Micha Mims has begun rebuilding the Mount Mercy women's basketball program with the addition of five new players for next season, including two players from right here in the Metro area.

Randi Wright, who was part of an incredible three-year streak at Marion High School, plans to continue her career at Mount Mercy after helping the Indians win the Class 4A state title in 2018 and claim runner-up honors in 2017 and 2019. Wright, 6-foot-1, averaged 5.4 points and 4.8 rebounds this season.

Sammy Mia, a 5-foot-8 guard from Cedar Rapids Washington, also has cast her fortunes with the Mustangs. Mia averaged 13.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.5 steals for the Warriors, who finished with a 16-6 record.

"It's exciting to have two players from right in our back yard," said Mims, who is a former Cedar Rapids Washington player herself.

Mims also has signed three teammates from the Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) in Boone with Aliyah Robinson, Grace Stalzer and Taylor Abernathy.

Robinson, a 5-foot-5 guard, averaged 12.8 points and 4.7 rebounds at DMACC. Stalzer, who is 5-10, averaged 8.4 points and 9.1 rebounds. Abernathy, a 5-7 guard, averaged 2.6 points.

Mount Mercy finished with a 5-25 record this season, but Mims is optimistic about the future. "We're looking forward, not behind us," she remarked.