Edgar Ayala – Sports Editor
Seniors Jackie Beathea and Danielle Powell of the women’s basketball team were both recognized by the Northeast-10 Conference for the their efforts on the court – earning regular season conference honors.
Powell was named to the All-Conference Third Team. While Beathea, for the third year in a row, earned a selection to the All-Conference First Team.
“I was very surprised when I was named Third All-Conference,” said Powell, the senior forward. “It is such an honor to be recognized by the conference in that way. From where I started as a freshman, I am very grateful for being recognized. And now as a senior for the hard work I’ve put in throughout my four years.”
On the other hand, Beathea said she works “very hard” each year to earn a place on the All-Conference First Team.
“I don’t think it was that I was expecting it, but every year I seem to move up in achievements. It means a lot to me because I work hard to help my team get better and they work hard getting me better,” said Beathea, the forward team captain.
Beathea closed out her final year playing and starting in the Owl’s 30 games this season. Averaging a team-high 12.5 points and 12.9 rebounds. Along with personal season-high blocks (33) and personal season-high steals (30).
Not only that but Beathea also led the NE-10 Conference with her 12.9 boards. She grabbed 388 total rebounds, the No.1 player with total rebounds in the NCAA. The 388 total rebounds also set a new program record for most rebounds in a season.
Furthermore, Beathea recorded a career-high 20 double-doubles. She is tied for third on the NCAA list for most double-doubles this season, and first in the NCAA in offensive rebounds per game with 6.0 (176 total offensive rebounds).
In addition to Beathea’s rebounds, she grabbed her 1,000th career rebound for the Owls this season on Jan. 2, and is the all-time leader for the Owls in career rebounds with 1,216.
Tammy Kiernan (1992-96) ranks second all-time for Southern in career rebounds with 816. That is 400 more rebounds than Beathea’s 1,216 rebounds for the Owls. Showing just how dominant she is off the glass.
“I have a strong will to get every rebound,” said the Owls’ best rebounder in program history. “When I see the ball go up after a shot I feel that it’s my job for my team to get every board I possible can. Scoring comes with the game, but I feel like being a rebounder is my true role for the team.”
Coupled with being a phenomenal rebounder, Beathea also ranks sixth all-time in career points for the Owls (1,494). And is fourth all-time for Southern in career field goals made (573).
Making her case for why she was selected to the All-Conference First Team.
Powell, on the other hand, saw a big increase in production this season compared to her three previous years. She was the Owls’ second leading scorer behind Beathea, averaging 12.4 points per game. She also averaged 4.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.0 blocks per game.
“My confidence played a huge part in my performance this season,” Powell said. “I knew coming in that this would be my last season playing. From the very beginning I gave 100 percent whether it be on or off the court, or as a leader for my teammates.”
Powell finished her career being the 14th all-time rebounder (594), and second all-time shot blocker (117) for the Owls.
Now a senior, Powell said she is going miss being around her team the most.
“Growing up with all boys I’ve always wanted a sister, and now I have 16. This is the sport I love, and I can’t see myself ever without it,” said Powell.
The women’s basketball team ended the season with a 19-11 record and a semifinal appearance in the NE-10 Conference Championship.
Photo Credit: SCSU Athletic Communications