'Jacks mark end of year by passing century mark

By BENJAMIN BRUNNER

WYE MILLS – Freshman center Reeva Jackson scored a season-high 10 points, recorded four rebounds and came up with three steals Thursday night as the Chesapeake College women's basketball team dominated Delaware County Community College, 112-17, in the Skipjacks' last game of 2016.

Seven other Skipjacks joined Jackson in double figures, as Chesapeake opened the game by outscoring Delaware County 30-3 and built a 63-8 lead by halftime while forcing 19 first-quarter turnovers. Shahra Madison (four rebounds) and Emily Truitt (two rebounds) tied for game high in points with 18 each as the Skipjacks improved to 8-5 overall.

Chantelle Gross (16 points, two assists, two rebounds), Natori Nesbit (13 points), Janice Ladson (11 points, three assists), Chandni Taylor (11 points),  and Deondria Wimber (11 points, three steals) also hit double figures. Maya Robinson (four points, five assists) was also integral to the team's offensive blitz.

Alexis Powell scored the only points of the first quarter for the winless Phantoms, while Kadesha Dix dropped in 13 points over the remaining three quarters as Delaware County fell to 0-8. Even though the game was a blowout, "We do not underestimate teams" said Chesapeake head coach Gwen Barnes. "We must be ready at all times and we still have work to do".

In looking back on the 2016 part of her team's schedule, Barnes reflected, "The biggest milestone was team chemistry. Each player committed to making each other better."

Barnes said second-semester team chemistry will be "just as important, especially if we want to get back to nationals."  The Skipjacks hope to contend for their fifth national tournament berth in six years.

Will fans see more of Reeva Jackson next semester?

"Absolutely!" said Barnes.  "She is important to our program".

The Skipjacks, 4-2 in the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference, will play their first game of 2017 at Prince George's Community College, on Friday, January 6 at 5 p.m.