Dec 2

Dec 2 Freshman Basketball Star Janiah Williams Does It All for Prince George’s Community College

Student-Athlete Among the Leaders in the Nation in Scoring, Rebounds, and Blocks

By Kevin Drummond

“Supremely talented and versatile.” That is how Prince George’s Community College Women’s Basketball Head Coach Devin May describes Janiah Williams. Williams is a 6-foot freshman hailing from Washington, DC, who has been a sensation and star player of Division III college basketball. She was named Player of the Week of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division III for the first week of the season.

Williams scored 22 points, pulled down 12 rebounds and had 10 blocked shots, a rare triple-double, in the Owls’ first game, a 77-58 win at Northampton Community College (Pa.).

A transfer from Bowie State University, her versatility is the result of her ability to score points, rebound, play defense, as well as handle the basketball. She is among the leaders in the nation in scoring, rebounds, and blocks.

“She is a Jack of all trades,” said Coach May. “There is not one thing that she can’t do.”

Even though she is a freshman, Williams tries to be a leader and set a good example by encouraging her teammates and getting them involved during games. “She is outgoing, very charismatic, unselfish and a joy to be around,” he said. “She cares about helping her teammates.”

While she’s tough on the court, her game is also strong mentally. She is focused. “Anybody who steps in front of me I feel I can score against, or I can defend,” Williams said. “I am not scared of a challenge.”

Williams’ success is not a surprise to herself. “I know what I am capable of and play within my circumstances,” she said. “I want to do what I need to for my team to be successful.” Her team’s outlook looks promising. “I think we have a great chance to make the championship game.”

As a student-athlete, Williams knows the importance of an education. She is currently a biology major at PGCC. She has plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree at a four-year university and after possibly going to nursing school.

Her future is bright. “I think she is a Division I talent,” said Coach May. “She can be a first team All-American and hopefully, get a Division I scholarship.” He added, “Her potential is limitless.”