Lackawanna Jersey to Hang in Women's Basketball Hall of Fame

SCRANTON, PA - The Lackawanna College Athletic Department is honored to announce that it has received a request from the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame to "borrow" the jersey worn by Janasie Simpkin during the 2010-2011 basketball season. According to the letter requesting the jersey, the Hall of Fame wants to display Simpkin's  No. 22 in its Ring of Honor.

The Ring of Honor consists of over 100 jerseys hanging from the rafters of the Hall's back rotunda representing the top high school and college players from each season. The WBHOF described the ring as a colorful backdrop to the Hall of Fame's many archives and one of the public's favorite exhibits.

The correspondence represented that the Hall of Fame has been honoring players in this manner since 1999. In their words the Hall's letter stated that "You can imagine the caliber of player's jerseys that have once hung in our rafters. Without a doubt Janasie Simpkins is definitely a part of an elite group, and now a part of history, too!"

Simpkins is being recognized for her outstanding play during the 2010-2011 season. She was named All Region XIX First Team and NJCAA Third Team All American.  Statistically, Simpkins ranked first nationally in assists per game with a 6.250 average, recording 175 assists in 28 appearances. Simpkins also ended the season ranked thirtieth in the nation, and fifth in Region XIX, in scoring average with 17.643 points while totaling 494 points.

However, statistics and awards don't tell the whole story. Those fortunate enough to watch her perform will tell you that she played much better than the numbers she recorded. She did everything that would justify the honors that have been bestowed upon her.  She brought fans to their feet both on the road and at home with moves that left defenders flat footed and no-look passes that had opponents shaking their heads. She kept Lackawanna in games with her scoring and grabbed  rebounds under the boards in key situations despite her 5'2 height. All of this happened to a young lady who came to Lackawanna College because she found it on Google and made the team because she asked for a tryout.

Simpkins will be graduating this spring with an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice Counseling. She has accepted a basketball scholarship at Wilmington University and will be attending that institution next fall.