Postcard from Richmond's Brittani Shells

Greetings from former Richmond point guard Brittani Shells, who is playing professionally in Israel. Shells playing for Eulizer Holon (1-5), shoots a team-best 51 percent and averages 12 ppg, 3.4 apg and 2.6 spg. The other Americans on the team are Tahnee Robinson (Connecticut Sun, Nevada), Tierney Jenkins (Alabama) and Shayla Scott (Pitt).

Israel is wonderful. There are four Americans on each team, so it is easier to adjust. Since I am a Christian, I had to go to Jerusalem, the Holy Land. I think that was the highlight of my being here thus far. 

There are a few things that have been a bit challenging, such as food. They don't do pork, so it's tough, but they have a few American spots where many American players go and connect and eat. I am the point guard over here, so it's been an adjustment as far as leading a team, understanding the flow of the game, seeing the floor, knowing when to score and when to pass, but I have a patient coach who is helping me, and is confident in me which is always important. Also, playing against tough competition day in and day out, playing against girls who are in the league or who have been there already is fun. I believe I've matured a lot since I've been out here, both, spiritually, mentally and physically. I get to come home for the holidays for a few days. That is another adjustment -- not seeing your family, only through Skype, but I love it!

I am living my dream!.

Love,

Brittani

Richmond's Shells slated for Israeli team

We're always happy to be writing about Brittani Shells. Richmond's now-you-see-her, now-you-don't point guard was as fun a player to watch as any in the country last year, just one of the reasons we're delighted she'll be continuing her playing career in Israel.

Shells will be playing for Eulizer Holon, whose first game is Oct. 17.

"I have no idea what to expect," Shells said. "However I know Israel is where a number of WNBA players play, so I am fortunate to get an opportunity to play against some great competition. People who played there in the past say it is an easy adjustment to living and that I would love it. ...I  am constantly working out and getting stronger and better, so I can compete at a higher level. I'm pretty excited, yet nervous, but for any Christian, it's a blessing because this is God's chosen place ... the holy land."

Shells is right about WNBA players finding a place there. Former Virginia Tech star Kerri Gardin (Connecticut Sun, too) led the team last year, averaging 16.8 ppg and 12.7 rpg. Also on last year's squad: Edwina Brown (Texas), Sherri Sam (Vanderbilt) and Shannon Bobbitt (Tennessee).

Former ODU star Tay Ransburg also played for Eulizer Holon for one season.

Richmond's Shells on the fast track

Brittani Shells, preseason Atlantic 10 second team selection?

It doesn't exactly ring, does it?

That didn't sit too well with the Richmond senior, the leading returning scorer in the conference, either.

"Was that motivation?" asked Shells, whose Spiders (4-3) tackle No. 12 Georgetown (5-1) on Wednesday night. "I'm trying to choose my words wisely. It was very disappointing to know that I gave the A-10 everything I had and to know I was selected second team. I was shocked. But I'm not playing for accolades; I'm playing to win. I'm just going to play hard and whatever they decide, they decide."

We don't know if the snub fueled Shells' fast start or not, but nobody is overlooking her these days. Averaging 21.4 ppg, she is shooting 50 percent from the field and has nailed 25 of her 30 free throws. She set a new career high of 34 points in the Spiders' opener against Western Carolina and has already nabbed conference Player of the Week honors.

"It's a different story when it's your last year," she said. "A lot of people say play every game like it's your last because you never know. But this is really it. It's my senior year. I've never gone to the NCAAs. Ever. I can only go on other people's experiences, but I know it's a great thing. That's why you play college basketball.. And that's what I want to do. I want to win and take this team as far as it can go."

Richmond hasn't beaten a ranked opponent since  the 2008-09 season. Let's hope that changes tonight.