The Kentucky Wesleyan College women’s basketball team is pleased to announce three new members of its 2017-18 squad in Lily Grimes, Kaylee Clifford and Kirstie Henn.
“We are honored that these three young ladies have chosen to continue their careers with us and Kentucky Wesleyan,” noted co-head coaches Caleb and Nicole Nieman. “They are talented athletes but what stood out to us is their character and who they were. They will be exceptional students to add to this great campus and we know that they will bring so much into our program for the years to come.”
Lily Grimes, a native of Harned, Ky., spent seven years with the Breckinridge County High School basketball team. The point guard is a three-time district champion and was named the Region Player of the Year in both 2016 and 2017. Grimes earned All-State honors her senior season with 749 points, 136 rebounds and 228 assists in 34 games. Grimes’ career high points in a single game sits at 39 points against Larue County.
“We first saw Lily play when she was in the sixth grade and we are excited to finally have her on board at Wesleyan,” commented Nieman. “She plays tirelessly on both ends of the floor and her confidence will make her a strong leader.”
Kaylee Clifford joins the Panthers from Trimble County High School in Bedford, Ky. Clifford compiled 83 wins as a four-year starter with the varsity squad. A two-time team Most Valuable Player, Clifford is the second all-time leading scorer with 1,620 points. Clifford helped the Raiders bring home three consecutive district titles in her final three seasons.
“We cannot say enough about Kaylee coming to our program. She is a 6-foot guard who can do all things; She is versatile with the ability to shoot from outside and can post up on the inside,” said Nieman.
Kirstie Henn hails from Bullitt East High School in Mount Washington, Ky. A three-year starter, Henn accumulated 92 wins over her career. Henn earned All-Region honors her senior season after averaging 8.9 points per game with 4.5 rebounds per game. The 5-foot- 9 guard was named to the Queen of Commonwealth All-Tournament team during her sophomore, junior and senior season.
“Kirstie has an innate ability to always work hard,” noted Nieman. “She is always running the floor, always rebounding and always finding a way to get into the mix.”
The Panthers are coming off a strong 2016-17 season in which they compiled 19 wins including winning 11 straight after dropping the first game of the season. Kentucky Wesleyan made its fourth consecutive appearance in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference tournament in the program’s seventh straight 17-plus win season.
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Liz Wacienga
Director of Athletic Communications
