After picking up a solid win this past weekend to launch its 2016 campaign, the St. Louis Surge women’s professional basketball franchise returns to the hard court this weekend and aims to keep its record spotless.
Photo Credit: Brian Ledford
St. Louis (1-0) travels to the Cornhusker State Saturday to face the Nebraska Strikers (1-0) at Grace University in Omaha, Nebraska.
The Surge launched its Women’s Blue Chip Basketball League (WBCBL) campaign with a dominant 97-48 win over Missouri Arch Angels last Saturday at Harris Stowe State University. St. Louis held a 58-20 intermission lead and cruised to the 49-point duke.
“I think we played pretty well for the opener of the season,” reflected Surge guard Rebecca Harris, who topped the team with 21 points that night. “We were testing out a couple of things, but overall, I have no complaints.”
“It was all about the energy,” added Surge coach Tony Condra. “We locked in on defense but the energy and effort was definitely there.”
That energy was found throughout the line-up as every player scored points in the season opener. Returning starters Leah Cotton and Jaleesa Butler added 12 and 10 points, respectively, while Cassie Rochel, Raven Berry and Bianca Beck propelled a stubborn defense by recording multiple blocks and rebounds.
Photo Credit: Brian Ledford
Perhaps the most impressive output of the evening was tallied by the five newcomers that made their Surge debuts last Saturday. Denisha Womack, Brittany Wilson, Michala Johnson, Shanity James and Jenny Rocha collectively contributed 40 of the team’s 97 points against the Arch Angels. The team will be joined by 6-5 center Tori Waldner, who makes her first appearance this weekend.
St. Louis’ Saturday opponent also looks to pick up its second straight win and claim the top spot in the six-team WBCBL Mid-West Division hierarchy.
Nebraska snared a 97-86 win over divisional counterpart Iowa Saturday night and implemented a similar first-half sprint to notch the victory.
The Strikers have a shortened line-up compared to last season. Only eight players are listed on its official roster, paced by returning starters Jasmin Corbin, Mercedes Morgan, Reshea Bristol and Shanita Arnold. However, the scrappy squad has historically played St. Louis tight in prior battles and reached the finals of the WBCBL Midwest tourney last July.
Photo Credit: Brian Ledford
“They always give us a good run for our money in the first half,” assessed the Surge’s Harris of the Strikers. “It should be a great match-up. I never underestimate our competitors, especially someone that we see every year.”
Meanwhile, Condra has more direct aspirations this Saturday.
“A victory,” said the Surge coach with a twinkle in his eyes.
For more information on the Surge, go to stlsurgebasketball.com.
By trade, he is a six-time, regional Emmy Award-winning news videographer/editor for KTVI/KPLR-TV. By hobby, he is a writer for Arch City Media, dating back to February 2014. Emphasis is on featuring and promoting local women's sports, but will cover anything that is not reported by traditional media outlets. Also a contributor to local concert reviews.
