Coach Karen Lafata has Schoolcraft College running toward finals, ‘Bee’ breaks record

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LIVONIA— The Michigan Community College Athletic Association playoffs
are on the horizon. With eight new freshmen, Schoolcraft College coach Karen Lafata,is trying to direct her team to the National Junior College Athletic Association finals forthe third straight year. The NJCAA tourney will be hosted by Illinois Central College in East Peoria, Illinois March 16-19.

Currently the Schoolcraft Ladies are ranked sixth in the country. The LadyOcelots (20-3) have won their last 15 games. In their last three games they came from behind to beat Delta College, 56-51. They also bested Kirkland Community College on the road, 67-55 and Mott Community College, 90-66 at home.
The win against Delta College was the 58th straight home win for the LadyOcelots. “It’s the Schoolcraft family and team approach, I have great help from mylongtime assistant coaches Kevin Brathwaite and Marty Simmonds,” said Lafata.

Kimberly Bee became the all-time leading rebounder for Schoolcraft College.“She has been outstanding with all parts of her game,” added Lafata. Bee grabbed 21rebounds versus Delta College while adding another 18 boards against Kirkland CC.

Bee, a 6’1” sophomore, center, now has 700 career rebounds. Maricka Seayshad the old Schoolcraft College women’s mark of 670 from 2005-07.
Delta (14-7) led at halftime, 27-20 sparked by Grace Baumgartner who had four-3’s in the game. Schoolcraft took their first lead at 13:20 of the second-half. Freshman,Shawnicka Thomas had an effective give-and-go with Cameo Kendrick at 12:20 andthat was a game highlight. Thomas added two more quick baskets which started to sealthe comeback. Diamond Tolliver had 15 points for the winners.

Delta College coach Kelly Miller, got a non-stop effort from freshman, Jessica Duncan who bombed in two-3’s. Also, freshman, Nana Hall had two steals in the lasttwo minutes to keep it close for the Pioneers.

Against Kirkland CC, Bee had 13 points and also six blocked shots. Four otherSchoolcraft players scored in double figures, Tolliver-15, Kendrick-12, Thomas-10 andShealica Grandberry-10.

At halftime, Kiktland trailed 33-25 and pulled to within five, 55-50, but could not get closer. Gina Gerow paced the Firebirds (8-12) with 14 points. Micaiah King added 11 points and nine boards, while Teri Taylor chipped in with 11 points and 10 rebounds.Dominque Richard also tallied 10 points.

Against Mott CC the Lady Ocelots continued their winning ways at home, 90-46.Tolliver, a freshman guard, had 19 points to go along with five assists for the winners.

Bee added 13 points, 13 rebounds, and seven blocks. Amber Sammons alsohad 13 points and dished out five assists, while Kendrick added 11 points.
It was a balanced attack as Thomas, Charlise Slater and Shanequa Braggseach scored 10 points for the Lady Ocelots. Braggs also grabbed nine rebounds, whileGrandberry also had five assists. The Schoolcraft Ladies shot 53% from the floor.

Mott CC which had a short staffed bench got 12 points from Adrienne Weaver,while Beth Kozar added 11 and Keyanni Bell tossed in 10. “Mott played us gritty, theyalways compete,” added Lafata.

The game was broadcast on the Schoolcraft College Television Network. The telecast will have an encore presentation in Plymouth and Plymouth Township on theWow-Way Network. Check listings for times and dates. The next SCTN broadcastwill be February 9, against Oakland CC 9-10. It will be ‘Pink Zone Night’, with gamesat 5:30 PM and 7:30 PM. Proceeds will benefit the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. A specialcollector’s tee-shirt will be available for purchase. More at http://www.schoolcraft.edu

~ Raymond Rolak

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