LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, PA. (November 6, 2008) – As sweat drips off of junior health science major Chanelle Harris (Yeadon, PA/Penn Wood)' (Philadelphia, PA/Penn Wood) forehead like a faucet, the whirlwind blur pounds the orange rock in her tiny hands on the brown hardwood floor, accelerates with NASCAR-like fury by mesmerized defenders and dishes the ball to a smorgasbord of open teammates for another easy basket. (CHANELLE HARRIS PHOTO GALLERY)
To the untrained eye, it may look like unorganized chaos, but to Harris everything is under control. Harris is a pleasant package of excitement, electricity and elusiveness. With more heart than Hallmark on Valentine's Day, Harris has orchestrated the Lincoln University offense for two years. This year, she will be called to do more and the 5-3 sparkplug is ready for the increased responsibilities.
“She is ready to take the baton of leadership and run with it.,” fifth-year head coach Andy Haman said. “Chanelle has the heart of a lion. She is an excellent role model, not only for our team, but for female students on Lincoln's campus. When I recruited her, my whole statement to her was academics will pilot her basketball career. She has excelled in academics and basketball.
Harris has combined the passion of Allen Iverson, the speed of Usain Bolt, the strength of Jameer Nelson, the grace of Dawn Staley and the precision of Kristi Tolvier to blossom into one of the top point guards in the CIAA. Harris and the Lady Lions will begin the 2008-09 season by hosting the Third Annual James A. Richardson Tip-Off Tournament on Saturday November 15 against Briarcliffe College (3:00 p.m.). The College of Saint Rose (NY) and University of the Sciences meet in the opening game at 1:00 p.m.
Even though Harris enters the season with 218 career assists, she is more excited about her classroom performance. Harris was nominated for the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District team last year. She has been a regular fixture on the Lincoln Dean's List since she entered the historic arch in the fall of 2006.
“Coach Haman promised me a starting spot as long as I kept my grades up,” Harris said. “I pride myself on my academics. If I get anything lower than a B, I get mad. I have high academic standards. My family raised me to always read and do your homework.”
Haman kept his word and immediately handed the reigns of the team to Harris, who has started 45 of 50 career games. Harris made an immediate impact by recording eight assists in her first career collegiate game against Rosemont. As a freshman, Harris ran the team with the poise of a 10-year NBA veteran while helping the team set a school record with 19 victories and win the Association of Division III Independents tournament.
With established leaders such as Asha Atkinson (Deptford, NJ/Deptford) and Mary Rotimi already in place, Harris was able to learn from them. Of course, different people lead in different ways. With an incredible will to win and a quest for perfection, Harris, sometimes, has let her emotions get the best of her.
“They call me Monica (Sanaa Lathan's character) from (Harris' favorite movie) 'Love and Basketball' because of her attitude,” Harris said. “I know that attitude reflects leadership. When I play my actions aren't intentional. I hate losing. I know this year, I have to control my emotions and lead my team to victory.”
Harris is more than capable of doing that. She scored 11 points, all in the second half, to help Lincoln earn its first victory of the season, a 68-59 victory over Briarcliffe. Harris scored in double figures five times last year, including a career-high 21-point effort against Penn State-Brandywine.
In a game that showcased Harris' desire to win, she finished two assists shy of a triple double against Delaware Valley College in a 69-64 defeat. Playing with seven healthy players, Harris scored 12 points, grabbed 13 rebounds, and handed out eight assists.
Defensively, Harris is just as tough. With sticky fingers and fleet feet, Harris led Lincoln in steals last season.
“I was very happy when she stepped foot on the court for us,” Haman said. “I really felt strongly that I found the missing piece for the women's program.”
Harris credits her older brother, Darryl, for helping her develop toughness. She began playing basketball in first grade. Her brother would take her to the court and have her dribble and run. Harris would occasionally shoot the ball.
“I loved being around my brother,” Harris said. “Everything he did, I wanted to do. He didn't baby me. He told me that I am going to treat you like another guy on the court. That made me stronger. I remember one time, we were playing in our backyard and he raised the court higher. I got so mad. I wanted to punch him. Now, I sit back and I just thank him because he pushed me.”
With a young team and six returning players set to compete against an arduous 27-game schedule that includes 20 games against CIAA opponents, Harris will have to make sure she pushes her teammates. Harris is looking forward to the challenging slate and she is honored to play in the nation's oldest historically black conference. Lincoln was a founding member of the CIAA in 1912.
“The atmosphere (of the away games) is lovely even though (the fans) are against us,” Harris said. “I believe we are ready. Playing in the CIAA on a nightly basis will makes us better. We play a different game up north, but in the south it's a much different game. I like playing the fast paced game.”
Away from the court, Harris loves to cook. She wouldn't mind going to culinary arts school when she earns her degree from Lincoln. If playing professional basketball does not work out, Harris has plenty of options thanks to her sterling classroom performance. She would also like to become an occupational therapist. For now, Harris is focused on causing some havoc on the court.
“We have high expectations this year,” Harris said. “We've been working so hard from the end of last season. I believe our hard work is going to pay off.”
--LU--
