The Clark State Community College women’s basketball team got the 2018-19 season underway with new head coach Jay Etter.

“The ladies have been working extremely hard, and it’s been fun to see their progress” said head coach Jay Etter. “Their commitment to each other has been impressive. The focus will continue to be to get better each and every day.”

Etter said the starters this season will be Liz Weaver (Shawnee), Dee Barnes (Shawnee), Brooke Starrett (Wayne), Anarra Williams (Dayton Early College Academy) and Hayley Melton (Cedarville) with Ariyah Lewis (Shawnee) and McKayla Lee (Cedarville) coming off of the bench. Clementine Mesa (College Bonsomi) and Courtney Ross (Youngstown) round out the team roster.

Etter said the team goals include: compete for a conference title, have a winning record, win the conference tournament and maintain a team GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Etter has been coaching basketball for more than 27 years in the tri-state area. He has coached AAU teams to seven Ohio State championships and hosted numerous basketball camps and clinics. Etter is recognized as one of the top basketball trainers in the Dayton area.

“Coach Etter has proven that he can lead young women and win. I look forward to him as our new leader for our women’s basketball program,” said Justin McCulla, director of athletics and student life for Clark State. “I believe Coach Etter will open doors for recruiting.”

Coach Etter expects his team to put forth a competitive effort. “During the offseason, the culture changed to more of a team atmosphere,” he said. “We have seen a winning attitude among our ladies.”

The Lady Eagles won their first home game 61-56 on Wednesday, November 7 against Miami University-Hamilton. The next home game will be 6 p.m. on Tuesday, November 20 vs. Wilberforce University JV. All Clark State athletics games are open to the public.