The Cape Fear Community College women’s basketball program opens its inaugural season Saturday at Greensboro College.
Lori Drake returns to Wilmington to begin her first coaching job at the collegiate level. Drake is familiar with the area as a former UNCW basketball standout. She also later spent two years playing professionally in Europe.
As for the team, Coach Drake has put together a wealth of talent from across the entire east coast. Porsha Buchanan, a 5-foot-2-inch point guard from Meadowbrook High School in Richmond, Va., is one of the notables in this recruiting class. A 2010 ESPN.com recruiting profile scored Buchanan an 82 of 100 among point guards, which recommends collegiate play at the mid-major level. Buchanan spent a year at Allegany Community College in Maryland.
Shelby Morris also joins CFCC as a sophomore after playing one season at LaGrange College in Georgia. Morris was a two-sport high school athlete, playing basketball and soccer. On the court, the 5-foot-8-inch shooting guard was a defensive and offensive threat.
Alexis Redd adds to a talented backcourt. At 5-foot-5-inches tall, Redd earned recognition as the conference tournament MVP with Northside High School and was the league’s player of the year. Ashley Altman is already a familiar name in Wilmington. As an Ashley High School standout, the 5-foot-3-inch shooting specialist was an all-conference player, team MVP and was named to the all-state second team.
In the frontcourt, Drake welcomes size and strength to the roster. Amanda Yoworski, also an Ashley alum, joins the team with playing and coaching experience. The 5-foot-10-inch combo player was the Screaming Eagles’ leader in blocks and rebounds her senior season. She currently serves as an assistant coach at her alma mater while being a full-time CFCC student.
Jordan Hill, a 6-foot power forward, hales from New Bern, where she led the Bears in scoring and rebounding with 17 and 10, respectively. Against rival Greenville Rose High School, Hill poured in 32 points and 17 rebounds. Jade Bracey rounds out the signees in attendance. At 6-foot-1-inches tall, Bracey figures to enter the rotation at the center position.
Destinee McDougle joins Hill as a New Bern teammate turned CFCC teammate. McDougle, a 6-foot-1-inch center, was a low-post force, corralling 8.3 rebounds per game to go along with 7.8 points.
Alexis Adams, Eboni Gilliam and Porche’ Bentley round out the team.
The Lady Sea Devils open this season on the road this weekend, Saturday at Greensboro College, then Sunday at Meredith College. Their home-opener is set for Saturday, Nov. 10, against Mid Atlantic Christian University.
