DeNisha Gray (5'3 Guard) has signed on to play with the 2010 WBCBL Columbus Hidden Gems and has also received her first professional contract. DeNisha is the newest member of the Visby Ladies in the top division in Sweden. Her teammate there will be fellow Columbus Hidden Gem, Jeannie Saunders. This small, cat-quick Point Guard will be a welcomed addition to both rosters. DeNisha is a former All Americanfrom her collegiate days at Indiana Tech who was ranked among the top players in the entire Nation in steals per game 3 of her 4 years there. She was a quality WBCBL player for the Flint Flames in 2009 as well. Look for Gray to make a big impact on each of her new squads in the near future. - Coach Lucius Jones
Brandie Hoskins of the Columbus Hidden Gems has signed to continue her overseas professional career in the Ukraine. The former High School McDonald's All American Game participant, Ohio State University standout, and WNBA Seattle Storm 3rd round draft pick, has previously played in Greece and also Israel since her All Big Ten years in college. The 2010 Columbus Hidden Gems are blessed by God to have such an accomplished talent in the WBCBL playing with us. This is yet another 2010 WBCBL Columbus Hidden Gems player who has Signed Pro.
Candice Sutton (5’3 – Point Guard), possesses speed and quickness with the ability to be one of the top point guards around. Candice also went Elmhurst College were she was a outstanding player where she how the record for steals Candice is a defensive player and the Chicago Eagles are happy to have her aboard.
Sutton’s Awards/Accomplishments & Elmhurst College Records: 1st in steals, 2nd in assists, 10th in scoring, Team Captain 2006-2008, All Tournament Team Selection- Elmhurst Tip-Off Tournament, All Tournament Team Selection- Cal-Tech Thanksgiving Tournament, *CCIW Conference Player of the Week (11/2005), *Elmhurst Most Valuable Defensive Player (3yrs).
Ashley Stein (5’11 – Forward), Graduate from Elmhurst College in 2006, where she was a 4-year starter in soccer and basketball. During her college basketball career, she received many honors: rookie of the year ‘02-‘03, most points in an opening tournament (29pts.) ‘03, most outstanding offensive player ‘03-‘04, All CCIW third team ‘03-‘04 and ‘04-‘05, All Tournament Team ‘03-‘04, CCIW Player Of The Week ’04 and captain for 3years.
After graduating college, Ashley competed with an organization called United States of America Athletes International (USAAI). As a selection through the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), Stein traveled to Belgium and Paris to compete in the “USA versus Europe” tour in 2007. And in the summer of 2008, she competed in the “USA versus Peru” tour in Lima and Cusco.
The Columbus Hidden Gems are proud to announce the signing of sharpshooter Michele DeVault from East Tennessee State & U.M.F. Grindavik in Iceland! Michele Devault was a 3yr starter in college who finished as the D1 institution's All Time best 3 point shooter. In Iceland, she is averaging 19.3ppg and having an amazing season. Columbus Hidden Gems expect her to perform at a very high level in the WBCBL.
Thyeis Halley (6'1 - F/C - Columbus Hidden Gems) has signed on with the Visby Ladies of Sweden. 'Thy' (pronounced 'Tie') is a very versatile frontcourt player who is capable at the 4 or 5 positions. Thy is a dominant player inside and on the boards and also knocks down the deep ball with stunning regularity. She is expected to come in and make a big impact on the Swedish roster. The same is expected of her with the Columbus Hidden Gems in 2010. Thyeis is from the Cleveland Ohio area and was an All American at Lakeland CC (23ppg;13rpg;44%3pt) before assisting Florida A&M in their program's ascension with solid play inside and outside as well.
The Savannah Lady Warriors has signed, 6’0 - Center, Emily Perpich of Armstrong Atlantic State University and Keiva Smalls, 5’10 - Guard, of Longwood University. At Longwood, Smalls led the team in scoring while averaging over 14 points per game. "Smalls is very quick and strong defender. Smalls is currently playing overseas with Huima of Finland and averaging 17.2 points per game."
The WBCBL's mission is to provide highly competitive basketball for women age 20 and older. The competition level ranges from former College players to former NWBL and WNBA players and current International players.
In addition, the WBCBL has built a networking relationship with professional international basketball scouts and agents to broaden the possibility of higher-level professional jobs being offered.