PORT ANGELES — It’s onwards and upwards for two talented members of the Peninsula College women’s basketball team.
Taylor Larson and Jesse Ellis signed an official letter of intent confirming their decision to play together at Central Methodist University, a NAIA Division II school in central Missouri.
Both sophomores currently are completing their two-year degrees at Peninsula College, and will be pursuing their bachelor’s degree as well as continuing their collegiate basketball career at Central Methodist.
“These two players were a huge part of Peninsula’s success these past two years, and we are very proud of their decision to continue on and help another winning program have the same success,” Peninsula College coach Alison Crumb said.
“As much as it deeply saddens me to move these two girls on, it is the nature of a junior college, and I couldn’t be happier for their future at Central Methodist.
“They chose a great school that will give them the ability to play together again, and I’m excited for them.”
Larson is a 5-foot-10 post who is the Peninsula College all-time scoring leader for a career, a season and points per game, and holds many other records as well.
She was the North Division freshman of the year her first season as a Pirate, as well as first team all-league.
This year, she was the North Division MVP.
Ellis earned second-team all-league honors as well as being chosen for the all-defensive team this season.
“Ellis is a dynamic player who scores, assists, rebounds and plays nose-to-the-ball defense against almost every other team’s best player,” Crumb said.
The coach said she is looking forward to following the two’s career paths.
“I will continue to follow them as they start a new adventure,” she said.
“It has been an absolute pleasure coaching these two wonderful young women, and I expect nothing but great things for them at the next level.
“They have worked very hard for this, and deserve to be celebrated for their achievements here at Peninsula College.
“While we do not get to compete together in the future, the PC family will definitely be following these two as they compete again in the 2013-2014 season.”
