The Roadrunner women's basketball team experienced a surge toward the end of the 2019-20 season and came oh-so close to reaching the Region XIX championship game in the tournament at Northampton -- but a last-minute loss to top-seed Passaic derailed Coach Rich Cooper's team from a date in the title game.
With a solid returning crew and one of the best recruiting classes in several years, there may be no stopping the Runners this time around.
Cooper's Roadrunners finished a superb 2019-20 campaign with an 18-10 overall record in earning a Region XIX playoff berth despite early-season injuries that slowed down the momentum. And as long as they can stay away from injuries, the Runners will look to continue their success in the Spring of 2021.
"This is one of the better recruiting seasons we've ever had, and when we gain some experience working together, we should be very competitive," said Cooper. "These athletes are outstanding players, and they will just need to adjust to the college level game. That will take time, and in the end I believe we will be a good team."
With a roster loaded with solid returnees such as All-Region forward Trina Deveney-Bethea (Cedar Creek) and guard Qeiajae Canty (Atlantic City), the squad will already display an explosive lineup. Add in the improved play of sophomore guard Syria Bass (Holy Spirit) and forward Carly Malia Christian), along with the exceptional talents of newcomers Danielle Jeffreys (Williamstown), Charlie Baldwin (Woodstown), and Michiya Davis (Kingsway) -- and others -- the Runners are poised for success.
Three players -- Jeffreys, Baldwin, and Deveney-Betheney -- were 1,000-point scorers in high school while Canty was close.
"We have plenty of offense, so we should get to a point where we all pick each other up when we need a big basket," said Cooper. "I also feel we will be a force on defense once we settle in."
The Spring 2021 season will be an opportunity for the Runners to test lineup combinations and see how talented new players fit into the mix as they prep for a full season this winter. Cooper's team opens their Spring 2021 campaign with back to back games against Camden County College on Thursday and Saturday, and will have some tough tests down the road again powerhouses Union and Harcum.
"These tough games will make us better and prepare us for the full season next winter," noted Cooper. "We're excited to get back on the court."
Season Preview: Women's Basketball
Coach: Rich Cooper, 7th Season, 104 career wins.
Assistant Coaches: Matthew Smick, Taylor Bynoe.
Last Season: The Runners compiled a final overall record of 18-10, dropping a close playoff game against Passaic in the Region XIX semifinal at Northampton County College.
Season opener: The Runners open their season Thursday, March 4 with a home game against Camden County College starting at 6 pm. They will meet the Cougars on the road at Camden CC on Saturday, March 6 in a 1 pm start.
Returning players: Trina Deveney-Bethea, So., Cedar Creek, forward; Qeiajae Canty, So., Atlantic City, guard; Syria Bass, So., Holy Spirit, guard; Carly Malia, So, GC Christian, guard.
Newcomers: Prospects include Danielle Jeffreys, Williamstown, forward; Michiya Davis, Kingsway, guard/forward; Charlie Baldwin, Woodstown, forward; Rachel Keller, Washington Twp., guard; Julianna Montero, ACIT, forward; Lily Kugler, Timber Creek, center.
Outlook for Spring 2021 season: The Runners are loaded with experience and talent and look to repeat their previous success as they look ahead to a full Winter 2021 campaign.
Coach Rich Cooper on his Spring 2021 Roadrunners: "This is one of the better recruiting seasons we've ever had, and when we gain some experience working together, we should be very competitive," said Cooper. "These athletes are outstanding players, and they will just need to adjust to the college level game. That will take time, and in the end I believe we will be a good team."