RIPLEY–The legend of Dayzsha Rogan, Ripley’s first professional women’s basketball player, will continue for another season.
Rogan, a 5-foot-4-inch guard, who starred for the Ripley Lady Tigers, the Northeast Lady Tigers, and the Jackson State Tigers, recently signed a second professional basketball deal to play in the United Kingdom. The two-time Southwestern Athletic Conference MVP will play this season for the Essex Rebels of the Women’s British Basketball League. The team is based in London.
“This new contract was a long process, but I’m very excited to get another deal,” said Rogan after Saturday’s going-away celebration at the RHS Event Center, where the speedy guard began to make her mark as a freshman. The event was attended by family, friends, and former coaches, including former Northeast Mississippi Community College assistant coach Kunshinge Sorrell-Howard.
MVP Season
Rogan wrapped up her first professional season with Serbian League team Spartak in March. And just like in all her previous stops, Rogan was a standout. For a third year in a row, Rogan was a league MVP. The all-star guard led in scoring at 21.6 points per game. She was also the league’s Best Defensive Player, leading in steals with 63 in just 20 games, an average of 3.1 per outing.
“She’s the best on-ball defender I’ve ever seen,” said former AAU coach Chip Ashford.
Although she was playing the game she’s grown up loving 5,442 miles away from her hometown of Ripley, Rogan said her experience in Serbia was a good one and one she’ll never forget.
“My experience playing with my first pro team was wonderful. I met a lot of different people, saw amazing parts of the world, and also loved a little bit of Serbian language,” said Rogan. “I had an amazing time and I’m so thankful for the opportunity.”
A new deal
After splashing on the scene in Serbia, Rogan was contacted by several professional teams. But after looking at each opportunity, Rogan and her representatives settled on a contract with the Essex Rebels.
Rogan is happy to get another chance to keep doing her thing on a basketball floor. She credits her Faith with leading her to England.
“This new contract means a lot to me because anyone who gives me an opportunity is the place I want to be,” said Rogan. “Good things come to those who wait, and God has taught me to have a lot of patience in the things I want. England is where He wanted me, and I am so happy to be placed anywhere that I will get to play and do what I love.”
