Basketball Season Outlook

The Midway College Eagles enter the 2011-12 season coming off a fourth place finish in the KIAC regular season and a semi-final appearance in the KIAC tournament. With nine returning players and seven new faces, expectations are high for Midway basketball. The Eagles brought in a very talented recruiting class of six freshmen and one transfer. This year the up-tempo Eagles will bring their tenacious pressure defense and high octane offense to the court. A team very hungry to win the KIAC conference tournament, and earn Midway’s first NAIA National Tournament appearance. The Eagles continue to build higher expectations, and this year will be a huge step in the right direction. Head Coach Karley Mohler is optimistic about the season.

“The coaching staff knew coming into this season we had to adjust to our team. This team has a lot of speed and expectations are high with the new high octane defense and offense. Our team has two main things working for it right now: an industrious work ethic and the hunger to learn. Nothing is guaranteed and anything can happen in the game of basketball, but our team will be ready for every challenge. This team is full of talented young women who can defend and score.”

Whitney Odom returns for her senior year after an ALL- KIAC season as the Eagles leading scorer averaging 12.7 points per game. Odom is super athletic and smooth; she can really create havoc for defenders with her ability to put it on the floor or hit the three. We look for her to have a successful senior year. Lyndsay Champlin is coming off a solid sophomore campaign. Each year Lyndsay has gotten better on both sides of the floor. She could be a huge surprise for the KIAC defensively. Offensively has great shooting touch and we look for her to continue play a key role in our success.

Shantel Cherry,was huge in the KIAC tournament win over CCU, while maturing last season as the back-up point guard. She continues to push the tempo and help the team with her speed. She is a great defender, rebounds extremely well from the guard position, and has the ability to find the open teammate. Senior Janel Wilkersonlooks to help anchor the newly designed offense and defense. Janel played some of her best basketball down the stretch last season and we hope she can continue the momentum into 2011-12. The team will depend on her leadership, driving presence, and rebounding ability.

Whitley Henry had a productive sophomore year and gained valuable experience. Whitley really stepped up her game on both sides of the floor last season. She caused a lot of problems for opponents on the defensive end and had games where she really lit it up offensively. We will look for her to bring lots of energy and pressure. Twins, Erin and Ashley Lucas will play crucial guard roles this season. They can really defend and lock players down. They play well together, can drive to the bucket, or hit the open three, which will be a big part of the Eagle’s game plan this season.

Michelle Smith and Maggie Juergensen will bring depth to the Eagles in the small forward position. Their ability to rebound and run the floor will be a necessity for the Eagles to succeed. Transfer Ksenija Knezevic (Miami Dade CC) will have a lot to offer with her experience and athleticism. She is an all around player and will help the Eagles get to the next level. Some freshmen will have the opportunity to contribute in 2011-12. Miranda Rone (Logan Co. HS, KY) is a forward with the ability to shoot the three and make her presence felt on the boards. Shauntae Jackson (Scott Co HS, KY) is a versatile guard who can defend and get by people with her quickness. Lauryn Yevincy (Owensboro Catholic HS, KY), a starter on last year’s KHSAA state tournament runner-up, is a long range shooter who can stretch defenses. McKinzie Laswell (Paoli HS, IN) is a smart player who knows the game and can hit the open shot.

“We have a great group of young women who expect to play at a high level. We are looking forward to this season it should be an exciting year. We will be fast paced and fun to watch!” Coach Mohler

Midway College basketball opens the season at home on November 1st, 7:00 pm, verses UC-Clermont at Marshall Gymnasium.