by Wade Marbaugh

 

Georgia Perimeter College’s women’s 2014-2015 basketball team reflects greater depth and impressive individual skills that could add up to a serious post-season run.

 

“I think we look good,” says head coach James Waldon. “We’ve got more talent overall. This group has a lot more depth and good, quality players.”

 

If the pieces all fall into place, the Jaguars should make a distant memory of last year’s atypical record, 13-17 overall, 9-11 in Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association competition.

 

With Abrelyn Rackley and Taylor Boyd returning from last year’s squad, the Jaguars have a solid core of experience to build on. The two are high school teammates from Clyde Miller Career Academy in St. Louis.

 

“They know what’s going on. It’s a lot easier for them,” says Waldon, who is known for his relentless up-tempo offense and pressure defense—systems some newcomers have trouble learning.k

 

Despite being sidelined with an injury last winter, Rackley earned a well-deserved spot on the 2014 All-GCAA second team. Boyd developed into a rebounding force and clogged the lane on defense.

 

Mary Nguyen, a sophomore GPC soccer standout, may join the team after the soccer season ends. She signed up in January last season as a backup guard.

 

Others on the 14-player squad that could make major contributions include several transfers. Freshman guard Rau Jua Terry (Louisville, Ky., Fern Creek High School, Texas A&M University Corpus Christi) “plays with a high motor,” Waldon says.

 

“She can score; (she’s) a good shooter, (and) can penetrate,” he says.

 

Danielle Clark (Douglasville, Stone Mountain High School), a transfer from NCAA Division 1 Mississippi Valley State University, is a strong shooting guard, while point guard Jasmine Robertson (Biloxi, Miss., Biloxi High School, Tuskegee University) is what Waldon describes as “a high-energy player.”

 

Freshman post Jennifer Tindi (Conyers, Salem High School) stands 6-foot-2 and “can score around the basket,” Waldon says.

 

Guard Jasmine Cook (Covington, Eastside High School) and Cynteria Langhorne (Atlanta, Newton County High School) are among other freshmen Waldon expects will step up.

 

But look for nitty gritty leadership to come from veteran Rackley, who rebounds, runs the floor, goes inside and has some moves that are very tough to defend.

 

“Her stat line is going to be strong. She’s definitely a leader for this squad. She’s going to have her stamp all over,” Waldon says.

 

In the past two women’s basketball seasons at GPC, upset bids in the postseason fell short, despite strong individual performances.

 

Larissa Stafford (41 points in a tournament victory) and Ronita Garrett (All-America, 20.1 points and 12.4 rebounds per game) shone in the 2012-13 season. Yvonna Dunkley (30 points in a tourney loss) and Rackley (all-conference, 16 points per game) starred in 2013-14.

 

Waldon expects the lack of depth that kept the Jaguars from making a serious post-season run last year to change this season, especially if Rackley catches fire.

 

The team will receive solid coaching support, too. Entering his second year as assistant coach will be Frank Jones, and long-time veteran assistant coach Christina Schafer will rejoin Waldon’s staff after sitting out one season. It’s a strong combination.

“You can see the difference already,” Waldon said.

 

The coaches have guided distinguished alumni on to playing careers beyond GPC. Stafford transferred to Marshall University; Garrett went to Troy State University; Dunkley to Georgia Southwestern State University.

 

The current Jaguars hope to go to the National Junior College Athletic Association national tournament in Salina, Kansas, next March.

 

“If we get them together, keep them on track and hopefully don’t lose many to injuries, we’re going to be in the race,” Waldon says.