Duo Selected To The 2020 NJCAA Women’s Basketball Coaches Association All-Star Team
Lady Sharks’ forwards Nazlah Morrow and Alise Markova were selected to the 2020 National Junior College Athletic Association Women’s Basketball Coaches Association All-Star team.
The All-Star game, in its 13th season, will not be played this year because of concerns over the coronavirus.
This year’s team, announced on June 22, features 50 players from across the country—33 Division I, 12 Division II, and five Division III players—entering their sophomore year who participated in the 2019-20 season.
Morrow was one of the Lady Sharks best players, averaging 14.5 points and 9.6 rebounds per game while shooting 49.5% from the field last year. Markova averaged six points, 5.7 rebounds and she brought a shot blocking presence to the Lady Sharks’ front court, averaging 2.8 blocks per game.
Both players are known for their tenacious work ethic and competitive nature.
“After every game, you can catch us joking around about how one of us out-rebounded the
other,” Morrow said. “If I have more rebounds one game, Alise will come back the next game and have one or two more than me.”
Markova believes her play will improve next season because of the confidence her coaches and teammates instilled in her.
“I feel like my first season wasn’t my best season because I was a freshman and didn’t have self-confidence,” Markova said. “Luckily, my coach developed [that confidence] in me. With confidence in myself and an amazing team, I know my second season will be much better.”
Lady Sharks’ head women’s basketball coach Susan Summons is counting on the duo to be an integral part of the 2021 season. She is banking on their leadership and maturity to improve on last year’s 20-12 mark that saw them get eliminated from the Florida College System Activities Association State Tournament in the semifinal game.
“Coaching is not just about the X & O’s, but also about player development, motivation, and helping the student realize their potential,” Summons said.
