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.
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.
Sophomore Guard, Skyline HS
Sophomore Forward, Silver Creek HS
Sophomore Center, Rutgers
Freshman Guard, West Catholic HS
The Raiders will host four big games in Niceville this season – these are the big games you’ll want to make a good effort to attend.
Can’t make those dates? Check out the full schedule here!
We’ve never needed local news more than we have today. With newspapers going out of business and fewer reporters around to watchdog local government, cover events or sports, and make sure you know what’s going on in your community
Donate today to keep local, independent and accountable journalism in your community today!
Plus, we’ll give you some cool swag when you make your donation monthly.
Stop scrolling social media to find out what’s going on in Niceville. Sign up for our weekly newsletter for the info impacting your daily life!