Two members of Allen Community College’s women’s basketball team will take their talents to four-year schools next season.
Red Devil sophomore standout and KJCCC third-team all-conference selection Adjaratou (Adji) Mbaye, has signed a National Letter of Intent with Rust College in Holly Springs, Miss., while sophomore forward Chloe Burns will move on to Carolina University in Winston Salem, N.C.
Mbaye averaged 11 points and seven rebounds a game while shooting 70% from the line, and was a key figure in changing the director of the Red Devil program, head coach Leslie Crane said in a news release.
Allen went from winning a single game in 2021 to 10 last year, Crane’s first season at the Allen helm.
Crane lauded Mbaye’s ability to dominate defensively with her ability to block shots, alter as many others and corral rebounds.
“Adji made incredible progress and improved her game to become a leading scorer and rebounder,” Crane said. “Not only was she a go-to scorer, she also was great at finding the open guard when opponents would double-team her defensively. Adji also was a great team leader for our young ball club and a dedicated student in the classroom.
“Rust College is getting a great young woman and a strong post player,” Crane continued. “She will be hard to replace.”
BURNS played every game for ACC until an injury cut short her season. She ranked second on the team in 3-point shooting percentage at 38%, but her primary contributions came on the defensive end, Crane said.
“She was a leader on and off the floor with the hard work she put into her academics as well as to her game,” Crane said. “She became another tough scoring forward at the stretch four position as well as an aggressive defender in the lane.
“Our excitement for Chloe is immeasurable,” Crane said. “She worked hard to help maintain team chemistry, leadership, and success this year with her knowledge and passion. Carolina University is getting a great young woman and a strong leader.”
