Basketball Looks To Youth And Chemistry in 2014-15
The Brenau basketball team enters the 2014-2015 season with a host of new faces as the team looks to the new season.
After being selected 10th out of 12 teams in the 2014 Southern States Athletic Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll, the young Golden Tigers hope its youth and chemistry are advantages.
The team loses three starters from last year, including four-year starter and 1000 point career scorer Brittney Wiley and All-SSAC selection Jasmine Butler from the 2013-14 team and returns no seniors.
The junior class is led by guard Kalin Williams, who averaged 10.5 points per game in 2013-14, scored in double figures in 14 games last season and hopes to continue her standout play. Junior Anikee Combee looks to a breakout season after struggling with injuries the past two seasons. The Jonesboro, Ga. native started her freshman season with strong play before injuries limited her sophomore season.
Jasmine Williams adds versatility and size as a post player who can step out and shoot three-pointers. Sharpshooter Claire Zimmerman, a career 38% three-point shooter, will provide range for the Golden Tigers, while fellow junior Myka Lightfoot is a slasher and defender who provides length on the perimeter. Newcomer Alyssa Nichelson, a junior college transfer, is an aggressive player who will help with the scoring load.
Nine sophomores, including three new faces, will provide talent and energy to the team. Two sophomores that gained significant experience during their freshman seasons are posts Nekeia Brown and Maegan Kenimer. Brown, who started every game last season, looks to continue to be the team's anchor in the low post, while Kenimer, a Gainesville, Ga. native, brings rebounding and toughness to the front court.
Sophomore Quinnesha Turner suffered a season-ending injury and will look to come back strong in 2015.
A trio of shooters round out the returning sophomores as Tori Alfredsson, Makayla Angel and Carly Kluttz each brings the ability to hit the three ball. Alfredsson, a local player from Flowery Branch, Ga., is a good athlete. Angel is an excellent shooter and tough guard, while Kluttz has inside/outside ability as a power forward.
Three sophomore newcomers bring talent and experience to the sophomore class. Dominique Patrick, a transfer from NCAA Division I Grambling State University, is a well-rounded guard who will be expected to provide quality guard play. Clayton State University transfer Briah Woods is a forward who is an excellent shooter and rebounder, while Jasmine Davis, a transfer from Brown-Mackie College, is another versatile post who can play inside and out.
Freshman Autumn Dodson, an All-Region selection from Jefferson City, Tenn. is a talented guard who will be expected to contribute immediately.
"This team has great chemistry and an outstanding work-ethic," said head coach Kris Stewart. "I could not be more pleased with their preseason work. We have a lot youth on the roster and while some of our younger players gained experience from playing as freshman last year, I am excited to watch this team continue to grow together".
Brenau opens the season on the road when they face Tennessee Wesleyan University on November 4th.