The St. Louis Surge has opened a new season of semi-pro basketball in the Women’s Blue Chip Basketball League, but there is one difference this year.
For the first time, the franchise has entered the season as the defending national champion St. Louis Surge. Under the direction of first-year head coach Tony Condra, the Surge ventured down to New Orleans and came away with the WBCBL National Championship. St. Louis completed its 14-1 championship season by defeated Auburn (AL) 81-69 in the national title game.
The Surge received championship rings and all the accolades that come with becoming champions. However, that has not stopped owner Khalia Collier from building her team towards another championship run.
“After winning a national championship last season, as owner and general manager, I could not be more proud of our organization,” Collier said. “We’ve reloaded our roster and we are ready to go for another championship. For people that thought we were talented last year, wait until they see this year’s roster. The local talent is the best we have thus far.”
The Surge have opened the 2015 season by winning three of their first four games, all on the road. They will open their home season on Saturday night against the Nebraska Strikers at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Tip-off is at 7:05 p.m.
This year’s edition of the Surge has a distinct local flavor with a total of nine players on the roster from the St. Louis metro area. One of the top returning players is guard Rebecca Harris, a former Mascoutah (Ill) standout who was named to the All-Tournament Team at the national tournament last season. She had 17 points, seven rebounds and eight assists in the championship game against Auburn.
Veteran forward Jaleesa Butler (Alton/Georgetown) is a versatile 6’1” forward who has been a big part of the team’s success for the past three seasons. Guard Bianca Beck (Incarnate Word) and forwards Devonna Smith (Kirkwood/UMSL) and Gabriella Green (Hazelwood East/Lindenwood) also return for last year’s championship team.
The Surge added even more talent from the metro area in former Incarnate Word teammates Brittany Carter (Illinois State) and Brianna Puni (Eastern Michigan). Carter is a versatile 6’1” guard while Puni is a physical low-post player. Guard Yelena Rosado (North Tech/SEMO) and forward Raven Berry (Collinsville/SIUE) are also new to the mix. Rounding out the roster are guards Leah Cotton, Sam Price and forwards Leah Kessing.
During Collier’s leadership of the franchise, the Surge has been among the top teams in the WBCBL. Not only have they been a consistent winning team, they have also had the best attendance numbers in the league. More big crowds are expected for the Surge’s home games this season.
“The momentum we have built for the past three seasons has earned us credibility in the community,” Collier said. “The Surge is family entertainment, role models and mentors in the community. It makes us champions on and off the court. The bonus is that we have phenomenal athletes.”
Admission for Saturday’s home opener is $8 for adults and $5 for students with a middle school or high school ID. For more information on the team or for season’s tickets information, visit the team’s website at www.stlouissurgebasketball.com.
