A trio of seniors in high school have signed their national letters of intent to attend Wayne State College and play for the women’s basketball team during the 2025-26 academic year.
According to a release from Wayne State Athletics, the list includes Jessica (JJ) Black of Tilden, Cameryn Sommervold of Dakota Dunes, South Dakota and Samantha Wemhoff of Battle Creek.
Black is a 6-2 forward/center from Elkhorn Valley High School where she has competed in volleyball and basketball. Black has averaged a double-double in basketball the last two seasons, recording 14.4 points and 10.6 rebounds per game last season to go with four blocks a contest. As a sophomore in 2022-23, she accounted for 12.7 points, 10.8 rebounds and just over six blocks per game. In volleyball this fall, Black was named All-Greater Northeast Activities Conference First Team after posting 292 kills, 258 digs and 100 blocks for the Falcons. She also excels in the classroom earning NCPA Academic All-State honors in girls basketball.
“JJ is a tremendous talent who has been great for her Elkhorn Valley team,” remarked Pollari. “She can create on the offensive end and can guard numerous positions on the defensive end with a big-time ability to block shots. We can’t wait for JJ to get on campus next year.”
Sommervold is a 5-11 forward from Dakota Valley High School in South Dakota competing in volleyball, basketball and track and field. As a junior last season she averaged 13.1 points and 8.1 rebounds per game, earning All-Dak 12 Conference Third Team honors while shooting 44 percent from the field and 80 percent at the free throw line. In volleyball Sommervold was a member of this year’s Class A runner-up team that finished with a 31-6 record, recording 103 kills and 44 blocks with a .246 hitting percentage.
“Cameryn comes from a great high school program,” said Coach Pollari. She’s a versatile player that can make an impact on both ends of the court and has had lots of success. We’re excited to have her as a Wildcat.”
Wemhoff is a 5-11 guard/forward from Battle Creek High School where she is a multi-sport standout in volleyball, basketball and track and field. Last season Wemhoff recorded 10.9 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.8 steals per game for the Bravettes earning All-Mid States Conference honors and Elite 8 from the Norfolk Daily News. On the volleyball court this season as a senior she produced 210 kills, 227 digs and 30 service aces helping Battle Creek to a 24-10 record and a trip to the Class C-1 State Tournament while earning All-Mid States Conference First Team honors.
“Sami is going to be a great addition to the Wildcat family,” commented Pollari. “She is a very athletic guard who can defend the post if needed and does a great job of creating on the offensive end. She’s going to have a great impact on our team.”
The Wayne State College women are 3-2 on the season (0-1 NSIC) and will next join their men’s program hosting Minnesota State-Mankato and Winona State University on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 6 – 7.
