November 13, 2007

Winston-Salem, NC- Excitement is in the air as the 2007-2008 Salem College basketball season is about to be start. Jim Jackson returns as the head coach in his 3rd year at Salem College. In 2006-2007, Jackson led the Spirits to a 16-8 record and the Association of Division III Independents Women’s Atlantic Regional Championship Tournament title. Jackson was voted AD3I Coach of the Year after turning the Salem College program around in just one year.

Sophomores Michala Michaux and Alex Ervin of Morganton, NC are the two lone starters from 2006-2007. Ervin led the Spirits in scoring last season averaging 12.5 points per game, including a game high of 27 points vs. Meredith College. Michaux averaged 10.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game while leading the team in steals and minutes played.

Letterwinners Stephanie Wilson (So, Morganton, NC) and Casey Jones (So, Winston-Salem, NC) are also returning. Billie Harmon (Jr, Reidsville, NC) returns to the team after missing the second half of last season. Harmon (2.0 ppg), Wilson (5.5 ppg) and Jones (8.8 ppg) are sure to see a lot of action in 2007-2008.

First year players include Kelsey Rector (States Road, NC), Crystal Mills (Winston-Salem, NC), Jazmine Gilbert (Fayetteville, NC) and Latricia Maye (Vestavia Hills, AL).

Salem will open the 2007-2008 season on Friday, November 16, as they play Bennett College in the opening round of the Jackie Ammons Memorial Tournament, hosted by Peace College in Raleigh, NC. Tip-off time will be 6 pm.