The Central Christian women’s basketball team defeated Maranatha Baptist University twice over the weekend, resulting in their best start in program history with a 5-0 record to begin the season.
The Saints took control early and led from start to finish in the first of two games against the Sabercats on Friday night, winning 58-53. Two of the Saints recorded double-doubles—Alexis Whisenand had 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Claire Van Thomme with 10 points and 14 rebounds. Ten Saints contributed to the scoring column, and as a team the CCCB women shot 34% from the field. The Saints also outrebounded the Sabercats, 56-41.
On Saturday, the Saints continued their momentum to a 51-40 victory. CCCB won the rebounding battle again, 56-46, along with 19 forced turnovers on the defensive end.
Atira Davis led in scoring with 11 points, followed by Alexis Whisenand with 10 points and eight rebounds. Savanna Luna contributed eight points and four assists. Raya Brady had a team-high of 10 rebounds.
The CCCB women look to continue their winning streak against NAIA opponent Hannibal La-Grange University at the Ferneau Center at 5 p.m. on Tuesday in Moberly.
Tressa Terry was named head women’s basketball coach at Central Christian College of the Bible, Director of Athletics Janeil Owen announced on Monday, May 6, 2024.
"We are excited to have Tressa as our new head coach," stated Owen. "With her deep love for Central and the girls, plus her proven track record as an assistant coach, we've already scored three wins before the season starts. With coach Tressa, it will be more than just TorchesUp. It will be PassionUp, IntensityUp, and PreparationUp! I'm pumped for our Lady Saints and this upcoming season."
Terry, a 2019 graduate of Central Christian, spent the 2023-24 season as an assistant coach with the Saints women's basketball program. She played a vital role in the team's first winning season since 2015-16.
Prior to her time as an assistant at Central Christian, she spent two seasons as the assistant coach and junior varsity head coach at Prairie Heights High School in LaGrange, Ind.
In college, she played volleyball and basketball for the Saints. As a freshman in 2014-15, she played in the first three games before a knee injury sidelined her for the rest of the season. The Saints women's basketball squad went on to finish 20-8 and was the runner-up at the NCCAA DII national tournament.
She returned the following year and helped the team to a 17-11 mark in 2015-16. Terry averaged just under 10 points per game during her career and was an all-conference and all-region selection for women's volleyball.
Terry plans to build on the success of the Saints' 15-14 record in 2023-24.
"I am incredibly excited and honored to step into the role of head women’s basketball coach here at Central," Terry said. "I want to thank Central for giving me this opportunity to not only lead young women in the game of basketball, but also in their personal relationships with Jesus. I can’t wait to get started and see what we can achieve as a team. Here’s to a new chapter at Central, filled with passion, dedication, and hopefully many victories!"
A native of LaGrange, Terry also served near her hometown on the staff at Lake James Christian Camp and as the Children's Minister at LaHarpe Christian Church after college.
Terry graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Youth and Family Ministry from CCCB. She resides in Moberly and attends Crossroads Christian Church in Macon.
