SHU Women's Basketball Signs A Trio
11/12/2020 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Looking to remain one of the top programs in the Northeast Conference, the Sacred Heart University women's basketball team added to its already talented roster on Thursday. Head coach Jessica Mannetti announced a trio of student-athletes will join the Pioneers for the fall of 2021.
The newest Pioneers are Maiya Bergdorf, Kennadie Hallum and Afia Owsusu-Mensah.
"Our 2021 women's basketball class adds three exciting new additions to our Pioneer family," Mannetti said. "Kennedie and Afia add to our guard depth with their ability to play multiple positions. Maiya is also a very versatile addition as she can play both in the post and on the perimeter with her ability to shoot the three.
Kennedie is a high IQ player who brings a high motor and strong work ethic to the court. Afia is an explosive and dynamic scorer who will thrive in our up-tempo style of play and challenge her opponents with a strong defensive presence. Maiya brings great size and mobility and will contribute to our rebounding presence immediately."
Bergdorf is a 6-foot-1 forward out of Belmont, Mass. She led St. Mary's High School to the MIAA Division 3 state championship last season. Bergdorf earned Central Catholic League All-Star honors after averaging team-highs of 15.2 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.3 blocks.
Named the Lynn Item Player of the Year, she also earned All-Scholastic honors from the Boston Globe and Boston Herald. Bergdorf was the third player in school history to scored 400 points in a season and is closing in on 1,000 points for her career.
Hallum brings another outside shooting threat to the Pioneers. A native of Lake Grove, NY, she's been a three-year starter at Sachem North High School. The 5-foot-11 guard poured in 16.5 points per game while helping the Flaming Arrows to the second round of the Class AA playoffs.
She started her career by earning Rookie of the Year honors while also picking up the first of her three All-League accolades. Hallum is also a two-time All-County selection while earning a pair of MVP honors. Last year she played in the Annual Alzheimer's All-Star Basketball Game.
A native of Glenn Dale, Md., Owsusu-Mensah will be a good addition to the SHU backcourt. The 5-foot-10 guard averaged 18.6 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.1 assists last year on her way to earning Second-Team All-State honors from the Maryland Basketball Coaches Association. She helped Chesapeake Math & IT Academy (North) to the semifinals of 1A state championship.
Owsusu-Mensah has been a scoring threat for her entire prep career. She scored 27.7 points per game with 7.5 rebounds her rookie campaign to pick up MBCA Third-Team All-State honors. The following season, Owsusu-Mensah put up 25.2 ppg. She is equally as talented in the classroom where she is a two-time Maryland Academic All-State selection.
Sacred Heart tips off the 2020-21 campaign on November 25 at Fairfield.
