Women's Regional Team of the Decade 2000's

Division II Women’s East Region All-Decade Review

Welcome to the unveiling of the D2 East Hoops All-Decade women’s basketball team for the 2000’s. Four years ago we revealed the 2010’s D2 East Hoops All-Decade players and teams, and we thought it was time to go back another decade and check out the previous ten-year window. As we said in 2020, most of the time this website tries to be objective and thorough in covering the teams and players in Division II’s East Region. For this exercise, though, I’ll be speaking in my own voice. Selecting an All-Decade team from the region, covering the years 1999-’00 through 2008-’09 was as daunting as it was four years ago. Among so many terrific players and teams, it became clear that there is no ‘right’ choice, only informed opinion. Also, part of the consideration was how many years within the window that a particular player performed in. Some great players bridged the decades, which makes it that much more difficult to quantify. With considerable background research, this is what emerged. Without question, there are omissions that were very difficult yet at some point, I had to draw the line.

The process to choose the players herein considers a variety of factors, including individual accomplishments, statistics, and team success but it also includes the indefinable qualities that made a player special. You will not see a list that is purely numbers-based, although those do tend to skew towards the more decorated players. I’ve tried to do my best to include players who toiled for teams that didn’t have eye-popping team success or players that participated in only part of the decade. For those players in the latter category, their importance to their team and achievements were carefully weighed, and indeed, some did make the list. In the end, I again opted for a Player of the Decade, a 10-player first team, a 10-player second team and an honorable mention list that could have been as long as my sleeve. I hope that it is at least adequate and imparts a representative recap of the era.

Notable in this timeframe is that the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) did not enter the region until the 2003-’04 season, so teams/players from that league can only be considered for the final six years of that stretch. Also, the East Coast Conference (ECC) was known as the New York Collegiate Athletic Conference (NYCAC) through the 2006-’07 campaign, so when you see NYCAC, know that it is the predecessor to the ECC. And don’t forget that the old New England Collegiate Conference (NECC) closed shop after the 1999-2000 season, the first season in this window, so they’ll poke their nose in, too. There were some institutions that switched conference-affiliation within the decade and some NCAA tournament changes – the region was named New England through the 2007-’08 season (renamed the East after that, which is what it has remained) and the overall field expanded from 48 teams (six per region) to the current 64 teams (eight per region) for the 2003-’04 campaign. With all that said, here it is…

East Region Player of the Decade

Johannah Leedham, Franklin Pierce, 2010

With all due respect to everyone on this list, it’s an easy choice, even if she played only three years in the decade. Leedham is among the greatest players in Division II history, scoring more points than any Division II player (3,050), earning two WBCA Player of the Year awards and being selected a WBCA All-American thrice. She led the Ravens to three regional titles and a trip all the way to the DII championship game as a junior in 2009. The 5-11 native of Ellesmere Port, England went on to a lengthy career overseas (and as a national team player for Team Great Britain) but distinguished herself in Rindge with her amazing all-around game and ferocious desire to succeed. Leedham is as good as anyone I have ever watched at the Division II level, and we were lucky to have her in the region.

East Region All-Region First Team 

Kelly Killion, Holy Family, 2008

As a leader, Kelly Killion had few peers in regional history. She was a big-time winner (115 of them in her career, along with three league titles) who made things happen when the chips were down. Holy Family was a regular NCAA tourney participant and the CACC powerhouse when the 5-6 point guard from Pennsauken, Pennsylvania was in uniform, flourishing herself while making her teammates better. Killion certainly had the stats to back up the resume (1,574 points, 619 assists and 313 three-pointers) which includes back-to-back CACC Player of the Year awards. Her relentless style of play at both ends was fun to watch, except if you were supporting the other team. HFU’s history is littered with great teams and players and Killion is at or near the start of every discussion on that topic.

Ashley Hilton, New Haven, 2007

One of New Haven’s all-time greats, Hilton sits in the top ten at UNH in scoring (1,637 points), rebounds (810 boards), field goals (594), blocks (72) and three-point percentage (35.1%) - you get the idea, she did it all for the Chargers. She was a two-time conference Player of the Year (2006 as the NYCAC; 2007 as the ECC) who was the key part of teams that went 87-33 during her career and reached the NCAA tournament in her last two seasons. The 6-footer from Skowhegan, Maine proved to be a consistent contributor, growing from a supporting role early on to a star as an upper-class player, deserving of All-American recognition. Hilton drove UNH to three regular-season and two playoff titles in the NYCAC/ECC, illustrating her ability as an individual and team standout.

Nana Lukengu Corts, College of Saint Rose, 2001

One of the most talented players the region has ever been blessed with is Lukengu Corts. Despite only two years in this decade window (three seasons in all), Lukengu Corts cannot be ignored. The 6-footer from Kinshasa, DR Congo, was ultra-skilled and had a mesmerizing quality when you watched her. After playing in the ’96 Olympics in Atlanta, Lukengu Corts eventually led the College of Saint Rose to their only regional crown in ’00, compiling notable numbers (1,658 points, 396 steals, 659 rebounds, 341 assists), earning multiple All-American accolades and winning Player of the Year in two different leagues (NYCAC and NE10). Her ability to meld silk and steel, shooting and scoring freely, will live long in the memory banks. Lukengu Corts will always rank among my top regional players of all-time.

Kate Lynch, Southern Connecticut, 2008

Now the head coach at her alma mater, Kate Lynch should always be remembered for leading Southern Connecticut State to a national championship in 2007. The 5-11 product of Rumford, Rhode Island turned a modest freshman season (48 points) into a glorious career with hard work and determination. She ended her playing days with 1,779 points and a variety of regional and national honors. Lynch took home the MOP award at the 2007 Elite Eight as the Owls beat Drury, UC-San Diego, and previously undefeated Florida Gulf Coast to win it all. She played with fury and poise every night, growing her game with each passing season. By the end, Lynch was a dynamic scorer, a team leader and a player that defied pressure. Her resume and legacy at SCSU will last a lifetime and beyond.

Joelle Martin, Merrimack, 2006

Merrimack has been a Division I institution for several years, but it will take a special talent to best Martin as their all-time greatest player. She was the fulcrum as the Warriors enjoyed their most glorious period, winning back-to-back regionals and advancing to the national Division II Final Four in 2004 and 2005. The Somerville, Massachusetts native was superb in the ’05 Elite Eight, scoring the winning basket against St. Cloud State (part of a 27-point effort) and submitting a 17-point, 11-board, 7-block gem against Seattle Pacific in the semifinals. Martin’s ability was impressive, as she could shoot (137 three-pointers) and attack the basket in equal measure, wrapping up her career with 2,038 points and a handful of All-American awards. She lit up the floor with a dynamism that is increasingly rare and will always be revered for that.

Becky Davison, Bentley, 2004

One of the most quietly effective players I have ever seen was the silent assassin Davison. She killed foes with her brand of cerebral yet athletic ability, shining at both ends of the floor and in every situation. The 6-0 Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania product was the prototypical stretch four, compiling 1,579 points, 792 boards, 114 rejections and 156 triples during her sensational Bentley career, earning Kodak All-American honors as a senior. Davison was part of 107 Falcon victories, including the 2003 outfit that advanced to the Division II semi-finals. There have been many lauded players in Falcon history, but she came in unheralded and left as one of the best. Don’t doubt how good Davison was; she absolutely deserves her place among the regional elite.

Wanda Maynard-Morris, Pace, 2002

The crowning glory in Maynard-Morris’ career was the ’01 regional tournament, where the 6-2 St. Andrew’s, Barbados native totally dominated three straight games and led the Setters to the Elite Eight. Her career was much more than that amazing weekend, though, as she racked up 1,804 points, 1,128 rebounds, 346 steals and 220 blocked shots and picked up All-American honors as a senior. Maynard-Morris was an adept post player but could also step to the perimeter and get the job done there, as well. Her defensive presence was something to see, with long arms, great timing and extreme versatility shining through. That ’01 regional at Bentley, though, with 85 points and 44 rebounds in three games, including 29/18 against defending champion Saint Rose and 30/15 against top seed Bentley, will always stick out.

Alexis Seeley, Adelphi, 2003

A slashing wing player, Seeley was at the center of a terrific Adelphi team in the early ‘00’s, with the Panthers making an appearance in the regional title game in ’02. Even though her career spanned two decades (90’s and 00’s), the 5-9 native of Greenwich, New Jersey made a huge impact in a Panther uniform, thus meriting inclusion. She was a two-time NYCAC Player of the Year (and the NYCAC Rookie of the Year as a freshman) and a two-time regional Daktronics all-star who ended her career with 1,163 points (in only three years of action). Seeley was a talented passer (284 assists), dead eye at the line (85%), excellent in mid-range and on the drive, and able to create something where there seemed to be nothing. One of AU’s all-time greats, she belongs among the decade’s elite.

Sharmion Selman, AIC, 2006

Selman was a monster in the paint for four seasons at AIC, but she was far more than that. Her flexibility in manning the power forward or center spot meant she could hunt mismatches and take advantage of her opponents’ weaknesses with regularity. The 5-11 native of Trinidad and Tobago (who was raised in Burlington, Vermont) completed her AIC career with 1,987 points and helped them win 88 games while making it all the way to the Division II championship game in 2006. Selman ran the floor like a guard, flourished in mid-range and bullied teams into submission in the paint, completing her stint as a Yellow Jacket with 68 points and 30 boards in the ’06 Elite Eight. Her place on this list was a lock and she is among the best frontcourt players in regional history.

Leah Shumoski, University of the Sciences, 2006

While we no longer have the University of the Sciences’ program to enjoy, fans can always think back to the mid-00’s and the fantastic tenure of Shumoski. The 6-0 Broomall, Pennsylvania product was blessed with quick feet, a computer-like brain, a strong frame and the ability to use her talents in a myriad of ways. She collected eye-catching numbers (1,924 points, 1,030 rebounds, 282 assists, 314 steals, 133 blocked shots and went 518-775 at the line), showcasing her incredibly varied skill set. The Devils won two CACC crowns in the two-time CACC Player of the Year recipients’ career, and made their first two NCAA appearances, ushering the program into the upper level of the region. She was consistent and durable, an absolute pillar to build around.

East Region All-Region Second Team

Zulmary Andino, Dowling, 2004

Andino won two NYCAC Player of the Year awards (one shared and one solo) and ended her three-year stay at Dowling with 1,460 points and 401 steals, leading them to the ’04 NYCAC crown and NCAA’s.

Kelly Barker, Bentley, 2001

A major inside force who added to her game as time went on, Barker closed her time at Bently with 1,800 points, 120 wins, two regional titles, an NE10 Player of the Year award and All-American accolades.

Megan Bauer, Holy Family, 2007

Bauer compiled a great career at HFU (1,255 points, 957 boards, 289 rejections) and led the Tigers to two CACC crowns and four NCAA appearances. She was a serious force in the paint who played with poise.

Keri Flynn, Bentley, 2004

One of the greatest shooters in regional history (her ability to get hot was her calling card), Flynn could score (1,571 points, 257 three-pointers), create chaos and win (Bentley won 110 games during her career).

Shamika Jackson, Southern Connecticut, 2007

After wo years at Boston College, Jackson transferred to SCSU and helped them win a national title in 2007. The incredibly talented 6-1 wing impacted the game in every manner at both ends of the floor.

Jennifer Leedham, Franklin Pierce, 2009

A star in her own right, Leedham led the Ravens with grit, intelligence, and skill. Leedham was everywhere at times (1,386 points, 522 assists, 255 steals) and was critical in helping them to the 2009 title D2 game

Liz Lefebvre, St. Michael’s, 2003

One of the most versatile players in SMC annals, LeFebvre (1,553 points, 876 boards, 153 blocks, 53.8% FG) made her presence felt every night and claimed deserved All-American honors as a senior.

Kristen Patterson, AIC, 2002

Synonymous with AIC basketball, Patterson (a longtime assistant and now head coach) collected numbers (1,539 points), led the program to their first regional title in 2002 and has kept them relevant for decades.

Shelby Rance, University of the Sciences, 2007

Rance was a smooth, deadly scorer (1,939 points, 161 3FG’s) who could defend (216 steals) and come up big when the Devils required. Helped USP to two CACC championships and their first two NCAA trips.

Amelia Simmons, Wilmington, 2010

A superbly productive player, Simmons (2,267 points, 1,069 rebounds, 141 3FG’s, 162 steals and 116 blocks) made the Wildcats a competitive outfit almost be sheer willpower.

East Region All-Region Honorable Mention

East Region Team of the Decade 

Despite a substantial number of excellent teams in the decade, this is an easy one to select – the 2006-’07 Southern Connecticut State Owls, the only regional team to win the national title (and the first since the 1987 New Haven Chargers) in the 2000’s. They had to be exceptional since the region also boasted an NCAA finalist and four teams that advanced to the Final Four. Even a few of the teams that fell at the Elite Eight stage must be mentioned among the top teams during the decade, it was that good – arguably the best decade the region has ever enjoyed when it comes to national results.

Southern Connecticut State, 2006-‘07

Joe Frager’s Owls top the list after taking home the national championship thanks to a 61-45 victory over Florida Gulf Coast in the D2 title tilt in Kearney, Nebraska. SCSU had a formidable starting five, led by All-American forward Kate Lynch and bolstered by silky forward Shamika Jackson and powerful pivot Babette Noah. The backcourt duo of LaShauna Jones and Michelle Martinik was solid and dependable while the bench, led by Rochelle Johnson, Jacqueline Johannes, Kaylie Schiavetta, Allyson Smith, and Heather Coombs added quality depth. SCSU posted a 34-2 record in part thanks to their suffocating defense (49.7 ppg allowed). They blasted through the regional tournament with three wins by an average of nearly 17 points a game, and they then eliminated Drury (74-54) and UC-San Diego (67-53) in the Elite Eight before knocking off previously undefeated FGCU to win it all. Lynch was the Most Outstanding Player of the Elite Eight for a team that could compete, and beat, anyone in any era.

Honorable Mention

College of Saint Rose, 1999-‘00

After years of nearly, but not quite, the Golden Knights of head coach Curt Bailey finally broke the jinx and won the regional title in 2000. All-American Nana Lukengu on the wing and veteran guards Colleen Sheridan and Nicole LaRocque led the way with explosive Mbuyi Mukendi inside and rookie Kristen Zeh on the perimeter adding talent and focus. Depth came from Kerri Griffith, Liz Coughlin, and Sara Wright off the bench. Saint Rose went 28-0 in the regular season, held the #1 ranking all year long (the sole close game before the Elite Eight being a 57-54 victory over Binghamton) and they led the nation in scoring defense (53.2 ppg allowed) and scoring margin (+28.9 ppg). Saint Rose knocked off Bentley to claim their ticket to the Elite Eight, 82-72, but fell once there to Northern Kentucky, 60-50. Still, the Golden Knights could rightly be proud of the season, one which rounded out a five-year run where they went an insane 125-5 and finally held sway over the region.

Bentley, 2002-‘03

Only a bizarre banked three-pointer separated Bentley from a place in the national title game in ’03 but that doesn’t change how excellent a team they were. Barbara Stevens had a squad led by All-Americans Keri Flynn in the backcourt and Becky Davison up front with pivot Sara Wright (yes, the same one from Saint Rose), point guard Chante Bonds and versatile wing Liz Leonard also in the starting five. Shevon Gibbons and Morgan DiPietro were the key reserves for the Falcons as they rattled off 30 wins in a row after a 3-2 start. They dominated the NE10 playoffs (three wins by a +57 margin) and the regional tournament (three wins by over 25 points a game) before dropping Central Arkansas in the Elite Eight, 80-69. South Dakota State was dead and buried before the wacky triple that forced OT and the Jackrabbits eventually ended a stunned group of Falcons, 69-62. But a 33-3 mark and a place among the pantheon of regional greats is a must for this squad.

Merrimack, 2003-‘04

Merrimack was an afterthought for many years before Ann McInerney took the reins and turned the ship around, and by ’04 she had a superb team on her hands. All-American wing Joelle Martin was the star but stalwarts like Eileen Brosnahan inside and perimeter threats Jenny Smith, Christina Siragusa and Meghan Leary joined her in the first five and they flourished. The Warriors won the NE10 title for the first time, sweeping three games after only winning three games before in the tourney previously (3-16 all-time). They hosted the regional for the first time and bumped off Adelphi, AIC, and Bryant convincingly to rampage their way into the Elite Eight – for the first time. Once there they wiped out Augusta State, 76-67, in the national quarterfinals before running into eventual champion California (PA) in the semifinals. The Vulcans opened up a close game in the final ten minutes to end MC’s dream season, but a 31-4 record and a Final Four legacy was ample reward for their endeavors.  

American International College, 2005-‘06

All-American forward Sharmion Selman was the key element for the Yellow Jackets as they won their second regional title (to go with the one they won in ’02) and advanced all the way to the national championship game before falling a shade short against Grand Valley State, 58-52. AIC, helmed by Peter Cinella, counted on Selman, Stacey Boisvert and Tiffany Wooten up front along with point guard Alissa Rubino and Krystal Pressley in the backcourt. Shot-blocker Jen Nnanna and perimeter options Jeannette Johnson and Jen Moussette also played key roles for the Jackets. AIC lost in the NE10 playoffs but dropped Saint Rose (71-59) and Stonehill (70-46) in the NCA regionals before stunning host Southern Connecticut, 46-40, to punch their Elite Eight ticket. Wins over Emporia State (86-79) and St. Cloud State (70-58) sent the Jackets to the title tilt before the glorious run ended. A team that could play with either a silk glove or a steel hammer, AIC was more than deserving of a spot on this list.

Franklin Pierce, 2008-‘09

Franklin Pierce made a memorable run to the national title game in ’09 behind superstar Johannah Leedham, coming up shy of the ultimate prize, losing to Minnesota State Mankato in the final, 103-94. That hardly dims the luster of the season, one where the Ravens overcame a 6-4 start to go 23-1 over the next 24 games to book their spot in the last game of the campaign. Leedham (23 ppg) was joined by her sister, Jennifer, as leaders for Mark Swasey’s team but they had outstanding role players in forward Marielle Giroud, center Tori Ahrens and guard Toby Martin around them. The Ravens rolled to the NE10 title with and then headed to Philadelphia to win the regional for the second straight year. Stonehill was the final victim there, 78-54, and FPU beat California (PA), 88-73, and Delta State, 58-39, in the Elite Eight in San Antonio to advance to the championship clash. This foray was as far as the wonderous Leedham ever took them in the NCAA’s and stands as one of the best regional teams of the decade.

Division II East - 2000’s at a Glance

Regional Champions

NCAA Tournament Appearances

Conference Players of the Year

All-America 1^st Team Selections