Alaska Sports Hall of Fame

Jerica Nelson

With All-American NeNe Hale of Anchorage stealing all the headlines for the Central Methodist University women’s basketball team, it’s easy to forget two other Alaskans play on the team.

That’s why it was nice to see Kodiak’s Jerica Nelson and Anchorage’s CeCe Cockerham come off the bench and step into the spotlight against New Mexico State.

Both players seized their opportunity of earning extended playing time as No. 17 Central Methodist posted a 97-78 victory at the Johnson & Wales Classic in Denver, Colorado.

Central Methodist pushed its win streak to five while improving to 10-2 on the year.

Nelson, of Kodiak High fame, logged 19 minutes and collected eight points, four assists and four steals. She also went 4-for-4 from the four line.

Chamira Cockerham

The 5-foot-5 sophomore has started seven games and leads the NAIA team with 48 assists and 31 steals in 12 games.

The UAA transfer four times has had six or more assists in a game, highlighted by a career-high eight dimes against Stephens. Four times she’s had four steals in a game.

Cockerham, of West High fame, played 16 minutes and bagged season highs with seven points and seven rebounds to go with two steals.

The 5-foot-10 junior is a transfer from Cisco College.