It was a great week for Cape Fear women's basketball, as the team received it's highest national ranking of the season, while freshman center Andreal Bass earned Player of the Week honors.

The Sea Devils moved up to 9th in the country in NJCAA Division II. Currently, they hold an overall record of 8-1, and conference record of 6-0. They rank 15th in the country in points per game, averaging 82.6 per game. They also rank 9th overall in steals per game at 15.3.

Head coach Lori Drake points to a strong preseason for her team's start.

"Our ladies prepared extremely well in the preseason and I believe that attributes to our strong start to the season," says Drake. "We come to work and get better every day and that has been key for us thus far. That work ethic will pay off come March."

While it has been a great start, Drake wants her team, who are particularly young, to remain focused and not let the early success get to their heads.

"I want to see our ladies stay humble and hungry day in and day out. It is a long season and with us being so young I want to see our youth grow early to sustain through March."

Helping to lead the way thus far is freshman center Andreal Bass, who was rewarded with Player of the Week honors. Bass finished with 34 points, 11 rebounds and four steals in a win over Guilford Tech on December 2nd, earning her the award. This season, Bass is averaging a team high 15.3 points per game, shooting 49 percent from the field.

It is a great start for Bass, who according to coach Drake, has come a long way since high school.

"Andreal Bass was never the superstar in high school, she was an athlete that could jump out the gym and put back rebounds. What I love about Andreal is seeing her growth from her hard work and witnessing her humble soul through the process."

According to Drake, Bass's teammates have helped her adjust.

"The talent she is surrounded by daily helps her shine even brighter."

Drake hopes Bass's early success, along with the rest of the squad, helps them recognize that what they are accomplishing here is only the beginning.

"At the end of the day," says Drake, "we have to make sure our student-athletes understand that their success here at Cape Fear is only the beginning of their journey."

The Sea Devils continue their season on December 16th, where they will take on Johnston Community College at New Hanover High School in Wilmington at 1:00 p.m.

Courtesy of Nick Denning