Campus News
November 3rd, 2025
Lady Lakers look to rebound after .500 season
Squad features five sophomores, impressive array of freshmen
After going 61-15 over the previous three women's basketball campaigns, the Lady Lakers were just 9-9 last season. Garrett College head coach JT Lewis believes his program is ready to return to region title contention this winter.
"Having five sophomores returning at the JuCo level is awesome," said Lewis. "They've all been in big games and played big minutes. The more successful teams have experienced sophomores to lean on.
"We also have a very talented freshman group," added Lewis. "This is probably one of the deepest teams I've had. It seems like we can play a lot of different styles."
The Lakers' returners are led by last year's leading scorer, guard Da'shai Morton-Hall, who averaged 13.7 points per game last season.
"Da'shai brings experience, and she's improved in the offseason," said Lewis. "I'm looking for her to run the floor, provide energy, and be a great defensive player."
Leading rebounder Hailey Newsome, who averaged 11.4 points and 7.1 boards per game as a freshman, is also back.
"We're looking for rebounding and steals from Hailey," said Lewis, noting Newsome is an opportunistic defender who helped key fast breaks last season. "She may be the piece that takes us to the next level."
Lewis said returning forward Makaela Braxton-Brown brings "experience, rebounding, and was our best free-throw shooter last season" while guard Jorjalynn Ward "is very consistent and can play any position – she helps with rebounding and brings a little outside shooting."
The fifth sophomore, Gianna Michaux, played two seasons ago and returns after taking off last year while recovering from illness.
"She can do a little bit of everything," Lewis said of Michaux, who was the team's leading rebounder during the 2023-24 season.
Forward Carly Wilt, a former Southern Garrett High standout, leads a talented group of freshmen. She is the daughter of Garrett College Hall of Famer Stacy Wilt, and Lewis said he could "see Carly having a similar career."
Two fast, freshman out-of-state guards – Texan point guard Jameriah Butler and North Carolina shooting guard Miangel Thompson – will help the Lady Lakers feature an up-tempo game.
"Both can score, handle the ball well, and push the ball," said Lewis. "Maryland JuCo is a guard-oriented league. We're a little undersized, but both Jameriah and Miangel play bigger than what they are."
Lewis also put together a package deal for twins from Snow Hill High on Maryland's Eastern Shore – guard Marrah Milbourne and 5-foot-11 center Marlynn Milbourne.
"Marrah is very athletic and can shoot – she reminds me a lot of Hailey," said Lewis. "Marlynn is probably our only true center. I'm looking for her to give us an identity down low."
The Lady Lakers open their season Tuesday night against the visiting Point Park University junior varsity and travel to Frederick Community College Wednesday night for their NJCAA Division II Region 20 opener against the Cougars. Both games start at 5 p.m.
