November 12, 1998
November 12, 1998
| Very little has changed in the Southern Conference
race for the women’s title.
The Lady Eagles were 13-3 in Southern Conference play last year, and will be just as strong this year, as they return 11 of 12 players, and four of five starters from their championship team. Georgia Southern’s team not only has a lot of experience, but they also have talent. As a result, the Lady Eagles have three players that have been selected for preseason honors. Sharon Mitchell will be a player to watch this year. The Eastman, Ga., native was named first team All-Southern Conference and second team All-Tournament last season. She averaged 14.1 points per game last year, and led Georgia Southern with eight rebounds per game. Look for Davidson, who is picked second in the Southern Conference, to challenge Georgia Southern for the title. The Wildcats return nine letter winners from last year’s 12-4 team. Of those nine, three were starters. Leading the way for Davidson will be guard Jennifer O’Brien, who averaged 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists last year. With two six-footers, look for Davidson to pound the ball inside when they get the chance. It’s easy to overlook East Tennessee State, who is picked third in the Southern Conference because of their past history. For the past five years, the Lady Buccaneers have finished at .500 or below, adding pressure to finish in the top half of the conference. Head Coach Karen Kemp agrees, “If we stay healthy, then we can challenge for first place.” The Lady Buccaneers will be strong, as they return five starters from last year’s eight and eight team. East Tennessee will also play several freshmen. “Our freshman class is possibly the strongest since I’ve been here. A couple of them even have the ability to be starters,” Kemp said. A unique team to watch will be UNC-Greensboro, last year’s Southern Conference Tournament Champions. “We are new as a unit, but are not young,” said Head Coach Lynne Agee. The Spartans lost four starters, but are returning eight players. The biggest loss is that of Rebecca Viverette, who averaged 15 points and six rebounds per game. “The loss of Rebecca is major, because she was so versatile,” Agee said. UNC-G also has some key players returning who will provide leadership to a team that is new as a unit. One of those players will be Melinda Goodson, who averaged 13 points and seven rebounds last season. The biggest challenge for the Spartans this year will be team chemistry. “If we finish fourth or better, then we did a good job,” Agee said. |
Furman, picked fifth, returns seven players,
and two were starters from last year’s 11-5 team. Jackie Smith, a candidate
for player of the year, returns and brings with her a 19-point, 10-rebound
average. Smith will be expected to again carry the team, as point guard Haley Cook, with her .396 three-point average, graduated. Head Coach Sherry Carter is not happy with how things are looking so far in the pre-season. “We are not quick, deep, or tall. I find myself teaching more than coaching at this point,” she said. The Lady Paladins don’t have much time to learn, as they open the season against rival Clemson. Picked sixth this year is Appalachian State,
who gratefully accepts the pick and will look to surprise a lot of teams
this year. Head Coach Barbie Breedlove said, “That’s a great position to
be in.” The Lady Mountaineers will be looking to improve on last
year’s eight and eight record. “We will be more competitive. Sixth place
won’t be good enough for this team,” she said.
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