Estherville, IA – The Iowa Lakes Community College Lakers women's basketball team opened the 2025–26 season with a strong showing at the First Annual Daryl Madison Classic, finishing the weekend 1–1 after an impressive win over Highland Community College (Freeport, IL) and a narrow loss to Milwaukee Area Technical College. The Daryl Madison Classic honors Daryl Madison, a longtime supporter and contributor to Iowa Lakes athletics whose leadership, mentorship, and commitment to student-athletes have left a lasting legacy within the program and community.
In their season opener, the Lakers dominated Highland CC, earning a 70–37 victory behind relentless defense and balanced scoring. Iowa Lakes forced 38 turnovers, converting them into 27 points, and led 33–21 at halftime before cruising to the win. Shanya Glover, Erica Welsh, and Makyia Kenney each scored 13 points, while Kenney led the Lakers with 11 rebounds to record a double-double and anchor Iowa Lakes inside.
In the second game, Iowa Lakes battled Milwaukee Area Technical College in a defensive showdown that came down to the final possession. Despite a strong effort, the Lakers fell just short, 38–40. Zoey Wooten provided an offensive spark, scoring 11 points on 5-of-10 shooting from the field, while Kenney once again led the Lakers on the boards with 10 rebounds. Milwaukee Area was led by Emmani Summers, who finished with 13 points to pace the Stormers' offense.
"We saw a lot of positives this weekend," said Head Coach Martin. "Our defensive effort was outstanding, and we showed flashes of the balance and toughness we'll need this season. I'm proud of how our group competed both nights."
Coach Martin added, "Overall, this was a very good first weekend of basketball for the Lakers. I thought the team played really hard with a lot of energy. We'll continue to work on our offensive execution and attention to detail — this group will keep improving."
The Lakers are now 1–1 on the season. Iowa Lakes returns to action next weekend when they travel to Overland Park, Kansas, to compete in the Johnson County CC Classic. The Lakers will face off against #1-ranked Johnson County Community College on Friday, November 7th at 5:00 p.m., and take on Highland Community College (KS) on Saturday, November 8th at 12:00 p.m.
The Lakers next home game will be Tuesday, November 18th when they host Mt. Mercy University JV at 5:30pm.
OTHER: Photo of Zoey Wooten attached.
Link to Roster: https://www.iowalakesathletics.com/sports/wbkb/2025-26/roster
Link to Schedule: https://www.iowalakesathletics.com/sports/wbkb/2025-26/schedule
MEDIA: For more information, please contact Head Women's Basketball Coach Ashley Martin at (712) 362-7928 or the Iowa Lakes sports information office at (712) 362-7928.