Leaves are falling, the weather is changing and that can only mean one things, basketball season is here. The Manhattan Christian College Women's Basketball team is gearing up to kick off the season this weekend with two exhibition games at the McPherson College Classic in McPherson College. MCC will play against NAIA Briar Cliff University and host team McPherson College. 

"I am excited to start the season with this group of young ladies. We have new faces that have had to learn a new system that has shown some challenges, but each day they all get 1% better and are getting out of their comfort zones. That's all I can ask for, coachable kids working towards getting better," commented head coach Mindy Eckert

Top returners sophomore Katie Williams and senior Karlee Wahlmeier will be leaned on for lots of leadership to help guide our newcomers. Williams as a freshman, averaged 6.6ppg and 4.7rpg. She bring a high IQ for the sport, and the ability to play inside, out. Wahlmeier, a solid inside presence will be unstoppable inside. Coming off a 6.6ppg and 6.8rpg while also averaging 2.0 assist her best year is yet to come. Besides leadership, these two will bring the much needed experience this young team needs.

Newcomer Mariah Garcia will handle the point guard duties for MCC. She brings great ball skills, tremendous floor vision and a quickness to the team. Along side Garcia, freshman Maritza Yescas can step in and help with the PG duties. Yescas also has great vision and has a knack for attacking the rim strong. Manhattan's last two new faces will bring some much needed outside shooting, Madison Ellis and Dyamond Henderson. Ellis has a great outside shot but has a strong midrange game. Henderson quickness and high arching 3 pointer will round out the team well. 

"This freshman class is the first class that have given me this feeling of 'I want to be here'. Deep down they are all eager to learn and grow both on and off the court. Once they are able to find their groove within the team I strongly believe we can make some noise in our conference," stated Eckert. 

The Thunder have a good mix of NAIA teams and other NCCAA teams that will make things competitive before opening up Midwest Christian College Conference play in January. 

For a full list of games click here