LIVONIA, Michigan— Schoolcraft College coach Karen Lafata, is trying to coax her team to the NJCAA Nationals for the third straight year. The tourney will be hosted by Illinois Central College in East Peoria, Illinois March 16-19. Currently the Schoolcraft Ladies are ranked sixth in the country.
The Lady Ocelots raised their record to 19-3 with two wins this week. They bested Kirkland Community College on the road, 67-55 and Mott Community College, 90-66 at home.
Kimberly Bee went on a tear with 18 rebounds against Kirkland CC. She became the all-time leading rebounder for Schoolcraft College.
Bee, a 6’1” sophomore center from Detroit CMA High School, now has 679 career rebounds. Maricka Seays set the Schoolcraft College women’s mark of 670 from 2005-07.
Against Kirkland CC, Bee had 13 points and also six blocked shots. Four other Schoolcraft players scored in double figures, Diamond Tolliver-15, Cameo Kendrick-12, Shawnicka Thomas-10 and Shealica Grandberry-10.
Kirtland trailed 33-25 at halftime and pulled to within five, 55-50, but could get no closer. Gina Gerow paced the Firebirds (8-12, 4-5) with 14 points. Micaiah King added 11 points and nine boards, while Teri Taylor chipped in with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Dominque Richard also tallied 10 points.
Against Mott CC the Lady Ocelots went on a tear, winning 90-46. It was the 57th consecutive home win for Schoolcraft. Freshman guard Diamond Tolliver’s had 19 points to go along with five assists for the winners.
Bee added 13 points, 13 rebounds, and seven blocks. Amber Sammons also had 13 points and dished out five assists, while Cameo Kendrick added 11 points.
It was a balanced attack as Charlise Slater, Shanequa Braggs and Shawnicka Thomas each scored 10 points for the Lady Ocelots. Braggs also grabbed nine rebounds, while Sheallica Grandberry also had five assists. The Schoolcraft Ladies shot 53% from the floor.
Mott CC which had a short staffed bench got 12 points from Adrienne Weaver, while Beth Kozar added 11 and Keyanni Bell tossed in 10.
The game was broadcast on the Schoolcraft College Television Network with Raymond Rolak and Pete Krupsky calling the action. The telecast will have an encore presentation in selected markets. The next SCTN broadcast will be February 9, against
Oakland CC (9-10). It will be ‘Pink Zone Night’. Proceeds will benefit the Kay Yow
Cancer Fund. A special collector’s tee-shirt will be available for purchase. more at www.schoolcraft.edu
