COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA – The Iowa Western women's basketball team has added three more freshman to the 2019-2020 team. The group includes Arielle McElroy, Timberlynn Thomas, and McKenzie Jones.
Arielle McElroy, a 5'7 point guard, signed with the Reivers in the Fall of 2018. McElroy was a standout athlete and student at Bolingbrook High School in Illinois. She averaged 6.2 points, 2 assists, 3.65 rebounds, and 1.7 deflections per game. As team Captain she was pivotal in leading her team to a successful season. In addition to her achievements on the court she ended her high school career with a 3.95 GPA, was a member of National Honors Society, and the 2nd Vice President of the NAACP Youth Council for DuPage County.
What Coach Vande is saying: "Arielle comes from two elite programs – both her high school and summer club are established and have winning traditions. We are excited for her to bring her success-driven attitude to Iowa Western. Arielle is always in the gym trying to improve her game and she is going to be a great floor general for us at the point guard position."
Timberlynn, 'Timmy', Thomas is a 5'10 forward from South Bend, Indiana. Thomas was an impact player for the Southbend Washington Panthers. She was her team's second leading scoring, averaging 16 points per game. The standout athlete also averaged, 2 assists, 9 rebounds, and 3 steals per game. Thomas was the MVP for the Indiana Elite 3A/4A Senior Game, was selected to play in the McDonalds Michiana High School All-Star Game, and was an IBCA Subway All-State Honorable Mention.
What Coach Vande is saying: "Timmy is a long, athletic forward who runs the floor exceptionally well. Timmy had multiple opportunities to play at 4-year institutions but we are very excited she chose to come to IWCC to grow her game. Timmy will bring a lot of energy to our team and will be versatile for us on both ends of the ball."
McKenzie Jones is a 6'2 forwardfrom Hazelwood Central High School in Florissant, Missouri. Jones contributed to her high school team as a rebounding powerhouse and used her length and athleticism to block shots. Jones tallied over five rebounds in six contests and averaged 1.7 blocks.
What Coach Vande is saying: "We are so excited to have McKenzie on our team for next season. McKenzie has raw athleticism and length which allows her to alter and block shots. She is a dominant force defensively. McKenzie has battled some adversity during her high school career and we believe she will get the development she needs here to grow her game and play at the next level."
