By Nicholas Huenefeld/Owens Sports Information
PHOTOS - here
Clayton, Ohio---Denissa Sly, a 5'8" guard from Northmont High School in Clayton, Ohio, has signed a letter of intent to become the latest member of the 2016-17 Owens Community College women's basketball recruiting class.
"Denissa is an off guard who can absolutely jump out of the gym," said Owens Community College head women's basketball coach Michael Llanas. "She's an exciting player who has a huge personality and a million dollar smile. She's really going to wow the crowd at Owens next year."
Sly, who averaged 8.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.5 assists per game as a senior for Northmont, scored a season-high 22 points in a win over Fairborn. She also produced 14 points and 10 rebounds in a win over West Carrollton, as well as 15 points and 11 rebounds against Beavercreek.
As a junior, she was named First Team All-Greater Western Ohio Conference (GWOC) All-Central Division after averaging 11.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.1 steals. During that year, she scored a season-high 24 points against Huber Heights Wayne and notched double-figures 14 times during the season. She was also named Division I Honorable Mention All-Area after that season.
"I'm excited about signing with Owens," Sly said. "For me, it's like a new door has been opened. I'm excited for the opportunities that will come for me in the next two years."
The Englewood, Ohio native, who has also earned team MVP recognition during her time at Northmont, joins a very talented recruiting class at Owens. In addition to her, the class includes Kamryn Troike, a 6'4" center from St. Wendelin High School in Fostoria, Ohio; Essence Cowan, a 5'6" combo guard from Lima Senior High School in Lima, Ohio; Kaylah Ivey, a 6'1" forward/center from Westerville South High School in Westerville, Ohio; and Tazhia Petitt, a 5'11" power forward from McKinley High School in Canton, Ohio.
Notes
The Owens women's basketball program recently finished a 29-7 season that included the program's fourth straight Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) championship, a Region XII District I championship and a fifth place finish at the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II National Tournament. The team advanced as far as the NJCAA Elite 8.
It was the program's second straight and third appearance in the past four years at the NJCAA Division II National Tournament, where they have recorded three top 10 finishes in the past 4 seasons (7th in 2012-13, 3rd in 2014-15 and 5th in 2015-16). In 2014-15, the team advanced to the NJCAA Division II Final 4. The team has also captured five of the past six OCCAC championships and three of the past four Region XII District I championships.
Furthermore, the program has won at least 25 games in each of the past seven seasons. During that time, the program has compiled a 195-37 record (.841 winning percentage), including an 81-9 record (.900 winning percentage) in OCCAC play.
Head coach Michael Llanas, who recently completed his 12th season at Owens, has compiled a 294-96 record during that time. Furthermore, he has achieved a 127-29 record in OCCAC play with six OCCAC championships.