Hoops Season Begins
10/17/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Oct. 17, 2008
NACOGDOCHES - The Stephen F. Austin Ladyjack basketball team joined schools around the country Friday as they took to the hardwood for their first official workout of the 2008-09 season. Despite the fact that the football season has only reached its midpoint, Ladyjack head coach Lee Ann Riley and her staff are busy making preparations for the upcoming season.
"I think we're all ready to get going," said Riley. "The girls have done a great job with their conditioning during the offseason, but that can get a little long. They are ready to take workouts to the next level."
Despite the overall youth of the team, returning only two seniors and one junior, the Ladyjacks enter the 2008-09 season with quite a bit of experience. The two seniors, guards Jessica Gaines and Natashia Green, have been a part of two 20-win seasons, an NCAA Championship appearance and a berth in the WNIT. Junior Whitney Cormier averaged nearly 11 points and six rebounds during her sophomore season.
The Ladyjacks also return a sophomore class that was thrown into the fire during their rookie campaign. Each one showed flashes of brilliance, but forward Jordan Ford may have been the team's most consistent rookie. Ford was one of the top freshmen in the Southland Conference averaging 9.3 points and 5.8 rebounds per game last season.
The Ladyjacks have also brought in a huge freshmen class for the 2008-09 season that has talent at every position. The incoming signing class consists of three guards, a forward and a post player. With the loss of lone senior Nikki Carr, due to eligibility, and the fact that SFA returns only one true point guard, that position was key during the recruiting season. Coach Riley filled that need with the addition of Courtney Conwright (DeSoto, Texas), Tammara Marion (Houston, Texas) and Cambria Smith (Garland, Texas).
The Ladyjacks open the 2008-09 season Nov. 5, with an exhibition game against Arkansas-Monticello. The regular season begins Friday, Nov. 14, at Prairie View A&M.
-SFA-
