Wilmington, NC - The Cape Fear Community College Lady Sea Devils were ranked in this week's D-II National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Top 20 poll at No. 8 following weekend wins over Tidewater and No. 10 Guilford Tech (No. 13).

At 8-0 on the year, CFCC cracked the national poll for the first time in the brief two-year history of the program.

"Who would have thought that in just the second season year of existence we would crack the national poll? There was no doubt in my mind that this year's squad would make this happen," said Head Coach Lori Drake. "These ladies went above and beyond throughout the summer and preseason to prepare for where they are now and where we will be in March."

Eboni Gilliam (19.0 ppg, 9.8 rpg) and Kristina Rumplach (17.9 ppg, 8-9 rpg) have led the offensive attack as each of the freshmen average nearly a double-double per game, while Shakerya Morrison chips in with about 10 points a night.

Former New Hanover High School standout Shanta Williams has also emerged as a threat, with double figures in the scoring column in three of the last four games. The sophomore put in a season-high 20 points in the win over Tidewater.

"Shanta Williams has really stepped it up this season and she is also having fun," said Drake. "She has helped lead this team to where they are now by working hard day in and day out at practices, weights, conditioning and in the classroom."

One other victory that helped the Sea Devils move into national contention a third of the way through the season was a 71-69 win this month over previously ranked Louisburg College on Dec. 3.

"I have found myself extremely humbled by this accomplishment, and I have fed that into our ladies as well," said Drake. "We have to realize that we haven't even put a dent in our schedule yet and we have 19 more games to go in the regular season. We will prepare for each game and battle. Our ladies are fully focused, staying humble and working hard to improve daily."

Cape Fear will need to put in a good week of practice before returning to the floor Dec. 19-21 at the Brunswick Classic in Supply, with the thick of their conference schedule getting started after the holidays.

"This week our main focus is in the classroom and nailing down our academics, but as we head into next week's Holiday Classic at BCC, we will continue to prepare as we have been up to this point," said Drake. "They are itching to get back on the hardwood."

Courtesy of Joe Catenacci
Port City Daily