Commerce lost a slew of talented players (nearly all of its offense), but the Lady Tigers have enough returning contributors, combined with up-and-coming talent, to fill the gaps, and hopefully peak at the right time.
PRESEASON INFO
2023-24 Record: 16-12; Sweet 16; #9 Rank
Head Coach: Kevin Furtado (2nd Season)
Returning Starters: 2
Key Departures: Malay Mitchell, Raven Parks, Jada Palumbo (White County transfer)
“We lost 95% of our scoring with the graduation of Malay Mitchell and Raven Parks, and Jada Palumbo, but we are building a strong foundation with some of our returning players and middle school players coming up into our program,” adds Furtado.
Key Players: Jurnee Vann, Jayah Vann, Vitory Williams, Essence Hester, Jaya Collins. Furtado offers detailed notes for all the players:
Returning Players
- Jurnee Vann JR F – Solid Forward w/ great rebounding skills & toughness around rim (4.3 PPG/3.2 RPG)
- Jayah Vann JR PG- Starting PG last season, great team leader w/ unbelievable work ethic (4.1 PPG/ 2.2 APG)
- Essence Hester JR C- Great toughness & rebounder, led team in charges last season (3. 5 RPG)
- Vitory Williams JR G- Super athletic & her game is rounding out to be a more versatile scorer (4.1 PPG/ 2.2 SPG)
- Jayla Collins JR F- Could be one of the best players in the region if she continues to put the work in (3.3 RPG/ 2.8 PPG)
- Arianna Patman SO F- Had a great summer & will be one of top point producers as a starter or off the bench
New Players
The following players are coming up from the MS & JV program:
- Deanna Wood SO F- Tall, athletic player who creates problems for opponents on the defensive team
- Imani Moore SO PG- Grooming her to be our backup PG and she is learning how to run the team as a young player
- Gracie Hensley SO G- Works hard & will play a vital role off the bench as the season progresses
- Ranyisia Wood FR G- Super athletic guard who will someday be one of our top players & will compete for a starting position this season
- Emilee Daves FR F- Will play key role in the season as a 3PT shooter
Alexis Wilhite FR F- Great athlete & rebounder & will be competing for that starting role or playing a key role off the bench for us - Mayah Patman FR F- Another tall, athletic young player who will play a key role as a rebounder & inside scorer
Offense: Fast-paced
Strengths: Energy and strong foundation
Biggest Challenges: Youth and lack of returning scoring
“We have no seniors so we are very young and it might take some time to build that cohesion, but we will be a dangerous team later in the season,” says Furtado.
