Essence Jelks to Play Basketball for SMC

Essence Jelks of Canton High School has signed her NJCAA Letter of Intent to play women's basketball in 1st Source Bank Fieldhouse for Head Coach Jay Jenkins and the Roadrunners starting in Fall 2025.

Coach Jenkins said, "Essence is physical in the paint and almost unstoppable. She's a walking Double-Double." Coach Kayla Bridges advised, "Discipline yourself and others will not need to. And always be coachable!"

Jelks is the eighth member of the 2025 SMC Women's Basketball recruiting class, joining Shaniya Smith of Hamtramck, Nekeira Sutton of Riviera Beach, Florida; Qimara-Lisa Summers of Clarksville, Tennessee; Trinity Dale of Mishawaka; Cooper Roberts of Brownstown; CaSaundra Smith of Warren and Diavian Robinson of Livonia.  

In Jenkins' first season as coach and the program's second year back in intercollegiate competition after a 26-year hiatus, the 2023-2024 squad won the MCCAA Western Conference. The team then won the Great Lakes District B Tournament, earning a berth at the NJCAA National Championship in Joplin, Missouri, where they went 1-1, finishing the season at 27-5.  

The past season ended in the District Semifinals with a 21-10 overall record. The Roadrunners were 9-5 in the Western Conference and fiercely defended home court, going 13-2 in the Fieldhouse. SMC set numerous school records along the way, including Team 2PT FG Made – Game (42), Team 3PT % - Game (61.5%), Team FT Made – Game (27), Team FT % - Game (27-30, 90.0%), Team Blocks – Game (6), Team Steals – Game (35) and Team Steals – Season (450).