PORT ANGELES — The Peninsula College women’s basketball program has added two more players to its recruiting class.
Head coach Alison Crumb this week announced the signings of Savanna James of Alaska and Marissa Schwimmer of California.
James is a 6-foot-2 post player who is transferring to Peninsula from Black Hills State University in South Dakota. She played high school basketball at Houston High in Houston, Alaska.
“We are very excited about bringing Savanna to Peninsula,” Crumb said.
“Not only is she an excellent player, but she will bring some experience, having played at the Division II level last year.”
With only five returners from last year’s NWAACC Tournament team, James figures to be an impact player.
“Savanna is the type of player that is a game changer,” Crumb said.
“She is tall and aggressive, but can shoot as well. She went to Black Hills, but had some Division I offers as well, so we are excited about the type of player that she is, and how she will help us this year.”
James gives the Pirates five players who hail from Alaska, which has been become a recruiting hotbed for Crumb in recent years.
Crumb also is elated to sign Schwimmer, a 5-7 point guard out of Canyon High School, located north of Los Angeles.
“We are excited to bring in Marissa, as she will fit in well with our team on and off the court,” Crumb said.
“Marissa played at Canyon High School alongside three Division I players. She is a great distributor and can see the floor really well.”
Crumb said Schwimmer’s high school experience should prepare her well to make an immediate impact in the NWAACC.
“Marissa has been at a very competitive high school program and will bring a great deal of knowledge and work ethic to our team,” she said.
“Her ability to pass and run an offense will be crucial for us, but we are looking to expand her offensive game as well.
“I am excited to have Marissa join us and help us compete next year.”
James and Schwimmer bring Crumb’s 2013 recruiting class to four players.
In the spring, Crumb signed Madison Pilster of Idaho and Gabrielle Fenumiai of Alaska.
These four will join returning players Olivia Henderson, Brandi Hale, Cassandra Roland, Alison Knowles, Pherrari Brumbaugh and Abbie Koenig.
Crumb told the Peninsula Daily News last month that she plans on having 10 newcomers on the 2013-14 team.
The Pirates will begin conditioning in an advanced sports class when fall classes begin in late September.
The season gets underway in November.