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With their top six scorers returning from last year's squad, which went 19-10 and finished third in Conference Carolinas, it would seem that the Belmont Abbey women's basketball team is poised for a run at a conference title.
That may prove to be true, but right now, injuries and illness have third-year coach Susan Yow just searching for enough players to get a solid eight- or nine-player rotation.
Her top four scorers from last year all have been healthy, and she will rely on them heavily, especially early in the season.
Six-foot junior forward Shayla Jackson led the Crusaders in scoring (15 points per game) and rebounding (6.8) and was a second-team all-conference honoree, while senior guard 5-foot-8 Courtney Naquin was honorable mention, averaging 13.3 points and 3.6 assists.
At 5 feet 6, senior point guard Ashley Giddens (9.2 points, 2.7 assists, 3.6 rebounds) will run the offense and 5-foot-10 junior forward Asha Hardaway (8.6 points, 6.1 rebounds) gives the Crusaders another solid inside threat.
Senior guard Kelsey Daniel, at 5-foot-8, averaged 7.3 points and 4.5 rebounds last season, but she has missed all preseason recovering from an illness. Five-foot-5 junior guard Amanda McDonald played in just 12 games last season before tearing her ACL but is practicing with the team and looks to be ready for the Nov. 20 opener against Catawba.
Two of her five freshmen have been out due to injuries, and Yow has had no more than nine players healthy to practice at the same time.
"We haven't been able to get up and down the floor in practice. The girls have worked very hard, but there's also a fine line where you don't want to push too hard because it's a long season.
Men
The Abbey men are coming off their best season (20-9) since 2002-03 and will have two all-conference performers returning as they head toward their Nov. 17 opener against Brevard.
Six-foot-4 junior guard Richard Barbee was first-team all-conference last season, averaging 16.3 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. The Virginia Beach, Va., native shot 58 percent from the field and 81 percent from the line, and head coach Stephen Miss says that Barbee looks even stronger this year.
"Richard is becoming more of a leader, and that starts with his work ethic becoming more consistent. "
Senior forward Chad Patus was a second-team all-conference selection, averaging 12.9 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. The 6-foot-7 Canadian shot 61 percent from the floor, 81 percent from the line, and Miss says he always seems to be near the ball.
"Chad last year got the recognition on paper that he has worked hard for since he's been here," Miss said. "He does everything well and is very skilled both inside and outside, as well as being our most consistent rebounder."
The Crusaders lost point guard Deonte Murphy, honorable mention all-conference guard Jonathan Jackson and 7-foot-1 center Alex Pledger, who signed professionally in New Zealand.
Patrick Kuhlman takes over at the point, and the 6-foot-2 senior has played in every game since his freshman year.
Six-foot-9 sophomore Kyle Phillips averaged 6.4 points last season and will be asked to be a post presence for the Crusaders. Miss hopes that three freshmen - Tyshawn Good, Harvin Council Jr. and former Gaston Day standout Terrone Sheffey - will give solid backcourt depth.
