Volume 24, Number 1 October/November 2016 Top 25 Predictions 1. Bentley 2. Ashland 3. Emporia State 4. West Texas A&M 5. Cal Baptist 6. Saginaw Valley St. 7. Florida Southern 8. California (Pa.) 9. Limestone 10. Grand Valley St. Preseason Top 10: Page 5 Coaching Changes Page 3 Conference Previews Page 6 2016 All-American Team Page 11 Preseason Preview 2016-17! Player of the Year Jasmine Kearse, Limestone 1993 24th Season 2017 Twitter: @SmallColHoops www.smallcollegehoops.com
Transcript
Volume 24, Number 1 October/November 2016
Top 25 Predictions
1. Bentley2. Ashland3. Emporia State4. West Texas A&M5. Cal Baptist6. Saginaw Valley St.7. Florida Southern8. California (Pa.)9. Limestone10. Grand Valley St.
Preseason Top 10:
Page 5
Coaching Changes Page 3
Conference Previews Page 6
2016 All-American Team Page 11
Preseason Preview2016-17!
Player of the Year
Jasmine Kearse, Limestone
1993 24th Season 2017
Twitter: @SmallColHoopswww.smallcollegehoops.com
Editorial
2 Women’s Division II Bulletin • October 2016
Publishing ScheduleDivision II Bulletin will publish 14
editions this season. Here’s a sched-ule to keep track of the issues:
Editor & PublisherGary S. Rubin■
Art DirectorSteve Fisher
Business & Editorial OfficeGSR CommunicationsEmail: [email protected]
Welcome to the Preseason PreviewWelcome to the 2016-17 Women’s
Division II Bulletin Preseason Preview is-sue! We are excited about this upcoming season and glad to have you join us for what should be a terrific campaign.
Since our last issue in April, a lot has happened in sports and in our country. In particular, athletes and the national an-them have become front and center, with several high-profile names deciding to take a knee or sit during the Star Spangled Banner to protest racial inequality in the United States and the rise in police shoot-ings involving African Americans.
As each new sports season begins, the recent question revolves around what athletes in those sports will do when the national anthem is played. We’ve seen statements made by football players and soccer players, and now the basketball season is upon us. What will the NBA do?
My question for you is, what will you do if one of your players would like to take a similar approach and exercise their right to protest? Perhaps you have spoken with your athletic administration about this, or had a team meeting to talk about the broader issue as well as what your team will do.
Sports and culture often mix because of the high-profile nature of athletics and often the money involved at the profes-sional level. But those who perform out of the spotlight are no less valued when it comes to their opinions.
What do you think? We’d love to hear your opinions and thoughts about how you will guide your team this year around this important societal issue.
Now, to the upcoming season. To begin, you will see a number of new
coaches listed on the next page. This was an active off-season for coaching moves and we wish all the new coaches luck this campaign.
The publishing schedule will be famil-iar to our readers. Four years ago we ex-panded the schedule to 14 issues a season and it was well received. We’re sticking to that again this year after the tremen-dous feedback. Basically, you’ll hear from us weekly in January and February
dur ing the heart of the season and the run-up to the NCAA tournament a n n o u n c e -ment.
As always, the process of compiling the Top 25 was a
challenge. The No. 1 ranking goes to perennial national power Bentley, which welcomes its top five scorers and four starters back from its national semifinal squad.
A number of teams, including Ashland, Emporia State and West Texas A&M are close behind for the top spot so it should be a competitive season.
Limestone senior Jasmine Kearse head-lines the 2016 Preseason Super 16 All- Americans listed on page 11.
As we begin our 24th season covering women’s Division II basketball, I want to thank our corporate partner for being part of our publication. Schelde North America, which recently changed its corporate name to SNA Sports Group, is back as the title sponsor of the Women’s Division II Bulletin Coach of the Year and the Coach of the Month award as well. The company is a big supporter of small college basketball and was great to work with last year for our biggest award. I hope you call on SNA Sports Group when your equipment needs arise and thank it for its support of Division II basketball.
Be sure to visit out our web site, www.smallcollegehoops.com, and follow us on Twitter (@SmallColHoops) for updates between our regular issues.
Thanks for your support and we’ll see you in December with the next edition.
Gary RubinEditor & Publisher
● Preseason Preview❍ December 1❍ December 7❍ December 21❍ January 4, 2017❍ January 11❍ January 18❍ January 25❍ February 1❍ February 8❍ February 15❍ February 22❍ March 8❍ Postseason Review
Newsroom
Division II Coaching ChangesSchool CoachAdelphi Missy TraversiAnderson Johnathon BarbareeArk. Fort Smith Elena Lovato Bowie State Shadae Swan Cal State Dom. Hills Janelle JonesCal State East Bay Molly GoodenbourChadron State Janet RaymerColorado Christian Corey LasterColumbus State Anita HowardConcordia University, St. Paul Amanda BehnkeDaemen Jenepher BankerFranklin Pierce Jeanette WedoGlenville State Kim StephensHumboldt State Michelle Bento-JacksonHoly Family Melissa DunneIndianapolis Kristin DrabynKentucky State Terrance SlaterLincoln Ayana McWilliamsLivingstone Tiffany SilverMars Hill Jenny FinoraMaryville Collin LanamMercy Jim HarterMontevallo Gary Van AttaNew Mexico Highlands Joseph AndersNew York Tech Kenny ParhamNW Missouri Buck ScheelNW Nazarene Steve SteeleNW Oklahoma Tasha DiesselhorstQueens (NC) Sarah JansenSaint Leo University Anthony CrocittoSW Minnesota State Tom WebbTusculum Devan CarterUpper Iowa University Micha ThompsonUC Colorado Springs Lynn PlettUSC Aiken Mark MillerValdosta State Carley KuhnsWestern State Colorado Lora WestlingWest Virginia State Charles MarshallW.Va. Wesleyan Vicki BullettWilmington Rob Miller
TAMI Coach Heads WestARCATA, Calif. — Humboldt State University has hired
Michelle Bento-Jackson as head women’s basketball coach, athletic director Dan Collen announced. Bento-Jackson be-comes the 11th Lumberjack women’s basketball coach in program history.
Bento-Jackson comes to the North Coast after a four-year run at Texas A&M International, during which she captured the program’s first Heartland Conference championship. Prior to Texas A&M International, she served as the director of the MBJ Basketball and Player Development program.
3 Women’s Division II Bulletin • October 2016
Four Institutions Gain Full Division II Membership
CENTRAL, S.C. – Southern Wesleyan University has been accepted as a full member of NCAA Division II, as determined by the NCAA Division II Membership Committee and Man-agement Council.
“With the growth Southern Wesleyan has been experiencing since our initial NCAA application three years ago, this deci-sion could not have come at a better time in our history,” said Southern Wesleyan University President Dr. Todd Voss. “Our entire campus and surrounding community believe this move to the NCAA is a game changer for our students, our impact and our future together.”
The Warriors began the NCAA Division II membership process during the 2013-14 academic school year, where they spent two years in the ‘candidacy year’ phase and spent the past academic school year in the ‘provisional year’ phase. The Warriors join Holy Names University (Oakland, Calif.), Rogers State University (Claremore, Okla.), and Mississippi College (Clinton, Miss.) as the newest members of NCAA Division II. The division’s membership will expand to 310 colleges and universities this fall.
In addition to the Southern Wesleyan announcement, the NCAA Division II Membership Committee discontinued Emmanuel College from the NCAA Membership Process. Emmanuel, who has participated in team sports in Conference Carolinas the past two years, will appeal the decision passed by the NCAA.
Crocitto Takes Over at Saint LeoSAINT LEO, Fla. — Anthony Crocitto, a veteran Division
II head coach with experience at all three levels of NCAA women’s basketball, has been named Saint Leo University’s new head women’s basketball coach.
“We were looking for a coach with a proven record of success in Division II women’s basketball, and out of an incredibly deep pool of applicants we found an ideal fit in Anthony Crocitto,” said Francis X. Reidy, Saint Leo’s director of athletics. “I be-lieve that Coach Crocitto’s passion for the game coupled with his experience at identifying, recruiting, and developing talent at this level, will quickly lead to greater success for Saint Leo women’s basketball.”
Crocitto comes to Saint Leo from the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT), where he has served as the Bears’ head women’s basketball coach for the past seven seasons. Under Crocitto’s guidance, NYIT has logged three 20-win campaigns over the last four seasons, rejuvenating a program that was 4-23 in the year prior to his arrival.
With Crocitto at the helm, NYIT posted a 115-90 overall record, including an 87-36 mark over the last four seasons. He was named the 2015-16 East Coast Conference Coach of the Year, after leading NYIT to a new program record for wins with a 26-9 mark and an appearance in the NCAA regional championship game.
Newsroom
4 Women’s Division II Bulletin • October 2016
•After helping lead the Cal State Dominguez Hills women’s basket-ball team to a share of the Califor-nia Collegiate Athletic Association regular season championship as the top assistant coach during the 2015-16 season, Janelle Jones was named the program’s head coach for 2016-17, taking over for Molly Goodenbour, who took the Cal State East Bay women’s basketball head coaching position. Jones sports a 333-133 (.715) ca-reer record as head coach. Before her stint as a Golden Eagle, Jones compiled 260 career victories in three previous coaching stints at Mercer, UC San Diego and Oklahoma City, where she won two NAIA championships, was a national runner-up three times and named NAIA Coach of the Year two times in her five seasons as the head coach.
• Northwest Nazarene announced the hiring of Steve Steele as the new head women’s basketball coach. Steele spent the past five years as a top assistant at GNAC rival Seattle Pacific.
• Franklin Pierce University an-nounced Jeanette Wedo has been named the 14th head coach of the University’s women’s basketball program. Wedo has spent the pre-vious 10 seasons as an assistant coach at three different Division I institutions and comes to Rindge after a three-year stint at The Col-lege of William & Mary.
• Cal State East Bay Director of Ath-letics Joan McDermott announced the hiring of Molly Goodenbour as the seventh head coach of Pioneer women’s basketball. Goodenbour joins CSUEB after a successful stint at Cal State Dominguez Hills, where she led the Toros to three straight conference titles and three straight NCAA tournament appear-ances. Goodenbour takes over for Suzy Barcomb, who posted a 95-80 record in six seasons at East Bay.
Swan Named Permanent Coach
BOWIE, Md. – Bowie State University named Shadae Swan as head women’s basketball coach following a national search.
Swan took over leadership of the Bulldogs midway through the 2014-2015 campaign. She coached the women’s basketball team the entire 2015-2016 season on an interim basis, compiling an overall mark of 11-17 and 3-13 in league (CIAA) play.
Kuhns Returns to VSUVALDOSTA, Ga. - The Lady Blazer
basketball program turned the page to a new chapter as Valdosta State announced Carley (Peterson) Kuhns as the new head women’s basketball coach.
“I’m extremely honored to be the next head coach for such a great program as Valdosta State,” said Kuhns. “I know from my experiences as a student-athlete at VSU that I am going to be surrounded by great people and a great community, and I am looking forward to the chance to give back. This is a special opportunity for us.”
Kuhns, a 2015 Blazer Athletics Hall of Fame inductee, will take over at VSU following a six year stint as an assistant coach at Belmont, where she helped lead the Bruins to an Ohio Valley Confer-ence Championship in 2015-16 and the program’s second NCAA Tournament appearance in the history of Bruin Bas-ketball.
Silver Joins Livingstone
SALISBURY, N.C. – Tiffany Silver, former head coach at Wilmington Uni-versity in Delaware, was announced by Livingstone as the ninth head women’s basketball coach for the Blue Bears.
Silver replaces Anita Howard, who left Livingstone after two seasons for another coaching position.
Silver comes to Livingstone after four seasons at Wilmington University, which competes in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference.
UAFS Names LovatoFORT SMITH, Ark. - UAFS Director
of Athletics Dr. Dustin Smith announced the hiring of Mississippi State assistant coach Elena Lovato as the university’s head women’s basketball coach.
Lovato, a native of Albuquerque, N.M., succeeds former UAFS coach Louis Whorton, who retired at the end of the season after 30 years as head coach of the Lady Lions. She becomes only the fourth head coach in the 40-year history of the program.
Drabyn Moves to UIndyINDIANAPOLIS – The University
of Indianapolis named former Division I assistant coach Kristin Drabyn as the ninth head women’s basketball coach in program history.
Drabyn takes over after spending the last three years as an assistant coach at crosstown IUPUI. With Drabyn on staff, the Jaguars recorded a 59-37 record, set-ting a single-season program mark with 23 wins in 2013-14.
Schelde Sports Becomes SNA Sports Group
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Schelde North America, a leading manufacturer and distributor of premium team sports equipment, changed its company name to SNA Sports Group.
While the name has changed, its product line will remain largely in tact. The company will continue to service all products it has sold over its 30-year history and honor all warranties.
“Our customers can expect to receive
the same top notch level of professional service and product performance that has earned us the reputation for quality that we have today. The new name will simplify our brand identity and make it much easier for people to pronounce, which is something we have struggled with over the years. Same products, same service, same people. New name,” said Jim Peterson, president of SNA Sports Group.
Bentley Ranked No. 1 in 2016 WDIIB Preseason Top 25
11. Pittsburg St.12. Lubbock Christian13. Bellarmine14. Queens (NY)15. Lewis16. Alaska Anchorage17. Lander18. Union19. Drury20. West Liberty21. Western Washington22. Nova Southeastern23. Delta St.24. Anderson25. Northern St.
BEAVERTON, Ore. — Bentley University, a national semifinalist a year ago, is the No. 1 team in the 2016 Women’s Division II Bulletin Preseason Top 25 ranking.
The Falcons (29-6) return their top five scorers and four starters, including NE-10 Player of the Year and All-American Jen Gemma (20.0 ppg, 9.3 rpg), junior guard Lauren Green (9.6 ppg), sophomore center Victoria Lux (6.6 ppg) and junior point guard Macchi Smith (5.4 ppg).
At No. 2, Ashland (31-2) has lofty expectations with four returning starters from last year’s team. The Eagles feature one of the premier scoring duos in the nation in All-Americans Andi Daugherty (15.6 ppg, 7.0 rpg) and Laina Snyder (16.0 ppg, 9.3 rpg).
Rounding out the top five are Emporia State, West Texas A&M, and Cal Baptist.
The second five includes Saginaw Valley State, Florida Southern, California (Pa.), Limestone and Grand Valley State.
Women’s Division II Bulletin has selected a preseason Top 25 every year since 1993 and is celebrating its 24th anniversary this season.
1. Bentley2015-16 Record: 29-6 Starters Returning/Lost: 4/1Scouting Report: National semifinalist returns top five scorers and four starters, including All-American Jen Gemma.
2. Ashland2015-16 Record: 31-2 Starters Returning/Lost: 4/1Scouting Report: Eagles feature premier scoring duo of Andi Daugherty (15.6 ppg) and Laina Snyder (16.0 ppg).
3. Emporia State2015-16 Record: 28-6 Starters Returning/Lost: 3/2Scouting Report: Three starters from last year’s Sweet 16 team are back, featuring All-American Kelly Moten (16.4 ppg).
4. West Texas A&M2015-16 Record: 28-5 Starters Returning/Lost: 3/2Scouting Report: The Lady Buffs return three starters, includ-ing first team all-league guard Sasha Watson.
5. Cal Baptist2015-16 Record: 29-3 Starters Returning/Lost: 4/1Scouting Report: The dynamic duo of Cassidy Mihalko (19.9 ppg) and Kamille Diaz (15.1 ppg) power the Lancers.
6. Saginaw Valley State2015-16 Record: 22-9 Starters Returning/Lost: 4/1Scouting Report: Senior All-American Emily Wendling (18.1 ppg) leads the way for the Cardinals.
7. Florida Southern2015-16 Record: 27-6 Starters Returning/Lost: 3/2Scouting Report: Florida Southern (27-6) returns nine players from its team that advanced to the Elite Eight.
8. California (Pa.)2015-16 Record: 25-6 Starters Returning/Lost: 4/1Scouting Report: Miki Glenn (19.3 ppg) and defensive wiz Seairra Barrett (13.9 ppg, 10.0 rpg) drive the Vulcans.
9. Limestone2015-16 Record: 30-1 Starters Returning/Lost: 1/4Scouting Report: All-American Jasmine Kearse (21.6 ppg) will deliver a sixth straight NCAA bid to the Saints.
10. Grand Valley State2015-16 Record: 26-10 Starters Returning/Lost: 5/0Scouting Report: The Lakers return five starters from their Final Four team, led by senior forward Kayla Dawson.
Preseason Rankings
The WDIIB Preseason Top 10• Top five scorers back from Final Four team
2016-17 Conference Previews Begin on Page 6
Others to watch: Angelo St., Arkansas Tech, UC Colo-rado Springs, UC San Diego, CSU Pueblo, Fort Hays St., Benedict, Indiana (Pa.), Shaw, Bloomfield.
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East RegionDefending champion: Bentley
Atlantic RegionDefending champion: Virginia Union
East Coast ConferenceTop Teams: 1. Queens 2. St. Thomas Aquinas 3. NYIT Player of the Year: Madison Rowland, Queens, Sr. Outlook:Queens (21-9) is loaded this season with four starters back in the mix, led by league MVP Madison Rowland (20.8 ppg, 9.6 rpg) and her sister Mackenzie Rowland (13.7 ppg, 10.7 rpg). The St. Thomas Aquinas Spartans (18-11) return a core group of players, including three starters. Junior guard Jenna Erickson (14.4 ppg), the ECC’s top 3-point shooter, leads the way. New York Tech (26-9) lost career points leader Dina Ragab, but the Bears return Shannon Duer (10.8 ppg, 11 rpg), Nina Vukosav-ljevic (11 ppg) and Shanice Allen (11 ppg).
Central Atlantic Collegiate ConferenceTop Teams: North: 1. Bloomfield 2. Caldwell 3. DominicanSouth: 1. Philadelphia 2. Holy Family 3. Sciences Player of the Year: Tianna Smith, Bloomfield, Sr. Outlook:Two starters are back for Philadelphia (25-7). The Rams must replace three double figure starters and will look to junior guard Rachel Day (12.3 ppg) to increase her scoring output this sea-son. In the North division, Bloomfield (24-8) welcomes back eight veterans, including three starters. Reigning CACC Player of the Year and All-American Tianna Smith (16.9 ppg) leads the Bears as they chase a fourth consecutive regular season conference title. Five new recruits will battle for playing time, including Division I transfer Bobbi Floyd (Delaware State).
Central Intercollegiate Athletic AssociationTop Teams: Northern: 1. Va. Union 2. Virginia St. 3. LincolnSouthern: 1. Shaw 2. Winston-Salem 3. JC SmithPlayer of the Year: Lady Walker, Virginia Union, Sr. Outlook:Virginia Union (28-3) returns three starters but must replace All-American Kiana Johnson (29.2 ppg). All-CIAA performer Lady Walker (18 ppg, 13.3 rpg) is poised to pick up the slack for the Panthers. Shaw (24-8) must replace five seniors who contributed major points. Senior forward Michelle Wright (9.1 ppg) could slide into a starting role.
Pennsylvania State Athletic ConferenceTop Teams: East: 1. West Chester 2. Shippensburg 3. Millersville West: 1. California 2. IUP 3. EdinboroPlayer of the Year: Miki Glenn, California, Sr. Outlook:Two-time defending champion California (25-6) returns four starters, plus its entire bench, from a season ago. All-American Miki Glenn (19.3 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 6.1 apg, 3.3 spg) enters her fourth year as the starting point guard after leading the PSAC in scoring and steals. Cal U also returns the PSAC West De-fensive Player of the Year in junior Seairra Barrett (13.9 ppg, 10.0 rpg) and fellow forward Shatara Parsons (13.0 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 1.9 bpg). Indiana (Pa.) (21-9) is seeking a third straight NCAA tournament bid. The Crimson Hawks will rely on all-league performer Megan Smith, who averaged 12.7 points and 6.4 rebounds, while shooting 44.0 percent from 3-point range and blocking 50 shots. In the East, West Chester (21-8) starts a new era as it must replace five starters and eight seniors from last year. Watch for Shippensburg and Millersville to make runs at the division crown. Mountain East ConferenceTop Teams: 1. West Liberty 2. Wheeling Jesuit 3. Notre Dame Player of the Year: Danie Shafer, Urbana, Jr. Outlook:Following the most successful campaign in school history and a Sweet 16 appearance, West Liberty (29-5) returns two starters and four additonal veterans. The backcourt of Johnie Olkosky (8.7 ppg) and Emily Bucon (8.2 ppg) lead the Hilltoppers. Wheeling Jesuit (27-6) will defend its MEC Tournament title and build off of the program’s first NCAA postseason win. The Cardinals return five players averaging at least 17 minutes per game, including three starters. Junior guard Mariah Callen (11.4 ppg, 3.3 apg, 3.6 rpg) is the offensive catalyst. Notre Dame College (20-10, 16-6 MEC) is a team to watch in the conference race.
Northeast-10 ConferenceTop Teams: Northeast: 1. Bentley 2. St. Anselm 3. Assumption Southwest: 1. American Int’l 2. So. Conn. 3. AdelphiPlayer of the Year: Jen Gemma, Bentley, Sr. Outlook:National semifinalist Bentley (29-6) returns its top five scorers and four starters, including NE-10 Player of the Year and All-American Jen Gemma (20.0 ppg, 9.3 rpg). Sophomore guard Megan Lewis (10.0 ppg, 100 asst, 61 stl) will red-shirt after suffering an off-season injury but the Falcons have plenty of talent in junior guard Lauren Green (9.6 ppg), sophomore center Victoria Lux (6.6 ppg) and junior point guard Macchi Smith (5.4 ppg). In the Soutwest division, American International (26-6) is expected to lead the pack with two starters back in the lineup. Sophomore Dana Watts (11.1 ppg) led the Yellow Jackets in scoring and could move into a starting slot this campaign. Others to watch in the division including Southern Connecticut and Adelphi.
Conference Previews
6 Women’s Division II Bulletin • October 2016
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South RegionDefending champion: Florida Southern
Southeast RegionDefending champion: Francis Marion
Gulf South ConferenceTop Teams: 1. Union 2. Delta State 3. Shorter Player of the Year: Taylor Adams, Shorter, Sr. Outlook:Union (28-4) looks to improve on its second straight GSC regular season title by adding four transfers, including a Divi-sion I transfer from Western Kentucky, to join three returning starters. The Lady Bulldogs, who were the top scoring team in the GSC last year (74.8) and won by a league-best 15.2 points per game on average, feature sophomore guard Jada Smith (11.7 ppg, 3.2 rpg) as its offensive leader. Delta State (22-7) is coming off its 16th Gulf South Conference championship while leading the GSC and NCAA in scoring defense. Three starters return for the Lady Statesmen, who will need to replace league MVP Chelsey Rhodes and 20.8 points (33% of team offense). Shorter (20-8) should compete but the Lady Hawks lost five seniors from last year. All-league Taylor Adams (16.1 ppg , 10.7 rpg) is the offensive catalyst.
Conference CarolinasTop Teams: 1. Limestone 2. Mount Olive 3. King Player of the Year: Jasmine Kearse, Limestone, Sr. Outlook:Limestone (30-1) is coming off a fifth straight NCAA Tourna-ment appearance. Although the Saints return just one starter, the team has several key components that came off the bench returning from a year ago. All-American Jasmine Kearse returns after finishing fourth in the nation with 21.6 points per game a year ago. King (19-12) returns the majority of its scoring this season, losing only two players off of last year’s team who played 10-12 players per game. The Tornado will look to forwards Ashley Albertson (11.3 ppg, 6.4 rpg) and Amy Van Deventer to again lead the offensive output this year.Peach Belt ConferenceTop Teams: East: 1. Lander 2. Augusta 3. Francis Marion West: 1. North Georgia 2. Columbus St. 3. Clayton St.Player of the Year: Ty’Hesha Reynolds, Lander, Sr. Outlook:With a 32-6 Peach Belt Conference record over the past two seasons, defending champion Lander (25-7) is aiming to reach the NCAA Tournament for the third consecutive season. The Bearcats will be aided by the return of three of their top four scorers, led by junior forward Breshay Johnson (16.3 ppg, 7.8 rpg). Francis Marion returns 10 of 12 letterwinners from a 24-9 squad that registered one of the biggest turn-arounds in Division II history (8-20 mark). The Patriots finished with a No.23 national ranking after advancing to NCAA Elite Eight under first-year head coach Jeri Porter. Regional MOP Briana Burgins (10.2 ppg, 7.3 rpg) returns as does forward Shaunice Fulmore, the PBC Freshman of the Year.
South Atlantic ConferenceTop Teams: 1. Anderson 2. Wingate 3. Newberry Player of the Year: Bri Johnson, Catawba, Sr. Outlook:Anderson (23-7) returns three starters along with last season’s Preseason All-SAC Jasmine Franklin, who suffered a season ending injury during an exhibition game. The Trojans look to defend the SAC regular season title and advance to the NCAA Tournament for the third year in a row behind senior guard Heather Jankowy (12.6 ppg, 3.7 rpg). Wingate (21-9) could be a factor in the SAC with four returning starters and a bulk of its roster back this year. Senior guard Shelby Tricoli (10 ppg) is expected to pick up the scoring pace this campaign. Newberry (17-13) is a team to watch in what should be an entertaining SAC race.
Southern Intercollegiate Athletic ConferenceTop Teams: East: 1. Benedict 2. Albany St. 3. Claflin West: 1. Kentucky State 2. Miles 3. Spring HillPlayer of the Year: Artisha Holston, Albany St., Sr. Outlook:Look for Benedict (29-3) to make another march toward post-season action in 2017. The Tigers must replace their top three scorers who all contributed double figures to the stat sheet, but senior Destiny Betts (7.8 ppg, 6.5 rpg) looks ready to step up and increase her scoring output. Others to watch include Kentucky State and Albany State.
Sunshine State ConferenceTop Teams: 1. Florida Southern 2. Nova SE 3. Florida Tech Player of the Year: Kayla Wright, Nova Southeastern, Sr. Outlook:Florida Southern (27-6) returns nine players, including three starters, from its team that advanced to the Elite Eight of the 2016 NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Tournament. The Mocs, who feature six international players on this year’s roster, are led by junior guard Jensen Blassage (12.6 ppg, 4.3 rpg). Nova Southeastern (24-7) returns its two top scorers from last year’s SSC regular season championship team in conference Player of the Year Kayla Wright (16.2 ppg, 5.3 rpg ) and second team all-league Taylor Buie. Six newcomers and seven other returnees makeup a deep roster for head coach LeAnn Freeland-Curry. Tampa (20-13) returns two starters and welcomes five Division I transfers to help fill a scoring void.
Conference Previews
7 Women’s Division II Bulletin • October 2016
Conference PreviewsCentral RegionDefending champion: Pittsburg St.
South Central RegionDefending champion: Lubbock Christian
Northern Sun ConferenceTop Teams: North: 1. Northern St. 2. MSU Moorhead 3. MN Crookston South: 1. Sioux Falls 2. Wayne St. 3. Winona St.Player of the Year: Morgan Banasik, Minn. St. Moorhead, Sr. Outlook:After the most successful season in program history and first NCAA Tournament trip, the University of Sioux Falls (27-6) replaces five seniors this year. Returning starters Sam Knecht (11.8 ppg, 6.7 rpg), Madi Robson, and Alyson Johnsen join forces with Division I transfer Brooke Smith as the Cougars defend the university’s first Division II conference tournament championship. Wayne State (17-12) returns four starters and four of its top five scorers from last season. First Team All-NSIC Junior center Paige Ballinger (15.0 ppg, 6.3 rpg) and Second Team All-NSIC Junior forward Maggie Schulte will carry the offensive workload for the Wildcats. In the North, Northern State (23-8) lost only two seniors from last year’s roster and welcomes back three starters. Junior forward Jill Conrad (13.5 ppg, 6.9 rpg) led the Wolves in scoring a year ago and returns to once again drive the offensive production. Watch for MSU Moorhead and Minnesota Crookston to compete.
Rocky Mountain Athletic ConferenceTop Teams: Mountain: 1. CSU-Pueblo 2. Colo. Mines 3. Colo. Christian Rocky: 1. UCCS 2. Black Hills St. 3. RegisPlayer of the Year: Brittany Hernandez, UCCS, Sr. Outlook:In the Mountain division, CSU Pueblo (26-6) has lofty expecta-tions again this year with three starters back on the roster. The ThunderWolves will look to junior guard Tuileisu Anderson (13.5 ppg) and Molly Rohrer (12.7 ppg) to power the offesnive production. Colorado School of Mines (21-7) returns four starters and 11 letterwinners who were part of last season’s outright Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) Champions – the first in program history. Led by senior point guard Laura Tyree (11 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 3 apg), the Orediggers are poised to repeat with a squad full of experience. In the Rocky division, UC Colorado Springs (21-10) is under the direction of new head coach Lynn Plett. The Mountain Lions come fully stocked for their new leader as they lost only two players from last year’s roster and return four starters. League MVP Brittany Hernandez (20.8 ppg, 8.0 rpg) is one of the top players in the country. Black Hills State and Regis are other teams to watch in the Rocky division.
Lone Star ConferenceTop Teams: 1. WTAM 2. Angelo St. 3. Texas Women’s Player of the Year: Jasmine Prophet, Angelo St., Sr. Outlook:The West Texas A&M Lady Buffs (28-5) return three starters and a strong core nucleus from last season’s NCAA Regional Final squad, including first team all-league guard guard Sasha Watson (11.8 ppg, 5.0 apg). WT added two transfers and two freshmen as it chases its fourth straight LSC crown. LSC Tournament champion Angelo St. (23-8) will make a run in the standings with four starters back in the mix, led by league MVP Jasmine Prophet (14.2 ppg, 6.4 rpg) and all-league guard Taylor Dorsey (16.7 ppg, 3.9 apg, 6.2 rpg).
Mid.-America Inter. Athletic AssociationTop Teams: 1. Emporia St. 2. Pittsburg St. 3. Fort Hays St. Player of the Year: Kelly Moten, Emporia St., Sr. Outlook:Watch for another right race in the MIAA. Emporia State (28-6) returns three starters from last year’s Sweet 16 team, led by All-American Kelly Moten (16.4 ppg, 4.6 rpg). MIAA Tournament MOP Kathryn Flott and 2015 MIAA Freshman of the Year Addie Lackey add offensive support for the Lady Hornets. Pittsburg State (29-6) lost only two seniors from last year and returns three starters, led by junior guard Mikaela Burgess (17.8 ppg). Fort Hays State (25-6) is coming off the second best record in the program’s history. Two starters are back for the Tigers but they must replace three of their four top scorers. Jill Faxon (12.3 ppg, 5.8 rpg) paces FHSU.
8 Women’s Division II Bulletin • October 2016
Heartland ConferenceTop Teams: 1. Lubbock Christian 2. UAFS 3. TX A&M Int’l. Player of the Year: Tess Bruffey, Lubbock Christian, Jr. Outlook:After an undefeated season and national title, Lubbock Christian (35-0) starts a new era as it replaces four starters. Junior Tess Bruffey (13.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg) is the top returning scorer for the Lady Chaps. Allison Szabo (7.2 ppg, 4.7 rpg) should slide into a starting slot. Arkansas-Fort Smith (21-9) has a new head coach and will rebuild around three returning veterans.
Great American ConferenceTop Teams: 1. Arkansas Tech 2. SW Oklahoma 3. Harding Player of the Year: Sydney Layrock, Harding, Sr. Outlook:Arkansas Tech (27-4) welcomes back two starters, led by senior guard Anissa Pounds (11.9 ppg). Southwestern Oklahoma (20-11) returns two sophomore starters in the backcourt, including Hailey Tucker (15.4 ppg, 5.7 rpg). Harding (17-10) returns three starters and added two Division I transfers. Junior forward Sydney Layrock (19.3 ppg, 6.3 rpg) leads the Lady Bison.
Conference PreviewsMidwest RegionDefending champion: Grand Valley St.
West RegionDefending champion: Alaska Anchorage
Great Lakes Valley ConferenceTop Teams: East: 1. Bellarmine 2. Lewis 3. So. Indiana West: 1. Drury 2. Quincy 3. Truman St. Player of the Year: Sarah Galvin, Bellarmine, Sr. Outlook:After capturing its first-ever GLVC Tournament title and earn-ing its first berth in the NCAA Tournament since 2008, Bel-larmine (24-4) may have even higher expectations this season as four starters return, including three All-GLVC selections in Sarah Galvin (17.8 ppg, 8.0 rpg), Raven Merriweather and Destony Curry. Lewis (28-3) returns three starters, led by the nation’s top freshman scorer in Jessica Kelliher at 18.3 points per game. Senior guard Jamie Johnson, last year’s WDIIB Preseason Player of the Year, is back for a sixth season after missing the majority of last camaign with a knee injury and should be a key contributor. The Flyers will need to replace All-American Mariyah Brawner-Henley in the frontcourt. With 11 returners and all five starters back, expectations are high at Southern Indiana (14-13). In the West, Drury (26-5) has three starters and a solid core back from its Sweet 16 team.
Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic ConferenceTop Teams: North: 1. Saginaw Valley 2. Grand Valley 3. Michigan Tech South: 1. Ashland 2. Walsh 3. Ohio DominicanPlayer of the Year: Emily Wendling, Saginaw Valley, Sr. Outlook:GLIAC Tournament champion Ashland (31-2) has lofty ex-pectations with four returning starters from last year’s team. The Eagles feature one of the premier scoring duos in the na-tion in All-Americans Andi Daugherty (15.6 ppg, 7.0 rpg) and Laina Snyder (16.0 ppg, 9.3 rpg). Ashland is riding a 25-game regular-season home winning streak entering the new campaign. Saginaw Valley State (22-9) could makes some noise on the national scene as it returns four starters and a majority of the roster from last season. Senior All-American Emily Wendling (18.1 ppg) leads the way for the Cardinals. Grand Valley State (26-10) looks to build on last season’s run to Final Four, return-ing all five senior starters. The Lakers are led by senior forward Kayla Dawson (14.6 ppg, 4.6 rpg).
California Collegiate Athletic AssociationTop Teams: 1. UC San Diego 2. Cal St. East Bay 3. CSU Dom. Hills Player of the Year: Imari Brown, Cal St. Dominguez Hills, Sr. Outlook:UC San Diego (26-5) has three returning starters from its Sweet 16 team but replace the league’s MVP. The Tritons welcome back sharpshooter Beth Mounier (10.7 ppg, 42% (63-150) be-hind the arc), point guard Taylor Tanita (4.7 apg) and forward Cassie MacLeod (10.5 ppg, 6.0 rpg). Cal State East Bay (27-5) welcomes a new coach and must replace four starters and six seniors from last year’s roster. The Pinoeers will need the veterans and newcomers to fill a scoring void left by their four top scorers. Remy Puou (6.3 ppg) is the top returning scorer. Cal State Dominguez Hills (22-10) also has a new head coach and returns all-league performer Imari Brown (23.4 ppg). The Toros are expected to be an upper-echelon team again in the CCAA.
Great Northwest Athletic Conference Top Teams: 1. UAA 2. Western Washington 3. Mont. St. Billings Player of the Year: Alisha Breen, MT St. Billings, Sr. Outlook:National runner-up Alaska Anchorage (38-3) must replace three starters and four other letterwinners from the team that set the NCAA Division II record with 38 victories last year. The Sea-wolves will count on All-America candidate Kiki Robertson at the point as well as Division I transfer Autummn Williams (Ark.-Little Rock) and four high-powered JC transfers as they chase their third straight GNAC title. Western Washington (20-9) missed out on postseason action last season and returns four starters this campaign. All-league guard Taylor Peacocke (16.8 ppg, 3.5 rpg) drives the offensive attack. Transfers Hannah Sti-panovich (Metro State) and Jessica Valley (Nova Southeastern/Indiana State) should contribute right away. Watch for Montana State Billings to be a factor in the race.
Pacific WestTop Teams: 1. Cal Baptist 2. Azusa Pacific 3. Academy of Art Player of the Year: Cassidy Mihalko, Cal Baptist, Sr. Outlook:Cal Baptist (29-3) returns four starters this year as it goes for another conference title. The dynamic duo of Cassidy Mihalko (19.9 ppg, 7.1 rpg) and Kamille Diaz (15.1 ppg, 5.8 apg) is one of the top scoring tandems in the region. Defending champion Azusa Pacific (28-4) must start to rebuild its roster after losing all five starters from a year ago. Senior guard Joelle Tampien (8.4 ppg, 1.6 rpg) will be expected to increase her scoring output this season for the Cougars.
Great Midwest Athletic ConferenceTop Teams: 1. Ursuline 2. Cedarville 3. Kentucky Wesleyan Player of the Year: Laney Lewis, Ursuline, Jr. Outlook:Ursuline (25-4) returns all five starters, including Player of the Year Laney Lewis and Freshman of the Year Brigan Wymer. The Arrows (83.5 ppg) were the fourth highest scoring team in the country.
9 Women’s Division II Bulletin • October 2016
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