POPLARVILLE, Miss. — Three Pearl River women's basketball standouts are headed to the next level. PRCC sophomores Mychala "Pooh" Linzy (Clinton), Alanna Smith (Picayune) and Shania Wright (Clinton) each solidified their spots at the four-year level on Wednesday when they signed with McNeese State, Delta State and South Carolina State respectively.
"It's a great day to be a Wildcat. In coaching, the games bring you the highs and lows. However, the most rewarding part other than our girls graduating with a degree in their hands and going out to impact and influence many is when you see a young person work so hard to accomplish their goals and earn them," Pearl River coach Scotty Fletcher said. "Shania, Alanna and Pooh have embodied the phrase student athlete. We have been very fortunate and blessed to coach such inspiring and awesome women in our program such as Pooh, Alanna and Shania.
"They grew up with dreams and aspirations to play basketball at the highest level and to see their sacrifice, hard work and determination come to fruition is very rewarding for a coach. These young women made a lasting impression on our program and their presence will be greatly missed. They were special young women and a joy to coach each and every day."
MYCHALA 'POOH' LINZY
Linzy was the Wildcats' leading scorer in both of her seasons at The River. Linzy scored at a 11.9 points-per-game average as a freshman and then improved her scoring to a 13 ppg clip this year. As a sophomore, Linzy shot an identical 37.9 percent from the floor and 3-point range. She also averaged 2.6 rebounds.
"Pooh was a coach's dream and came in every day and worked on her craft," Fletcher said. "She was a fierce competitor that never backed down from a challenge. She has always been a leader and winner."
Linzy was named an All-MACJC performer both seasons.
McNeese State, located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, is a member of the Southland Conference.
ALANNA SMITH
Perhaps no Wildcat broke onto the scene in 2019-20 in more impressive form than Smith. After being a rotation player as a freshman, Smith was a driving force for PRCC's success this season.
As a sophomore, Smith was just off the team's scoring lead, averaging 12.6 ppg. She also averaged 3.7 rebounds, 1.3 steals and led PRCC with 3.1 assists per game.
"Alanna made the biggest growth and jump from year one to year two of any player I have coached in my time here. She really came on strong at the end of her freshmen year and was a dominant guard all year and very consistent this year," Fletcher said. "She single handily took over ball games and played with a competitive drive and was a fierce competitor day in and day out.
"It's also very rewarding when you have an in-district player come to your program and buy-in like she did as a student athlete and see her accomplish what she did. Delta State is not only getting an exceptional basketball player but an even better young woman of high character who is a winner. I will miss her deeply and I am very honored to coach such an outstanding young woman.
SHANIA WRIGHT
Wright became a force for the Wildcats, transforming her game from her freshman to sophomore seasons. After averaging 3.7 points, 2.9 rebounds and 0.3 blocks as a freshman, Wright scored at a 7.9 clip this season while also pulling in 6.1 rebounds and registering 1.5 blocks.
"Shania made great growth while here and proved herself to be a great player in a very tough league," Fletcher said. "She was very consistent over her two years and she has so many intangibles to her game from blocking shots, rebounding, and her soft touch around the basket.
"She also was a joy to coach and will be missed greatly."
SCSU is a member of the MEAC, located in Orangeburg, S.C.
NEXT-LEVEL WILDCATS
Wright, Smith and Linzy join a crew of Wildcats who have moved on to four-year schools under Fletcher's guidance, including Gabby Brown (East Tennessee State), Elexis Peyton (Jackson State), Cortia Blackmon (William Carey), Rehema Franklin (New Orleans), Kyla Malone (New Orleans), Tariah Mouton (William Carey), Charisma Walker (Alcorn State), Destiny Williams (William Carey) and Tyasia Willis (Bethel University).
LOOKING BACK
The Wildcats continued to make progress under Fletcher's leadership in 2019-20, finishing with a 15-9 overall record and 8-6 record in the MACJC. PRCC also qualified for the MACJC Tournament for the second straight year.
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