JACKSON - The Millsaps Majors Women's Basketball Team prepares to tip things off this weekend as they welcome three talented teams into Jackson for the Sleep Inn Downtown Jackson Tip Off Tournament. Here is a quick preview of all four teams competing this weekend.
Millsaps College Season Preview
2010-11 record: 12-13 (8-8 SCAC)
Starters Returning: 4
Starters Lost: 1
Letterman Returning: 5
Letterman Lost: 1
Head Coach: Chuck Winkelman, 2nd year, 12-13
A year after one of the biggest turnarounds in the history of the program, the Millsaps Majors Women's basketball team prepares to start the 2011-2012 season with the return of tremendous production from upperclassmen a year ago, as well as a strong incoming freshmen class. Millsaps welcomes back a tremendous backcourt in junior Lovie Love, junior Elizabeth Sigafoose, and sophomore Shatoya White as well as, what could be, a dominant frontcourt in senior Janice Okeke and junior Shante Morton. The Majors also welcome in eight freshman this season who look to make an impact.
Louisiana College Season Preview
2010-11 record: 25-4 (18-2 ASC)
Starters Returning: 2
Starters Lost: 3
Letterman Returning: 5
Letterman Lost: 6
Head Coach: Jason Tinsley, 2nd Year (25-4)
Louisiana College's 2010-11 season was a tumultuous one to say the least, but no obstacle could keep the Lady Cats from making school history. Early in the season former coach Janice Joseph-Richard passed away after succumbing to breast cancer. Jason Tinsley, who was named head coach when Richard took a leave of absence in October of 2010, guided his new team to a 25-4 record, a second-straight American Southwest Conference East Division crown, a runner-up finish in the ASC Tournament and a second-straight berth in the NCAA Division III National Tournament. The Lady Cats made school history in the postseason, notching their first NCAA tournament win, a 61-60 victory over Chapman. LC, ever the up-tempo squad, averaged 78 points per game while allowing just 51 and made 407 steals in 29 games.
LaGrange College Season Preview
2010-11 record: 20-5 (11-3 GSAC)
Starters Returning: 5
Starters Lost: 0
Letterman Returning: 10
Letterman Lost: 1
Head Coach: Mark Isenhour, 5th year, 64-37
The Panthers set numerous school records during the 2010-11 season, including wins in a season and scoring average. The Panthers led NCAA Division III in scoring, averaging 83.4 points per game. The Panthers return Great South Athletic Conference Player of the Year Katie Covington, who led the Panthers in game scoring (17.6) and rebounds (7.9). She has been a GSAC All-Conference selection the past two seasons. Fellow Junior Heather Miller was also a GSAC All-Conference pick, averaging 15.2 points per game. Sophomore Alex Wilson set a school record for 3-point shots made (63) and was second in NCAA Division III in 3-point field goal percentage (47.0).
Blue Mountain College Season Preview
2010-11 record: 7-22
Starters Returning: 2
Starters Lost: 3
Letterman Returning: 4
Letterman Lost: 8
Head Coach: Lavon Driskell, 6th year
The Blue Mountain College women's basketball team returns six (two starters) of 11 players off of last year's 7-22 team. Sixth-year head coach Lavon Driskell has signed six new players this season, 4 transfers and 2 freshmen. The outlook is one of experience, but with many questions unanswered. The six returning players are juniors Samantha Burns (4.4 ppg, 6.3 rpg); Candace Davis(3.1 ppg, 2.1 rpg);Jessi Hayles(8 ppg, 3.1 rpg) Bam Bam Robinson(3.9ppg, 3.1 rpg) sophomores Kyesha Clark (3.7 ppg, 1.5 rpg); and Chelsea Hussey (2 ppg, 1.3 rpg). All six returning players have a great deal of game experience.
Games will begin on Friday, November 18th as Louisiana College opens things up against LaGrange College at 6 p.m. followed by the home standing Majors taking on Blue Mountain College at 8 p.m.
The following day will have the Consolation Game beginning at 1 p.m. followed by the Championship Game at 3 p.m. All games will take place in The Hangar Dome in Jackson, Mississippi.
