NWFSC Womens’ Basketball Prepares for a Successful 2023

Northwest Florida State College’s Womens’ Basketball Team will start the season in the #4 spot after the NJCAA released it’s top 25 poll for October. The school is the highest ranked Womens’ JuCo Basketball Squad in Florida. Rivals Chipola College were ranked #11 in the nation. Gulf Coast State College, number 16, and Eastern Florida State College, number 20, were the other squads representing the Sunshine State.

The ‘22 Region VIII champs finished with a 27-3 record and look forward to another dominant season. The school ranked #1 in the FCSAA Coaches’ Poll earlier in October.

The team will rely on head coach Bart Walker, returning for his eighth campaign, to add to his 167-37 record in the ‘23 season. The team will start its season at home on November 3rd against DME Academy.

Whom to Watch for the NWFSC Lady Raiders

On the floor, you’ll want to pay attention to four players on this year’s Raiders team. Returning guard Zyniah Thomas out of Dallas, Texas may have less altitude than her teammates – but she is a rebounding machine in the guard position. Thomas grabbed almost five boards per game to go along with an average of 15 points and four assists. Kentucky native and Raider forward Marissa Gasaway lends herself to the offensive action as well. She averaged 12.6 points and 12.1 rebounds per game during her initial campaign for the raiders last year.

To fortify the team, Coach Walker brought on Sakima Walker and Destiney McPhaul. Walker, a 6’5 center, played her first year of college basketball at Rutgers and looks to make waves in Niceville. McPhaul arrives to The Panhandle from the City of Brotherly Love and Temple University. The guard will look to team up with Thomas for a lethal backcourt.