New York, N.Y.— The 2009-10 edition of the John Jay College of Criminal Justice women's basketball team is set to take flight. With a good blend of returnees aboard this season along with a dash of newcomers, as well as the head coach moving into her second season, the Bloodhounds are looking to build upon last season's progress as they attempt to strive to the next level.
Last season, John Jay finished 5-20 overall, including a 3-10 record in City University of New York Athletic Conference (CUNYAC) play where the Bloodhounds finished in ninth place.
But a very strong core from last season's team is back, so Bloodhounds are expecting to advance as they streak their way up the conference standings.
“The returnees have definitely improved tremendously. They are stronger, smarter and more athletic,” said head coach
Diane Ramirez. “They have worked very hard to get ready for this season.”
Back from last season's team includes guard
Dominique Grice (North Babylon, NY, North Babylon). Last season Grice led the team in scoring at 15.4 points per game and steals at 2.8 per contest. Once again, the Bloodhounds will call upon the junior for a strong season.
Also back this season is forward
Parker Griffin (New York, NY, Bishop Kearney). Griffin averaged 9.8 points and 9.4 rebounds per contest. At 6-3, she stands as one of the tallest in the conference and her size will be depended on for strong interior play.
Another returnee is
Jessica Lirio (Bronx, NY, St. Barnabas). The third year guard averaged 7.2 points and 4.0 rebounds per game last season. Her ability to dribble through traffic will be key as John Jay's strength appears to be ball handling.
Another returnee is junior
Zadoora Carson (New York, NY, Urban Peace Academy)who averaged 1.6 points and 5.1 rebounds per game last season
Also back for 2009-10 is
Chantelle Smith (Flushing, NY, Mary Louis Academy), a second year player who averaged 0.9 points and 1.5 rebounds per game during her rookie season.
Another familiar player on the roster this season is
Crystal Ferguson (Brooklyn, NY, Greater New York Academy)who played for the team during the 2007-08 season.
While the returnees are expected to hold their own, John Jay welcomes in talented newcomers including
Jia Li Chen (Toyshan, China, HS for Duel Language & Asian Studies),
Erica Lee (New York, NY, Seward Park),
Claire Prince (Wellington, FL, Summit Christian Academy) and
Shantel Rodriguez (Rio Piedra, Puerto Rico, Franklin D. Roosevelt).
The Bloodhounds will play against a very competitive schedule with includes 13 games against fellow CUNYAC foes (including two against North Division teams). In addition to CUNYAC, John Jay will face non conference opponents Kean University, Rowan University, Rutgers-Newark, Vassar College, Manhattanville College, New Jersey City University and Ramapo College.
John Jay will also play in a pair of regular season tournaments including the Eastern Mennonite Tip-off Classic at Eastern Mennonite University and the Catholic University Tournament in January.
