News Summary
Ella Pearson and Jess Tomkins, seniors from Newberry College, have been recognized on the College Sports Communicators Women’s Basketball Academic All-District team for their impressive athletic and academic achievements. Both student-athletes excelled in their studies while showcasing their impressive skills on the court. As the Newberry College women’s basketball team continues to build momentum under new head coach Johnette Walker, Pearson and Tomkins exemplify the spirit of dedication and excellence that defines the program.
Newberry College Basketball Stars Shine Bright in Academic Achievement
In the charming town of Newberry, South Carolina, the spotlight is shining brightly on two remarkable seniors from Newberry College—Ella Pearson and Jess Tomkins. These outstanding student-athletes have earned a prestigious spot on the College Sports Communicators Women’s Basketball Academic All-District team, a recognition that honors their impressive athletic prowess paired with their academic excellence.
A Winning Combo of Brains and Brawn
To qualify for this coveted accolade, players must be at least sophomores academically, maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50, and participate in at least 90% of their team’s games. Pearson and Tomkins certainly check all those boxes with flying colors! What’s even more heartwarming is that these achievements reflect their dedication in the classroom as well as on the court.
Jess Tomkins, a determined Business Administration major, truly impressed fans and coaches alike during the season. Averaging an outstanding 15.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.1 blocked shots per game, Tomkins showcased her exceptional skill set. Shooting at a remarkable 55.3% from the field, she has made her mark over two seasons with a commendable total of 491 points, 293 rebounds, and 67 blocks, and shot an impressive 52.8% overall. Her hard work is definitely paying off!
On the other hand, Ella Pearson, who majors in Exercise Science, also made valuable contributions to the team. With an average of 3.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, and a total of 31 assists, 21 steals, and 20 blocked shots, Pearson has shown that even smaller numbers can lead to significant impacts on gameplay. Throughout her four seasons, she totaled 201 points, 242 rebounds, 94 assists, 60 blocks, and 54 steals. Her well-rounded skills are truly commendable.
Newberry Women’s Basketball Team Update
As of February 2024, the Newberry College women’s basketball team holds a record of 5-18, with a conference record of 4-14. Despite the ups and downs, the Wolves have demonstrated their fighting spirit. Recently, they put up a tough fight against Carson-Newman, managing to tie the first quarter at 18 and only trailing by three points at halftime. Tomkins led the scoreboard with 12 points, alongside other notable performances. Shemaiyah Earle chipped in with 10 points off the bench, shooting an impressive 80% from the field.
The team also delivered an energetic performance, recording 16 assists, five blocks, and five steals in their bout against Carson-Newman. Upcoming challenges await, as they are set to return to action on February 15, 2024, against UVA Wise, where they’ll look to build on their competitive momentum.
A New Chapter with Head Coach Johnette Walker
Exciting changes are on the horizon for the Newberry College women’s basketball team, beginning with the recent appointment of Johnette Walker as the new head coach. With five seasons of experience as an assistant coach at Francis Marion University, Walker comes with a wealth of expertise and a passion for building strong relationships with student-athletes. Her track record speaks volumes; Walker led her previous team to back-to-back 20-win seasons and has a notable career as a player herself.
At Radford University, she scored over 1,000 points and holds impressive records for free throws made, assists, and steals. Walker didn’t stop there; she even took her talents to professional play in Germany for six seasons, averaging more than 15 points and six rebounds per game. This impressive background suggests a promising future for the Wolves.
With Pearson and Tomkins leading by example in both academics and athletics, and with a new coaching dynamic onboard, the future seems bright for Newberry’s women’s basketball program. The community is thrilled to rally behind these phenomenal athletes as they continue to chase their dreams both on and off the court!
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Additional Resources
- Newberry Observer: Pearson and Tomkins Named to CSC Academic All-District
- Wikipedia: Academic All-District
- Whoop Dirt: Walker Named Head WBB Coach at Newberry College
- Google Search: Newberry College Basketball
- Charlotte 49ers: Women’s Basketball Exhibition
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Basketball
- Newberry Observer: Women’s Basketball Shows Fight
- Google News: Newberry Women’s Basketball
