Women's Basketball All-Citrus Conference
Chaney and Houston lead the way for the Saints in post season honors.
Gainesville, FL
The SF Saints continue their post season tradition of selection to the All Conference team. This year was the first year of the new "Citrus Conference" which included eight teams that host women's basketball. Previously the Saints had participated in the Mid Florida Conference and most recently the Central Conference. Each year at the conclusion of the year, coaches from all eight conference teams convene to honor their best contributors. The coaches vote this year garnered Shakiria Chaney and Leyah Houston with First Team All Citrus Conference honors. The Saints had no selections on the second team. Santa Fe finished in a tie for fifth with Daytona State but held the head to head advantage after beating Daytona two out of three times to secure fifth place.
Chaney, a 5'10" guard from Tifton Georgia, led the Saints most of the year as she had seven games of more than twenty points and seven games with more than ten rebounds. Her best out put on the glass was a twenty rebounding effort versus Hillsborough Community College on January 25th. Chaney also averaged just over an assist and half for the Saints. Chaney is also on track for numerous academic awards when the time comes.
Houston, a 6'0" forward from Gainesville, also led the Saints and was a domineering force as she averaged thirteen points and nine and a half rebounds. Houston was a rebounding force for Saints as she collected eight games with a double double. She collected at least 12 defensive rebounds on five occassions. Houston, known for her reverse layup and strong putbacks, was a match up problem for many opponents.
First year Coach Russ Jackson said, "It has been an honor to coach these two, they have been a steadying force and have played through numerous adversities, and yet they have given all they had."
The combo of Chaney and Hoston were backed up by solid contributions from multiple players as every Saints that dressed was asked to contribute in some way this season. As a result the Saints will be heading to the Region VIII tournament next week in Niceville.