Lady Blazers backcourt trio named All-Region 24

VINCENNES, Ind. – The Vincennes University Lady Trailblazers are well represented in the 2021 NJCAA All-Region 24 team released Monday afternoon.

Sophomore guards Amani Brown and Shaila Beeler come in as First Team All-Region 24 members and Reeva Hammelman comes away with Third Team honors, as well as being named the 2021 Sportsmanship Award winner in Region 24.

Amani Brown leads the Lady Trailblazers this season, averaging 18.2 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game this season.

"This honor means a lot to me and it was definitely a goal I had in the beginning of the season," Brown said. "This year has been a little different because of COVID, but I thank my teammates and coaches for never giving up. I feel like I work hard and I'm very grateful to be a part of the All-Region 24 team."

When asks what it means to her to be a sophomore leader on this team, Brown added. "It has meant everything to me. I love my team and do everything in my power to lead by example. I want to see everyone win and do their complete best. This season isn't over yet and I know we have more goals to accomplish."

Brown said her favorite memory from her time at Vincennes so far was the team's trip to Florida in the beginning of the 2019-20 season.

"We went two days early and got to walk the pier and go to the beach, which was fun," Brown said. "Also, we got to have team bonding, which was very memorable."

On what advice she would give to future Lady Trailblazers who hope to be named All-Region 24 one day, Brown said. "Play to your full potential and never let anyone's words or action knock you down. Give everything you've got each and every game and always work hard."

Shaila Beeler joined the Lady Trailblazers after transferring from Indiana University for the 2021 season and immediately stepped into being VU's starting point guard.

Beeler has averaged 12 points, a team-leading 5.1 assists and 3.7 rebounds per game this season for the Blue and Gold, while battling a knee injury for most of the season.

"It definitely means a lot to me to be a part of the All-Region 24 team, considering the injuries I went through this year," Beeler said. "But that just goes to show how great the people around me are. None of this could be possible without my teammates, Coach Meeks and the coaching staff and trainers. They always had my back and helped me through hard times this year."

When asked what her favorite memory from this season has been, Beeler said, "My favorite memory this year was Coach Meeks winning his 700th game. It was a great team win for us and a huge accomplishment for him. The best part was pouring water on him in the locker room after the game."

As for what advice she would give to future VU players who want to be named an All-Region player one day, "I would say to reach the level of All-Region 24, it takes dedication. Be dedicated to your team and be dedicated to yourself. Always go the extra mile and be the leader your team needs."

Reeva Hammelman has battled back from a knee injury she suffered before her 2019-20 season could begin and has more than returned to form in 2021, averaging 12.1 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game.

"It was a huge honor to be a member of the All-Region 24 team and to be named the Sportsmanship Award winner," Hammelman said. "I fell in love with the game being coached by my dad as a little girl and it feels so rewarding being recognized for years of hard work. I believe that I would not be who I am today without the game of basketball and I will always be grateful for what it has brought to my life."

"Coming back from an injury last year has made being able to play this season so much sweeter," Hammelman added. "I am filled with gratitude for my coaches, trainer, family and friends who made it possible for me to come back stronger physically and mentally to represent the Lady Blazers for another season."

As for her favorite VU memory, Reeva says, "My favorite part during my time at VU is being able to meet so many great people. My teammates whom I have met and played with over the past three years have become some of my greatest friends. We have been there for each other through some of life's toughest moments, as well as the best and I am thankful for Vu bringing me that!"

Hammelman also added that if someone wants to reach the level of being named All-Region 24 someday, they need to have the goal of outworking everyone.

"To someone who wants to play at VU and achieve the level of All-Region 24, I would say to come to practice every day and play with the goal of outworking everyone. Lead by example, exemplify positive attitude and strive to make your teammates better."

This dynamic trio of sophomore guards will be leading the Lady Trailblazers through the Midwest District Tournament this week, starting Tuesday, April 6 when VU hosts Kaskaskia College at the P.E. Complex. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. eastern.

Full list of Region 24 honors

Player of the Year – Jazmyn Turner, Wabash Valley

Freshman of the Year – Megan Barton, Rend Lake

Sportsmanship Award Winner – Reeva Hammelman, Vincennes

First Team

Jazmyn Turner, Wabash Valley

Dais'Ja Trotter, Rend Lake

Je'Naiya Davis, Wabash Valley

Amani Brown, Vincennes

Shaila Beeler, Vincennes

Second Team

Tionne Colyer, Shawnee

Niya Danfort, Rend Lake

Janiah Newell, Kaskaskia

Daija Snipes, Olney Central

Megan Barton, Rend Lake

Third Team

Makayla Best, Southwestern Illinois

Reeva Hammelman, Vincennes

Kelsey Mitchell, Lincoln Trail

Ma'Kayla Marshall, Rend Lake

Zakyra Stallworth, Shawnee