Season Outlook (2012-2013)

2012 All-American and last year's leading scorer, Katie Jo Mullens has graduated, but the Cougars are looking to 3-peat as regional champions and take another step forward toward bringing home the school's first national championship in women's basketball. Coming off their first ever appearance in the semi-finals of the NCCAA Division II National Tournament, the Clearwater Christian College Women's Basketball team will have a new look for the 2012-2013 season. Coach Anthony Wilson, a 2004 graduate of the Men's Basketball program at CCC, takes over as the new head coach, and a lot of new faces join the team.

Junior guard Tori Hale will be counted on to fill the big shoes of Mullens by building on an outstanding second half of the season during which Hale averaged 14.2 PPG and 3.1 APG. Seniors Tiffany Pack and Alyssa Zallie will be called upon to provide strong leadership as the young team develops over the course of the season. Tiffany Pack shot an eye-popping 40% from behind the 3-point arc during the 2011-2012 season on her way to averaging 10.2 PPG. Alyssa Zallie will bring a defensive tenacity and additional ball handling to the team this year. Finally, returner Kimberly Vilchez will build upon the experience that she gained during the second half of the 2011-2012 season toward becoming a consistent contributor to the success of the Cougars' season.

But the story of the season for the Cougars will be the new faces all over the court. 6'2" Junior Savannah Jelsma will provide a defensive and rebounding presence in the middle along with 5'11" Freshman Danielle Fressel and 5'10" Junior Whitney Redemann. Charity Henry returns to the team after missing the second half of last season and will continue to improve as the season develops. Rachel Maurer and Grace Thomas will all provide much needed depth and athleticism to the guard positions throughout the season. Finally, Bekah Misiura will continue to recover from a knee injury suffered during her senior year of high school. Once rehab is complete, her fundamental skills will provide an opportunity for her to have an immediate impact on the team.

Coach Wilson says, "I am pleased with the team that the Lord has brought together for this season. This is a group of young women that are excited to grow in the game of basketball as well as in their walk with Christ. They will be a vital part of building upon the foundation that was laid by the many women's basketball players and coaches at CCC before them." CCC will play a 22 game regular season schedule including 6 games against teams from the NAIA Division II's Sun Conference. After the Alumni game on October 27, the women's basketball team officially opens the season November 13 on the road against the Royals of Warner University in Lake Wales, Florida. The Warner game will be followed by the home opener against Hillsborough Community College at 5:00 p.m. on November 15. During the season, highlight road games include road games at Bob Jones University on February 1 and at Pensacola Christian College on February 9. On February 12, the regular season will close out with Senior Night against the Falcons of Florida College.

On February 22-23, the Cougars will have a chance to 3-peat as South Region Champions on their home court. Should they accomplish the 3-peat, they will compete in the NCCAA Division II National Championship Tournament in Circleville, Ohio, March 7-9.

Cougar Spotlight

Playing basketball at Clearwater has been an amazing opportunity, because I have made so many great memories and great friends by being on the team. God has blessed me by being a part of the women's basketball team, because I get to be involved with a great group of girls that strive to honor and glorify God above all else. Playing basketball is so much fun, but it is also a great way to grow closer to God. The team has devotions every day before practice, and we all get to share with each other what God is doing in our lives. Whether we win or lose, the praise goes to God, and ultimately that is all that matters.

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Season Outlook (2012-2013)

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