Freshman of The Year Earns Trip to NJCAA All-Star Event
Justin Brown, Harbinger
Thursday, Aug. 20, 2015
Illinois Central College sophomore women’s basketball player Destiny Ramsey was one of 40 freshmen attending the 7th Annual NJCAA Basketball Coaches Association All-Star Weekend in Florida from July 23-26.
The third-team all-american scored 10 points, grabbed six rebounds and had three assists and a steal in a nine-point victory on the final day, according to a tweet from ICC head coach Karrie Redeker.
Ramsey, who averaged 11.3 points and 7.1 rebounds to earn Region 24 Freshman of the Year honors, was the lone NJCAA Division II representative.
“It’s very humbling,” the 6-foot forward said. “I honestly had no idea that I’d be the one to be selected. I was just playing my game and I was recognized. It wouldn’t have happened without the people around me- having a good environment, coaching staff and teammates helps a lot.”
The event, which took place at the Northwest Florida State College campus in Niceville Florida, consisted of team practices, coaching sessions and four competitive games on the final two days. During these games, a total of 44 four-year college coaches had the opportunity to scout and potentially recruit players.
“It was nerve wracking playing in front of the college coaches,” the Normal U-High grad said. “The first game played was extremely nerve wracking. But once our nerve game was out the way, it was pretty smooth.”
Redeker added, “If you have team success, the individual awards will follow. We ask our kids to buy into the team concept with the understanding that if you put the team first and our team does well, those individual accolades will follow.”
ICC finished last season at 29-4 and one win shy of reaching the NJCAA D2 national tournament.