli Lollman is coming off a solid high school career as a multi-sport athlete. Angie Peters and Jenny Schulz bring some added strength to the interior. Ashley Walters is a player who can contribute with her toughness. If things come together, as Coach Svehla is expecting, the 2005-06 campaign could be special.

More Information

Matt Svehla
(402) 844-7316
matt@northeast.edu