Transfers Bring New Energy To Lady Sharks
Fighting through adversity was the theme of last season for Miami Dade College’s women’s basketball team.
The team lost its first seven games before they willed themselves to win nine of their last 12 games, qualifying for the State Tournament.
Unfortunately, the Lady Sharks, who finished the season 15-16, lost in the first round at the State Tournament. But reaching the Tournament was an accomplishment.
This year, the Lady Sharks have their sights set higher.
“We’re looking to take the whole thing,” said guard Shatara Jackson, a 5-foot-5 inch transfer from the College of Central Florida, who didn’t play last year.
Jackson will be joined by another transfer, 6-foot-1 inch center, Jaiveonna Norris, a transfer from Western Kentucky University. She averaged 2.4 points and 0.8 rebounds per game.
“Both JV [Norris] and Shay [Jackson] are a great fit,” said Lady Sharks head coach Susan Summons. “I love their style of play and they love my style of coaching.”
Summons is excited to have a full complement of players on her bench this year. Last season the Lady Sharks had just 10 players on their roster. This year they have 15.
Two returning players expected to have an impact are: center Rakena Bowers, who averaged four points and 6.4 rebounds a game last year and guard Lakishna Munroe, who averaged 4.8 points a game and shot nearly 40% from behind the 3-point line through 31 games last year.
“This year I think that everyone understands their role,” Munroe said. “Even the new players I think are looking up to [the sophomores] and fitting the pieces.”
In her second season at MDC, Munroe looks forward to having more of an impact on the court for the Lady Sharks.
“My vision on the court is better and I feel like I can do more now,” Munroe said.
Bowers also envisions the team improving on last year’s season.
“This year everyone is a leader,” said Bowers, a 6-foot-2 inch North Carolina native. “Every position from freshman to sophomore—everyone knows what they need to do.”
The Lady Sharks start the regular season Oct. 31 against Hillsborough Community College at 6 p.m. at the Theodore R. Gibson Health Center at the Kendall Campus, 11011 S.W. 104 St.
