NEW ORLEANS (Nov. 10, 2016) – Dillard University introduced 10 new players to the women’s basketball team, stretching the team to a roster of 14 in high hopes of creating a winning combination.
The record for women’s basketball since the arrival of head coach Norbert Rome, in his fourth year, is 28-46, with 0-3 in conference.
The Lady Bleu Devils’ next game is at 5:30 p.m. today against William Carey University here. The team won its home opener against Florida Memorial College, after wins against Dallas Christian College on Halloween and Paul Quinn College. It is 3-0.
Rome said, “As head coach, my task is to keep the team focused and prepared for each practice so we will be ready to do our best in every game.”
Falling short on the court in the GCAC Women’s Basketball Tournament for three consecutive years, the Lady Bleu Devils were able to rise to the top in academics as they were named 2015-16 NAIA Scholar Team, with a combined 3.333 grade-point average.
“Our vision this year is for us to become the best we can be in competition, in the classroom, and in our community. Our focus is and has always been about competing for conference championship every year and making the national tournament,” said Rome.
Ten new players joined four returning players. Six of the 10 are freshmen, with five sophomores and a junior.
The freshmen include Destiny Ephrom and Chelsea Verrett, both of Baton Rouge, formerly known as the “U-High Duo” that helped win back-to-back Class 3A state titles. Other freshmen are Daizha Norris and Makeeda Collins, both of Houston; Lauren Taylor of Rosharon, Texas; and Kia Smith of Lithonia, Ga.
The three new sophomores are Teira Nickerson of Terrytown; Adriiana Jackson of Houston; and Tracey Mwenesi of Bungoma, Kenya (the daughter of new head volleyball coach Nancy Sikobe). The junior is Alexia McDonald of Petal Miss.
Two seniors and two sophomores are returning this season. Seniors Shantrell Lumar of Baton Rouge and Keona Favis of Shreveport (named student-athlete of the year) have played all four years. The returning sophomores are Shaelynn Moore of Houston and Alyssa Washington of Austin.
Rome called the team special “because we have very good chemistry off the court as well as on the court. We have good leadership in place and we are very athletic at all positions.”
