The Bounce Back: Holy Family College Lakers (Free)
MANITOWOC, WISC– Last week, unfortunately, another basketball program and the university closed their doors. Holy Family College, located in Manitowoc, Wisconsin which is 30 minutes from Green Bay and one hour from Milwaukee, was an NAIA basketball program that was originally named Silver Lake Lakers, as they changed the name back to Holy Family late in 2019. Their sports programs joined the NAIA back in 2016 as an independent program not affiliated with any conference.
With my close family ties to the Manitowoc area and love for the game of women’s basketball, I knew I had to help out the Holy Family Lakers basketball players get back on their feet and help to get them a playing opportunity at another college basketball program.
When football was lost for the Huskies at St. Cloud State, my football NFN colleague, Oliver West wrote a player-focused story on getting every player from SCSU a new playing opportunity at another football program. I plan on following Oliver’s guide for finding the Lakers of Holy Family College a new home in college basketball!
Just as a note, all seven prospects are immediately eligible due to the school’s closing. If you are looking to field an immediate need of guards, this might be a great place to start!
Mikayla Riemer, Guard, Freshman, HS: Manitowoc Lutheran (WI)
Played in 23 games for the Lakers and started 5 as just a freshman. Riemer is a strong shooter from outside at shooting guard. She plays with a strong amount of energy which is a boost to her team. Her high school senior season, she averaged 6 points per game and shot 40% from the field and 38% from outside the three-point line. The Lancers were 17-7 in Riemer’s senior year.
Julia Naze, Guard, Junior, HS: Algoma (WI)
Naze is a three-sport athlete at Holy Family who plays soccer, softball, and basketball. She on average about 10 minutes per game for the Lakers. She had one of the lowest assists to turnover ratios on the Lakers roster. Naze played the hustle card on the Lakers roster.
Brianna Holcomb, Guard, Freshman, HS: Jim Hill (Jackson, MS)
Brianna was a starter in 26 games as a true freshman for Holy Family College. She averaged just over 10 points per game in her young career as a Laker. Brianna as well had a very low assist to turnover ratio and WAS under the team average. Also an efficient rebounder at around 5 boards per game last season. A player that will shoot the three or take her talents to the bucket. Averaged 14 points per game and shot 75% from the free-throw line as a senior at Jim Hill High School in Jackson, Miss.
Mackenzie Kolesari, Guard, Freshman, HS: Hamilton (WI)
Kolesari also started in 26 games for the young Holy Family Lakers. As a 5’7 guard, Kolesari is a consistent rebounder averaging just under 6 per game last season and 160 total rebounds on the season. She also averaged 6 points per game for the Lakers. Shot just under 65% from the free-throw line last season.
Kaitlyn Roycroft, Guard, Junior, Hometown: Laredo, TX
Roycroft averaged a team-high 13.5 points per game last season for the Lakers after transferring from Otero Junior College in Colorado. Although she stands 5’3, don’t think she won’t take the ball to the basket with her crafty ball-handling and ability to shoot from three. One of the highest percentage shooters on the roster last season.
Hannah Sykora, Guard, Freshman, HS: McDonell Central Catholic (WI)
Sykora was another freshman starter for the Lakers that came to play in her first year of college basketball. She started in 26 games for the Lakers and averaged over 12 points per game, 5 rebounds, and over 2 steals per game. Fluent free throw shooter at 75% on the season. She averaged 8 points per game as a senior at McDonnell Catholic Central and was near the season record for assists for the Macks after transfer from Colfax located near Eau Claire. Sykora already has a slew of college programs taking interest in her game from around the Midwest.
Sharell Ball, Guard, Freshman, HS: Early View Academy of Excellence (WI)
Ball was a key rebounder off the bench for the Lakers. Had the lowest assist to turnover ratio on the entire roster. Averaged 6 points per game as a senior at Early View Academy of Excellence out of Milwaukee, Wisc. Ball was the hustle of the Lakers roster and also was a consistent defender. Ball has only played basketball since her sophomore year of high school when her high school formed a team, so she has the potential to get her game even stronger.