About the Program

2007 Elite Eight
2007 New England and District Champions
2006 Final Four
2006 New England and District Champions
2005 Final Four
2005 New England and District Champions
2004 National Tournament
2004 New England and District Champions

2007-08 CCRI Women’s Basketball Pre-season Outlook

With Head Coach Marcus Reilly back at the helm in 2006-2007, the Lady Knights captured their fourth straight Region XXI and Northeast District titles en route to an Elite Eight finish in the NJCAA National Tournament. In 2007-2008, a very young and talented squad will look to defend those titles and the CCRI tradition with a passion. Returning just one starter, the CCRI coaching staff has reloaded the program with top players from Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts. Integrating the high talent level and depth with the offensive and defensive systems will be a rewarding process for this year’s squad and its fans as the Lady Knights chase down another National Tournament selection.

Returning to the Lady Knights to anchor the backcourt is NJCAA first team All-American and NJCAA National Tourney team selection Denise Scott (Yonkers, NY). Scott can take over games on both ends of the floor. A constant scoring threat who has challenged some of CCRI’s individual game and season scoring records, Scott also broke the career steals record in a single season. Denise will be complemented greatly by Taylor Simmons (Norwalk, CT) on the opposite wing. Simmons is a strong, athletic off guard with a great scoring touch and has already emerged as another go-to option for the Lady Knights. Sharpshooting Lauren Harrington (Exeter, RI), a RI All-stater last season, will complete this potent guard combination. Lauren’s ability to play and defend any guard position will provide the coaching staff with an array of options. Kaitlyn Rachiele (Scituate, RI), a deep threat whenever she steps on the floor, will provide necessary depth for this year’s squad.

Controlling the game from the point guard spot will be a three-headed monster for the Lady Knights in 2007-2008. Nicole Girard (Foster, RI), another RI All-stater last season, will play both guard spots and has the unique ability to both run the system and score from inside and out. Returning from reconstructive ACL surgery, LaSheena Boyd (Stratford, CT) is a quick breakdown guard who can create for her teammates and score from the perimeter while providing necessary tournament experience in the backcourt. After leading North Providence HS to the regular season championship in her senior season, Jackie Ricci (North Providence, RI) is using her athleticism and court vision to develop into a premier guard in the Knight system.
Jillian Lewis (Barrington, RI), yet another RI All-Stater, and Sharniece Williams (Hartford, CT) create a dynamic combination at the swing positions. Both players excelled as power forwards at the high school level but have the guard skills to develop into premier inside/ outside threats. Tonisha Tate (Lynn, MA) complements this group. A tenacious rebounder and low post player, Tate also has the ability to step out and be a perimeter threat.

Anchoring the frontcourt for the Lady Knights will be 6’2 twins, Rachel and Jackie Murray (Gloucester, MA). Rachel is developing into a dominant low post scorer with a great touch out to 17 feet. Jackie is a dual threat in the high and low post. Both will be counted on heavily for 2007-2008. Guylene Nsiewe (Duola, Cameroon), a powerful combination of strength and athleticism, is developing into a solid post option for the nights behind the Murray sisters.
The program has re-tooled with depth and talent but the goals remain the same: constant improvement , player development, and championship results.