Burchell graduate listed among top NAIA talents in country

WASILLA — Finding a place has not been easy for DaJonee Hale. But once she does, Hale has the ability to blossom.

After a slow start to her college career, Hale, a Central Methodist University standout, is now among the best NAIA talents in the country. Hale, a former Houston Hawks standout and 2013 graduate of Burchell High School, was recently named an NAIA Division I first-team All-American.

“She’s had everything plus the kitchen sink thrown at her, and DaJonee continues to fight,” Central Methodist women’s basketball associated head coach Grey Ray said recently.

Originally from Anchorage, Hale, who played one season at Houston High, gained attention as a high school senior, as she made the transition from homeless teen to basketball star. After a chance meeting with a relative living in the Valley, Hale, with the help of Burchell High, Houston High and the My House program, was able to find the support and stability she needed to allow herself to focus on academics and athletics.

On the court, Hale was named the Southcentral Conference Player of the Year as a senior and led the Hawks to their first 3A state tournament appearance in more than two decades. She also had success in the classroom. The combination led to an opportunity with CMU. Ray, a former longtime Valley youth basketball coach, knew Hale since Hale was in elementary school. Ray recruited Hale to attend CMU and play for the Eagles.

“Honestly, about a year ago, I didn’t think this day would come,” Hale told the Frontiersman in March of 2013, minutes after accepting a substantial scholarship offer and committing to CMU.

Hale faced more adversity early in her college career, leaving CMU after a short time at the Fayette, Missouri, school. But after spending a semester a Connors State College in Oklahoma, Hale had the chance to return to Fayette. After CMU head coach Mike Davis took the reins of the program prior to the 2015-16 season, Hale was given another opportunity with the program.

And Hale thrived.

“She’s just so resilient,” Ray said of Hale.

Hale helped lead a Central Methodist team that was ranked seventh in the preseason poll capture the Heart of America Athletic Conference title. The Hale-led Eagles also advanced to the NAIA Division I women’s national tournament.

Hale hauled in the hardware as well. The 5-foot-8 redshirt sophomore guard was named the Heart of America Athletic Conference Player of the Year prior to becoming the only underclassman to earn first-team NAIA Division I All-American honors in 2016. She was one of four players considered for National Player of the Year honors.

Hale finished the season fifth in scoring at the NAIA DI level with a team-high 19.7 points per game. She was also 13th in the nation with a 43.2 three-point percentage. Hale also averaged 5.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.2 steals per contest.

“(DaJonee) is a really good player, really smart,” said CMU senior Saige Stefanski, a 2012 graduate of Colony High School. “She’s definitely the kind of player, you let her go to work and do her thing.”

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.