PORTLAND, Ore. - Portland Community College head women's basketball coach Graham McFall recently announced the commitments of 10 new recruits for the Panthers in the upcoming 2020-21 season. McFall, who was hired in April, has been working to build a dynamic roster.
"It has been impressive to see the recruiting Coach McFall has accomplished already. The Covid-19 pandemic certainly has created some unique recruiting challenges for each of our coaches, so it is especially exciting for our women's basketball program to have such a strong group of committed recruits," commented PCC Director of Athletics Brad Barbarick.
Iris Cubit - 6-2 forward from Ipswich, Australia
Iris is expected to make an immediate impact for the Panthers and in NWAC Southern Region play. The versatile Cubit was named All-State in Queensland and participated in the Queensland State Program at the Australian National Championships.
Cubit on committing to Portland Community College: "Being asked to play college basketball in another city on the other side of the world is a moment I will never forget. Having the opportunity to play the sport I love as a Portland Panther under Coach McFall, while growing as a student, making new friendships and exploring a whole new country, is going to be a life changing experience I will forever be grateful for."
Coach McFall's comments: "Iris brings a great skill set to the NWAC with her soft touch around the rim, elegant footwork, physical mentality and versatility to play on the perimeter. We are extremely excited to bring Iris to PCC where she will play a vital role in the success of PCC Women's Basketball going forward."
Emily Fortin - 5-8 guard from Sam Barlow High School, Gresham, Oregon
Fortin joins the Panthers after a very successful high school career. As a senior at Barlow High School, Fortin earned honorable mention All-Mt. Hood Conference honors. Fortin has also competed for the Northwest Stars Club basketball program.
Fortin on committing to Portland Community College: "I'm so grateful and excited for the opportunity to play college basketball and attend PCC!"
Coach McFall's comments: "Emily is an extremely versatile guard. She has the ability to not only create shots for herself but also her teammates. Emily's addition to the program will play a vital part of our success going forward. We are very excited to welcome Emily Fortin to the PCC family."
Jenna Stradley - 5-9 wing from David Douglas High School, Portland, Oregon
Stradley joins the PCC program after a highly successful high school career. The talented guard/forward was named 2nd Team All-Mt. Hood Conference as a senior and helped lead the Scots to consecutive trips to the Oregon 6A State playoffs.
Stradley on committing to Portland Community College: "I'm really excited for the opportunity to play at PCC, it is going be a great couple of years. Go Panthers!"
Coach McFall's comments: "We are extremely excited to have Jenna Stradley as part of the PCC Family! With Jenna's ability to score the ball at all three levels along with her length and motor on the defensive side of the ball, she will be a vital part of our success going forward."
Briana Ball - 5-10 post from Glencoe High School, Hillsboro, Oregon
Ball brings a strong front court presence for the Panthers squad and will provide rebounding and interior Post play. One of the top post players in the Pacific Conference, Ball earned honorable mention all-conference honors as a senior.
Ball on committing to Portland Community College: "I am honored to play for PCC and excited for the adventure! I am really looking forward in representing the Panthers on the court."
Coach McFall's comments: "Brianna comes to PCC as a physical post player with a great ability to rebound the ball and finish around the rim. We are really looking forward to having Brianna's presence on the floor this season at PCC!"
Kayleen Dominguez - 5-8 wing from Forest Grove High School, Forest Grove, Oregon
Dominguez joins the Panthers after an excellent prep career at Forest Grove High School. Known for her perimeter shooting skills, Dominguez earned honorable mention All-Pacific Conference honors as a senior.
Dominguez on committing to Portland Community College: "I'm very excited for the experience to play college basketball and especially the opportunity to play at PCC for the Panthers"
Coach McFall's comments: "Kayleen is a versatile guard with a big upside. She can really shoot and is a proven scorer. She had a very successful high school career at Forest Grove HS where she played an integral role in their success. We are excited to have her at PCC!"
Brisa Avalos - 5-9 forward from Reynolds High School, Troutdale, Oregon
Avalos becomes a Portland Community College Panther after a successful high school career at Reynolds High School, where she earned all Mt. Hood Conference Honors as a senior. The versatile Forward/Post is known for her passion on both ends of the floor. Avalos is expected to provide interior scoring and rebounding for the Panthers.
Avalos on committing to Portland Community College: "I have always loved basketball and I'm very thankful to have this opportunity to continue my journey not only as a player but with furthering my education at Portland community college while under the guidance of Coach McFall."
Coach McFall's comments: "Brisa is a player that has a great ability to finish around the rim, rebound, and play with a lot of physicality which are all intangible qualities of playing at the next level!"
Alexandra Porpora - 5-5 guard from Aloha High School Aloha, Oregon
Porpora becomes a PCC Panther after a strong prep career at Aloha High School. Porpora is known for her unselfish, pass first style of play.
Porpora on committing to Portland Community College: "I'm excited for the opportunity to play at the college level. I look forward to building strong relationships with my teammates and learning my role and improving as a player." #nevergiveupnevergivein
Coach McFall's comments: "Alexandra comes to PCC with great upside with the ability to get the rim and always looking to get her teammates involved. Alex has a high basketball IQ and will be a great addition to the Lady Panthers this upcoming season!"
Kaylee Becker - 5-3 guard from Westside Christian High School, Tigard, Oregon
Becker comes to PCC after a stellar high school career at Westside Christian. The quick guard is known for her passing abilities and involving all of her teammates.
Becker on committing to Portland Community College: "I am beyond happy to have the opportunity to play the game I love at PCC. I can't wait to see what the next two years will hold!"
Coach McFall's comments: "Kaylee is a great addition to the PCC Family. She is a skilled point guard with a great ability to create and distribute, as well as knock down the three. Along with Kaylee's skill set she has an enthusiastic personality and high motor that will complement our locker room."
Lupita Dominguez - 5-3 guard from Reynolds High School, Troutdale, Oregon
Dominguez joins the PCC Panther basketball family after a highly successful high school career. Teaming up with fellow Panther signee Brisa Avalos at Reynolds, the duo provided lots of excitement for the Raiders program. Dominguez is known for her elite quickness and defensive abilities.
Dominguez on committing to Portland Community College: "It's always been a dream of mine to play college basketball while furthering my education. I am thankful that Coach McFall is giving me the opportunity to play basketball at PCC. I am excited to continue to learn and grow as a student athlete."
Coach McFall's comments: "Lupita brings her high motor work ethic to PCC with her ability to lockdown defenders in the open court, get to the rim, and push quickly in transition. Lupita will bring a lot of energy and effort on both sides of the floor which is every coach's dream."
Jenny Pham - 5-3 guard from Clackamas, High School, Clackamas, Oregon
After helping lead Clackamas high school to an outstanding season as a senior, Jenny Pham looks to make the same impact as a PCC Panther. The versatile guard is known for her quickness and toughness on the court.
Pham on committing to Portland Community College: "I'm excited for the next chapter in furthering my basketball career! Growing up it seems like there was always a chip on my shoulder, at times I felt disrespected by the lack of recognition of accomplishments. Emphasizing my drive and desire to win. I am looking forward to growing on and off the court with my fellow PCC Panthers!"
Coach McFall's comments: "Jenny comes to PCC with her exciting style of play with her shifty first step, ability to get the rim and distribute creatively to her teammates. Jenna does a great job on both ends of the floor playing with high intensity that will be an important part of making everyone better!"
New Era for PCC Women's Basketball:
Portland Community College women's basketball begins a new era under the leadership of head coach Graham McFall. McFall, comes to PCC after serving as an assistant coach at Lincoln University (NCAA Division II) in Jefferson City, Mo. McFall who has dual US and Australian Citizenship is committed to the challenge of turning things around for the PCC women's program. "I am very excited about our first recruiting class. I certainly understand how tough the NWAC Southern Region is in women's basketball, and we feel like we have added some outstanding recruits to help us compete with the top programs. With the help of new assistant coach Haley Polis, I believe big things are ahead for PCC Panthers women's basketball."
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic Portland Community College will conduct classes during the Fall 2020 Term remote and online. The start of the 2020-21 NWAC basketball season has been formally postponed and now includes a recommended start of Jan. 16, 2021. Check https://panthers.pcc.edu/ for further scheduling updates.
For related stories to this release please see the following:
https://panthers.pcc.edu/news/2020/5/15/graham-mcfall-to-lead-pcc-womens-basketball.aspx
https://nwacsports.com/general/2019-20/releases/20200709t0zmsn
