Jylisa Williams brings NCAA basketball talent to the Lakehead Thunderwolves.
The Atlanta native, who spent two seasons at Georgia State before leaving the team midway through the 2009-10 season, was a CAA conference rookie in her freshman season, starting all 30 games at the two-guard spot.
Williams finished with 314 points, a 10.5 per game average, good for 18th in the league.
Lakehead women’s basketball coach Jon Kreiner on Tuesday said he was honoured that Williams chose Lakehead to finish off her university career, which has two years remaining after spending last year at Alberta’s Olds College.
“Jylisa is a bright, talented and inspiring young lady who will complete her degree in sociology and fit into a program where her strengths will be highlighted,” Kreiner said in a release. “What we have in Jylisa is an athlete who understands the game and values the finer things that basketball brings to those who appreciate it.
“Jylisa is a multidimensional player; she can score if needed but is a tremendous passer and play-maker, a relentless rebounder and one of the best defenders I have ever seen. “
Williams was the Metro Atlanta High School player of the year in 2008, where she was Stephenson High School’s leading scorer, a team that won the state championship.
Williams averaged 18 points a game in her senior year, when she became her school’s all-time leading scorer.
After her successful rookie season in college, the 5-foot-8 Williams ran into trouble in her second year and was suspended to start the 2009-10 campaign. She returned to play nine games, but was dismissed from the team on Jan. 17, 2010.
During her time at Georgia State, Williams put up 22 double-figure games, according to the school website.
Wlliams, who spent two years in Alaska’s Fort Richardson serving with the U.S. Army before winning CCAA bronze with Olds College this past spring, is excited to be back at the university level.
“I think this will be a great fit for me. I feel very comfortable around the team and Coach Kreiner. I look forward to this upcoming season and I know it will be an exciting one to watch.”
Williams’ older brother Keith spent a season in the Canadian Football League with Edmonton and Montreal.
