Returning All-Conference Guards Shooting for Women’s Basketball Success

The Georgia Gwinnett College women’s basketball team is blessed to have a pair of returning starting guards and other talented backcourt players primed for a 2026-26 season that has the Grizzlies striving to build off the many successes from the program’s inaugural season.

GGC is coming off a 20-win season, led all NAIA teams by allowing 51 points per game, and outscored opponents by an average of 16 points per contest.

Setting the pace from the guard position were junior Jamya Griffin and sophomore Christen Collins, returning all-conference players who led the team in several statistical categories.

GGCAthletics.com continues prepare for the upcoming winter athletic season by examining the backcourt for the women’s basketball team – with the tipoff set for Thursday, October 22, against Andrew College (Georgia) in the Convocation Center. The team is scheduled to play its first five games on its home court in Lawrenceville.

The Grizzlies have eight ball handers and outside shooters to help space the floor against opposing defenses.

Leading the charge is Christen Collins, the reigning Continental Athletic Conference Player of the Year and third-team NAIA All-American. The Chattanooga, Tennessee, native led the team in scoring (16.4 points per game), made 3-point field goals (70) and steals (78 steals).

The guard had 26 points in GGC’s home victory against nationally ranked Lindsey Wilson University (Kentucky) last November and had eight games with 20 or more points.

The coach added, “She is a leader on and off the court and is more efficient in elements of the game. Christen can shoot it off the bounce but also is a catch-and-shoot player. She is great going downhill in transition.”

Griffin is another asset on the fastbreak. The Harvest, Alabama, native collected first all-conference team honors last winter after averaging 12.2 points and 5.1 rebounds per outing. She also led the squad with 76 assists and 11 blocked shots.

“Jayma shot very well during preseason practice and has added that shooting element to her game. She knows what we want to do offensively and defensively. Jayma is a versatile player who can play four different positions. She is phenomenal in transition,” noted Wooley.

Other returning guards include sophomores Christal Collins and Rachel Porter, while experienced newcomers Christina Collins, A’kayla Perry and Gracie Byford bring assets to the team that should challenge opponents this season.

Christal Collins appeared in all 27 games as a freshman, earning three starts, and averaging 17.2 minutes per contest. She made 35 percent of her shots while also dishing out 33 assists and recording 24 steals.

Porter, a sophomore, is seeking an expanded playing role this winter after being a reserve player for 14 games last winter.

A third Collins in the team’s backcourt is Christina Collins, who led East Georgia State College to consecutive Georgia College Athletic Association championship game appearances. She is Christen’s older sister and a cousin to Christal Collins.

Perry, a junior, averaged 11.3 points per game at Southern Union State Community College (Alabama) and Byford is a sophomore who scored just under 10 points per outing and made 38 percent of her 3-point field goals at Central Georgia Technical College last season.

Freshman Alaina Johnson adds depth to the guard position after a strong prep career at nearby Seckinger High School (Georgia).