By Trevor Wenners
Assistant Director of Sports Information
The LaGrange College women's basketball team is ready to build toward a bright future under first-year head coach Jasen Jonus, as the Panthers have 11 returning players and six newcomers for the 2020-21 academic year.
Jonus led his first socially distant practice as the head coach for the program in Mariotti Gym on Oct. 1. Jonus has second-year assistant coach Riley Chlupacek and first-yearassistant Matthew Snyder on his coaching staff.
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"I have learned a great deal about our team in just the short time that we have been together," said Jonus. "This is one of the hardest-working group of individuals that I have ever been around. The student-athletes are hungry and ready to start the season, no matter the circumstances. We have a great group of upperclassmen who lead by example and have been ready to work hard since Day 1."
The Panthers' returners are headlined by Jahpera McEachin. The Federal Way, Washington, native was named to the 2019-20 USA South West Division second team. She led the Panthers last season in points (10.6), steals (1.2) and minutes (24.5) per game, while averaging 3.7 rebounds and 2.2 assists.
Nadia Montour is a force in the low post; excelling in rebounding, shot-blocking and finishing plays off in traffic. She currently ranks sixth on the program's career blocks list with 41. During the 2019-20 eason, Montour blocked 25 shots, tying for the eighth most in a season in school history. Montour had a career-high 15 points and tied a personal-best of eight rebounds in a 67-65 win over Berry on Nov. 10, 2019.
Adreona Bowen scored a career-high 11 points, going 2-for-5 on 3-pointers, against Brevard on Feb. 1, 2020. The Woodland, Alabama, native had a personal-best nine rebounds during a 61-40 triumph over Bob Jones on Nov. 22, 2019.
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Morgan Grant had some clutch moments as a freshman last season. She has a tremendous basketball IQ, takes high-quality shots, sets up well rebounding, and is a solid team defender. She shot 12-for-25 from the floor and 2-for-4 on 3-pointers in 21 games.
"I am excited for this season," said Grant. "It will be great and special to finally compete again. I am looking forward to this season because we are looking stronger as a team with the people that we have brought in, as well as our new coaching staff."
Jada Brown is a versatile guard, able to affect a game in a number of ways. Last season, she had career highs of seven points and eight rebounds at Berea on Jan. 4. Brown recorded three steals in three separate games.
Jalaya Lewis brings energy off the bench. She posted a career-high nine points and tied a personal-record three steals during a 64-39 victory over Judson on Nov. 18. Megan English shot 43.5 percent from beyond the 3-point line during the 2018-19 season, which was the second-best mark on the team.
"Although this season looks much different because of COVID-19, we are still excited to be back on the court together, working toward our goal of winning a championship," said English. "Coach Jonus has changed the entire atmosphere and I am excited to see where he leads us."
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Breonna Glover pulled down five or more rebounds five times during the 2019-20 season. Nia Johnson had a career-best nine rebounds in 14 minutes off the bench during a 66-26 win over Toccoa Falls on Feb. 6.
Hayleigh Reeves scored her first-collegiate points, going 1-for-1 on 3-pointers, in a 67-36 victory at Agnes Scott on Feb. 4. Jada Strickland registered her first-collegiate points and grabbed a career-high five rebounds in a win at Agnes Scott.
The Panthers welcome six newcomers to their basketball family in McKenzie Stabile, Alerriya Butler, Rayevan Freeman, Maria Riera Soriano, Caroline Budron and Chaquave'ayr Robinson.
"Our first practice had a tremendous amount of enthusiasm and positive energy, even with the modifications and protocols that we had to follow," said Jonus. "We are excited to see what the future holds for the season. We are focused on getting better one day at a time."
Trevor Wenners can be reached at twenners@lagrange.edu.
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