2011 - 2012 Preview
The 2011-12 Lady Wolves of are looking to get off to a better start than the 0-10 record they faced in the 2010-11 season. Despite the rough beginning, the Lady Wolves went on to win eleven out of the last thirteen regular season games to earn a first round bye in the playoffs. Last year's late season surge earned them their fourth appearance at the NJCAA national tournament. Joliet was able to capture this feat by beating #2 ranked Rock Valley College in the Region IV Championship by a score of 77-67.
The Lady Wolves lost their first two games to Brookdale College (NJ) and Butler College (PA) before beating Suffolk County College (NY) to place seventh at the national tournament.
"Having a chance to play for a national title with eleven freshman showed how much talent we had on this team. To start the season 0-10 was remarkable and evidence that hard work and determination pays off," Sanderson said.
Joliet is returning five players from last years team. Five of the six started a bulk of the games. This is the first year in Coach Sanderson's era that he has had this much experience returning under his system.
"It really makes a difference when you are able to return players from the previous year. Not only are they used to college life, but they are familiar and confident in the system that's in place and they can help teach the newcomers," Sanderson said.
Returning players are Celestra Warren, Danasha Jenkins, Adjoa Matthews, Keairra Collins, and Nichelle Drayton.
Celestra Warren's freshman season saw her average nearly a double-double in points and rebounds while leading the team in field goal percentage. She earned Region IV player of the week, NJCAA Division III player of the week and all-conference honors. Celestra was also one of 36 players selected to play in the NJCAA All-Star Game in Pensacola, Florida in early July. The 2011 Region IV MVP has been drawing interest from Division I and II schools from her performance at this annual event.
"Celestra has really improved her work ethic and has put the time in to become an outstanding player. She is beginning to make her mark as one of the better athletes in JJC history," Sanderson said.
"I am very comfortable in our system and I understand what is expected of me on this team. Coach has taught us what it takes to win, now it's time to pass the test," Warren said.
Sanderson's most experienced player is in shooting guard Danasha Jenkins. "Shay" came to Joliet in the spring of 2010 and has seen the highs and lows of the Lady Wolves. Since her arrival, Shay has shown if Joliet needs a basket, give her the basketball.
"Shay has the ability to score in bunches. She is a very tough player and our best off the dribble shooter," Sanderson said.
"I'm ready to capitalize on last year's success. We are determined to bring a championship to JJC. I know the talent and system is here to make it happen," Jenkins said.
Adjoa Matthews will be counted upon to rebound, score, and defend. When asked, Sanderson said, "The best thing Adjoa can give us this year is consistency. We know as a staff what Adjoa is capable of. We need Adjoa to know what she is capable of."
"I haven't had much success on previous teams but coming into my second year I understand what it takes to be successful. I'm ready to play!" Matthews said.
Keairra's last game in a Joliet uniform ended with her making six 3-pointers at the national tournament. Keairra shot just over 31% from the 3-point line and was the second leading scorer on last year's team.
"With Keairra's ability to shoot the three, we are never out of a game. She is definitely a game changer," Sanderson said.
"Having the green light to shoot, my confidence grew in my shot. This year will be more of a challenge since the three point line has moved back," Collins said.
The Lady Wolves tradition of playing at a fast pace will be counted upon with Nichelle Drayton. She was thrown in the fire after limited playing time in high school. Nichelle will be asked to get the ball to scorers and disrupt opposing point guards on the defensive end.
"Nichelle has the attributes of being the top point guard in this region. Once she commits to her duties, she will be tough to contain," Sanderson said.
"I've worked nearly every day this summer to improve myself. I'm ready for the challenge," Drayton said.
This core of sophomores will welcome in three transfers in Britney Smith (Clark-Atlanta), DeAnna Evans (Concordia-Chicago), and Jameka Evans (Butler University).
"We are very excited about our transfers. Britney Smith will be the fastest player I've ever coached. She is a lock-down defender who is physically and mentally tough. We expect Britney to shut down opposing teams' best players," Sanderson said.
"DeAnna Evans is probably the best passing post player that I have seen in a while. She will be a dominate force in our region," Sanderson said.
Joliet Central graduate Jameka Evans returns home to rejoin her high school teammates after transferring from Butler University.
"Jameka is an athletic post that brings an interior defensive presence in the paint. She is very active and hustles on every play," Sanderson said.
To go along with the transfer student-athletes, Coach Sanderson has recruited a group of freshman in Joliet Central's Brianna Marble, Carisa Banks (Lockport), Alana Warren (Davenport West, IA), and Cherish Jackson (Marine Military).
"Brianna Marble will be a special player for us. I am expecting big things from her. Since day one, Brianna has been eager to learn. She has a very bright future," Sanderson said.
"Carisa Banks has been making improvements since making the team in tryouts. She will give us more depth at the guard position," Sanderson said.
"Alana Warren makes us a very versatile team. She gives us added depth at the point guard position with her passing ability. At the same time, we can play her at the small or power forward spot," Sanderson said.
"Cherish Jackson will give us added depth in the post. She appears to be very passionate about rebounding. Everything we have taught her up to this point she has grasped and applied it to her game. I can't wait to see what type of player she will be in February," Sanderson said.
The Lady Wolves get a bonus when red shirt point guard Brianna Turner (Thornwood) debuts from a knee injury that kept her out of the 2010-11 season.
"We are excited to have Brianna back. She has made great strides to get back on the court. A year to watch from the sidelines will help Brianna transition to the college game," Sanderson said.
Assistant coach George Lowery returns to JJC for a fourth year. He will focus on post development. "It's always good to a staff member return that is familiar with your system and approach to game situations. Our players will benefit from Coach Lowery's experience on this staff," Sanderson said.
Coach Sanderson will also welcome a former assistant and Joliet Junior College alum in Coach Ryan Harris. Ryan was the assistant with Coach Sanderson under Tony Giese in 2006-07. Ryan has been instrumental in the Lady Wolves core development and weight training.
As always, Coach Sanderson has put together another tough schedule. This year the Lady Wolves travel to Peoria to play powerhouse Illinois Central. They will also travel to Cedar Rapids, IA to take on Iowa Central and Kirkwood Community College (4 National titles in the last 5 years). The schedule also has dates with Prairie State, Kennedy-King College, Kishwaukee, Illinois Valley, Moraine Valley, Parkland, Lake Michigan, South Suburban, and Kankakee. "It's the tough schedule that prepares you for the playoff run. Sometimes you have to lose to understand how to win," Sanderson said.
"I love to play on the road. That's when you find out the character of your team. Also there are less distractions on the road," Sanderson said.
Sanderson doesn't have to look too far for tough competition. The N4C Conference has Rock Valley, Madison, Wright, Harper, Triton, and Milwaukee to contend with.
"We never take our conference lightly. Although teams may be down one year, all it takes is one recruiting class to get you back in contention. Unfortunately, some of the teams have been faced with injuries or other situations that may have caused their down year. But, they'll be back," Sanderson said.
Although Sanderson and the Lady Wolves think about nationals from time to time. They know this is a new year and a new team. There are expectations of them returning to Rochester, MN but nothing is given. You must earn it.
When asked what's the game plan to get back to Nationals? Sanderson responded, "We need to focus on one game at a time. We are not a championship team in October/November. We just want to get better each day and we will cross that bridge when we get there."