The 2013-14 CUNYAC women's basketball season is about to get underway. In the preseason coaches' poll, Baruch and Brooklyn are predicted to be the top two teams once again with 62 and 57 points, respectively. Hunter edged out CSI with 45 points compared with to 42. Lehman edges John Jay for fifth with 36 points which was just two points better than the Bloodhounds 34. Seventh, eighth, and ninth went to CCNY, York, and Medgar Evers with 23, 15, and 10 points, respectively. The Preseason Player of the Year selection was Baruch's Francess Henry who was named CUNYAC's 2012-13 Tournament MVP for her outstanding play in the championship. Henry was ranked second in 3pt percentage at .340, fourth in free throw percentage at .726, and fifth in scoring with 13.8 ppg in CUNYAC.
“We are happy to be chosen to finish first again in the conference standings," said Baruch Head Coach Machli Joseph. "We return lots of players and will be working hard again this season. However, the conference has improved and nothing will be easy this year. We know we have to work hard and come ready to play.”
After being ranked in the top 25 last season and winning the CUNYAC Championship for the sixth consecutive time, Machli Joseph's Baruch Bearcats are looking to climb the NCAA ladder once again. Last season, the Bearcats were 15-1 in CUNYAC and 26-3 overall to be ranked as high as #22 nationally. They captured the CUNYAC Title with 2-time Player of the Year Jessica Duleba leading the way and support from all-stars Francess Henry and Sheridan Taylor. The team reached the NCAA Tournament but fell in the first round to #17 Lebanon Valley 59-53. This season Henry and Taylor are back with a strong supporting cast in search of Baruch's seventh consecutive CUNYAC Title.
The Brooklyn Bulldogs have fallen to the Bearcats in both of the last two CUNYAC Finals. Their head coach Alex Lang is looking to reverse their fortune with CUNYAC all-stars Nicole Francomano and Vanesaa D'Ambrosi back for another campaign. After falling in the championship, the Bulldogs went on to the ECAC Tournament where they advanced to the final but fell to Hartwick 67-62 to end their season.
After Baruch and Brooklyn, Staten Island and John Jay are amongst the teams most likely to compete for the title with the majority of their squads returning. The ultimate question is whether or not Baruch's streak will finally end and a new CUNYAC Champion will emerge.
Preseason Poll
|
1. Baruch College |
62 |
|
2. Brooklyn College |
57 |
|
3. Hunter College |
45 |
|
4. College of Staten Island |
42 |
|
5. Lehman College |
36 |
|
6. John Jay College |
34 |
|
7. The City College of New York |
23 |
|
8. York College |
15 |
|
9. Medgar Evers College |
10 |
Connect with CUNY Athletics:
Last Year's Finishes - Click on the Team to Jump to Their Preview
Champion: Baruch
Runner-up: Brooklyn
Semifinalists: Staten Island Hunter
Quarterfinalists: CCNY John Jay Lehman York
Missed Playoffs: Medgar Evers
Baruch
Courtesy of Baruch Sports Information
|
Last Season |
|
|
Overall Record |
26-3 |
|
CUNYAC Record |
15-1 |
|
Postseason Finish |
NCAA 1st Round |
|
Overall History |
|
|
CUNY Championships (Last) |
6 (2013) |
|
CUNY Finals Record (Last) |
6-3 (2013) |
|
CUNY Tournament Record (Percentage) |
29-16 (.680) |
|
Overall Record (Percentage) |
291-199 (.580) |
|
Division III Record (Percentage) |
291-198 (.579) |
|
CUNY Regular Season Titles (Last) |
9 (2013) |
|
CUNYAC Regular Season Record (Percentage) |
146-102 (.560) |
|
NCAA Tournament Appearances (Titles) |
6 (none) |
|
NCAA Tournament Record (Last) |
1-6 (2013) |
|
ECAC Tournament Appearances (Titles) |
2 (none) |
|
ECAC Tournament Record (Last) |
2-2 (2007) |
|
Coach Information |
|
|
Head Coach |
Machli Joseph |
|
Alma Mater |
St. Mary's (California) |
|
Year of Graduation |
1996 |
|
Year at Institution |
10th |
|
Record at Institution |
178-60 |
|
Overall Record |
178-60 |
|
Associate/Assistant Coaches |
Assistant Coaches: Bennett Silber, Naesha Moore-Tyler, KellyAnn Barrett, Anthony Brown |
|
This Season |
|
|
Key Player(s) |
Sheridan Taylor, Iyana Abrams, Francess Henry, Lynda Fields, Alicea Ulmer |
|
Returner(s) |
Jasmine Smarr, Domyae Ivory-Byrd, Kiara Johnson |
|
Important Recruit(s) |
Symone Green, Kristen Podlovits, Jacqueline Mullen, Malika Rose Abdusalaam, Ashika Kuruvilla, Jaclyn Torres |
|
Games to Watch |
Baruch vs Ohio Northern (Dec. 29), Desales (Jan. 5), FDU-Florham (Jan. 10), Richard Stockton (Jan. 13), Brooklyn (Jan. 7 & Feb. 3) |
Brooklyn
Courtesy of Brooklyn Sports Information
|
Last Season |
|
|
Overall Record |
24-7 |
|
CUNYAC Record |
14-2 (Second) |
|
Postseason Finish |
CUNYAC Runner-Up; ECAC Runner Up |
|
Overall History |
|
|
ECAC Tournament Appearances (Titles) |
5 |
|
Coach Information |
|
|
Head Coach |
Alex Lang |
|
Alma Mater |
Albany |
|
Year at Institution |
12th |
|
Record at Institution |
147-149 |
|
Overall Record |
Same |
|
Associate/Assistant Coaches |
Assistant Coaches: Stanley Fevrine, Artisha Haynes, Ahmad Odetalla & Amalea Sideris |
|
This Season |
|
|
Key Player(s) |
Nicole Francomano, Vanesaa D'Ambrosi, Carissa Williams, Megan Campbell, Nacirema Mann, T’Keyah Francis, Zoe Randolph, Sarah Shanderson, Asia Foster |
|
Returner(s) |
Nicole Francomano, Vanesaa D'Ambrosi, T’Keyah Francis, Zoe Randolph, Sarah Shanderson, Asia Foster, Allison Donovan and Jaclyn Grasso |
|
Important Recruit(s) |
Carissa Williams, Megan Campbell, Nacirema Mann, Tiffany Ruiz, Christine Pinnock and Hoiman Poon |
|
Games to Watch |
11/15, 11/16 - Vassar Tournament
1/7, 2/3 - Baruch |
Following back-to-back City University of New York Athletic Conference (CUNYAC) championship runner-up finishes, the Brooklyn College Women’s Basketball will look to finally get over the hump and claim the CUNYAC Championship in 2013-2014.
The Bulldogs are coming off of one of the most successful seasons in program history with a 24-7 record, including a 14-2 mark in the CUNYAC. After falling to Baruch College in the conference championship game for a second straight season, BC earned its fifth straight appearance in the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Division III Metro Championships as the #1 seed. Brooklyn would eventually lose in the championship final against Hartwick College.
Head Coach Alex Lang, entering his 12th season at the helm of the BC Women’s Basketball team, has built one of the most successful teams in the region. Since the 2008-2009 season, Brooklyn boasts a 99-47 overall record (.678), including a 54-12 (.818) mark in conference play. The Bulldogs have also made five straight appearances in the ECAC Metro Championships. Over that time period, Coach Lang has earned four CUNYAC Coach of the Year awards.
Alex Lang returns a pair of CUNYAC All-Stars in Nicole Francomano and Vanesaa D'Ambrosi. Francomano averaged a team-best 4.1 assists per game, to go along with 6.9 points per game and 2.7 steals per game. D’Ambrosi averaged 11.7 ppg and 6.7 rebounds per game, to go along with a team-leading 3.2 spg.
Along with Francomano and D’Ambrosi, T’Keyah Francis, Zoe Randolph, Sarah Shanderson, Asia Foster, Allison Donovan and Jaclyn Grasso all return to add a veteran core of letter winners for Coach Lang as the Bulldogs will look to make another deep run in the CUNYAC Championships.
To add to his veterans, Coach Lang and his coaching staff have once again brought in another stellar class to continue BC’s success over the past five seasons.
Key newcomers include Carissa Williams, Megan Campbell, Nacirema Mann, Tiffany Ruiz, Christine Pinnock and Hoiman Poon.
“We have a nice mixture of veteran leadership and newcomers with a lot of talent,” said Coach Lang. “Some of our returnees have improved immensely and are excited to get back out on the court. I think that we have the potential to have a great season, but must get to work to ensure that we improve every day.”
CCNY
Courtesy of CCNY Sports Information
|
Last Season |
|
|
Overall Record |
4-21 |
|
CUNYAC Record |
4-12 |
|
Postseason Finish |
CUNYAC Quarterfinals |
|
Overall History |
|
|
CUNY Championships (Last) |
10 (1996) |
|
Coach Information |
|
|
Head Coach |
Jackee Meadow |
|
Alma Mater |
Oneonta State College |
|
Year of Graduation |
1987 |
|
Year at Institution |
Third |
|
Record at Institution |
9-42 |
|
Overall Record |
|
|
Associate/Assistant Coaches |
Associate Head Coach Jamie Angeli
Assistant Coach Anika Rivera |
|
This Season |
|
|
Key Player(s) |
Bria Fisher |
|
Returner(s) |
Bria Fisher |
Staten Island
Courtesy of CSI Sports Information
|
Last Season |
|
|
Overall Record |
16-12 |
|
CUNYAC Record |
12-4 |
|
Postseason Finish |
Semifinalist |
|
Overall History |
|
|
CUNY Championships (Last) |
6 (2005) |
|
CUNY Finals Record (Last) |
6-9 |
|
CUNY Tournament Record (Percentage) |
37-27 |
|
Overall Record (Percentage) |
462-347 (571) |
|
Division III Record (Percentage) |
same |
|
CUNY Regular Season Titles (Last) |
15 (2009) |
|
NCAA Tournament Appearances (Titles) |
4 (0) |
|
NCAA Tournament Record (Last) |
0-4 |
|
ECAC Tournament Appearances (Titles) |
9 (1) |
|
ECAC Tournament Record (Last) |
9-8 (2013) |
|
Coach Information |
|
|
Head Coach |
Tim Shanahan |
|
Year at Institution |
2nd |
|
Record at Institution |
16-12 |
|
Overall Record |
same |
|
Associate/Assistant Coaches |
Assistant Coaches - Robin Dolan, Megan Lanigan
Student Managers - Victoria Donegan, Adriane Reyes |
|
This Season |
|
|
Key Player(s) |
Katelyn Hepworth (F), Alyssa Carlsen (F), Melanie Johnson (F), Lisa Galasso (G), Nikki Fabozzi (G), Megan Myhre (G) |
|
Returner(s) |
Hepworth (F), Galasso (G), Fabozzi (G), Johnson (F), Safiyah Goffney (G), Jamie Pifalo (G), Jaclyn Tocco (G), Victoria Gallinaro (G), Myhre (G), Jennifer Coughlan (F) |
|
Important Recruit(s) |
Alyssa Carlsen (F), Frances Gonzelez (G), Brianna Salomon (F), Kiara Joseph (F) |
|
Games to Watch |
12/29 vs. (NCAA D. I) Army, 2pm., 1/25 vs. Brooklyn, 3pm (Alumni Day). |
|
Projected Milestones |
Hepworth is 171 points shy of 1,000. |
If there was an award for comeback team of the year at the College of Staten Island a year ago, it may have belonged to the women's basketball program Under rookie head coach Tim Shanahan the team flourished and nearly doubled their win total, finishing 16-12 and advancing to the CUNYAC Semifinals for the first time in three years. Losing only a lone senior, the squad has bigger and brighter aspirations this time around, and while they can't possibly double their win total this year, the goal is for a continued upward climb.
"I couldn't have asked for a better group last year," commented Shanahan, who returns a total of 10 players to the fold in 2013-14. "The maturity level and the focus never wavered. They had a tough job and they passed every test with flying colors."
Playing with, at times, three and four first-year faces in the lineup, Shanahan used an aggressive, up-tempo, substitution-heavy attack to confuse and keep opponents chasing. The completely new and demanding offensive and defensive strategies was a risk for the first year head coach, but Shanahan is now basking in the reward. The team adopted the style, continues to perfect it, and feels its one step closer to where they want to be.
"Our younger players had to get used to the speed and quickness of this level of basketball and they played wise beyond their years," he said. "Sometimes I had to remind myself of how young we were last year. To have so many of them returning with a year under their belts, to see the level of training they've done coming in, there's no doubt we are going to be better for it."
Of course, the most notable CSI returner will be one that didn't see any action a year ago. Senior Katelyn Hepworth missed the entire season due to an injury she sustained on the eve of the Dolphins' first contest last season. The powerful and physical inside presence is 171 points away from 1,000 complete with 650 career rebounds, good for 8.9 per game.
"Not only is it going to be great to have her on the court, but to see the kind of shape she is in and how she is leading this team has been inspiring," Shanahan noted. "Others emulate her and for good reason. She is a true leader by example, and we need her toughness."
Hepworth will be flanked by a quality supporting cast. Co-captain and former CUNYAC Rookie of the Year Nikki Fabozzi returns in her shooting guard role after playing the power forward position last year, as does senior Melanie Johnson, a transfer forward last season that averaged 11.7 points and 4.8 rebounds per game a year ago. Then comes a very young backcourt consisting of sophomores Lisa Galasso (8.8 ppg, 96 assists), Megan Myhre (9.4 ppg, 60 three-pointers), Victoria Gallinaro (5.9 ppg, 40 steals), Safiyah Goffney, and Jamie Pifalo, whose season was cut short due to injury a year ago. Senior Jaclyn Tocco and junior Jennifer Coughlan provide seasoned and experience minutes on the floor, along with the impeccable leadership needed to give CSI a terrific mix of personnel according to Shanahan.
"I think our strength is that we have great character and great leaders on our team," he said. "Our freshmen played like seniors, carried themselves that way too, and our upperclassmen, players like Jaclyn (Tocco) and Jennifer (Coughlan), you just can't ask for better attitudes and selfless players."
Shanahan feels he has the lineup to pick up where he left off in 2013-14, but naturally, he expects a lift from his recruiting class as well. The most notable incoming player is 5-10 forward Alyssa Carlsen, a non-athletic transfer from Mount Saint Mary College who Shanahan recruited heavily two years ago. Carlsen could break into the starting five as soon as opening day, Fellow first-timers Frances Gonzalez (5-6, G, Roosevelt, NY), Brianna Salomon (5-7, F, Staten Island, NY), and Kiara Joseph (5-9, F, Staten Island, NY) will also battle for time and make the Dolphins bigger, stronger, and better by season's end.
"I have been pleasantly surprised by what I have seen so far in the preseason," tells Shanahan. "We ask a lot of our young players. They need to pick up the game very quickly and be prepared physically. I feel like we have an outstanding group that are soaking things up quickly and receiving instruction well. As a coach, it makes our jobs a lot easier."
The Dolphins will look to build on their strengths this year. The team forced an overwhelming 756 turnovers last year (27 per game), among the nation's best, holding opponents to a paltry 56.9 points per game on 36.5% shooting from the floor. The aggressive, on-the-ball, defense will be the team's calling card and again, Shanahan is hoping to keep teams chasing the Dolphins up and down the court.
"If we are walking up the court, then there is something wrong or we are in bad foul trouble," the coach laughed. "That's our game. Our effort will dictate how well we play. We will go hard all the time and if teams want to beat us, they are going to have to leave everything out on the floor and be gasping for air by the end of the game."
Last year that mission was accomplished but CSI still fell short, meaning there are areas for improvement. The Dolphins shot just 35.6% from the floor last season, including a 28% clip from three-point range and were out-rebounded by 9.2 rebounds per game a year ago, one of the nation's lowest ratios, and obviously, a reason for their shortcomings.
"Everyone is looking for that elusive six-foot-something center to walk into their program and change things, but that's not the key to us getting better," said Shanahan. "The key for us this year is to be smarter and work on our simple fundamentals. Boxing out, getting to the open spaces quicker, knowing our assignments, that is what will help us get better in those areas. We showed signs of that last year, and that's the area that we need to improve on most for us to turn that corner."
As far as what the season holds in store for the Dolphins, it's no surprise that the coach will play things close to the vest. "I am cautiously optimistic," he said. "Everyone in the conference is going to be better and I think that goes for us too. The way I see it, we want to be a championship contender every year, and we are a year closer. We've raised the competitive level and our conference schedule will bet tougher so we're going to need to be better to have better results by the end of the year, but that is certainly the plan."
The Dolphins will open the season this Friday, when they travel to New York University and take on Springfield College in a neutral site contest. The consolation and championship legs of that tourney will take place on Saturday. The schedule also features a date with NCAA Division I Army on December 29 at 1pm. Tickets to all CSI home games are free and will be played in CSI's renovated Sports & Recreation Center.
Hunter
Courtesy of Hunter Sports Information
|
Last Season |
|
|
Overall Record |
12-15 |
|
CUNYAC Record |
9-7 |
|
Postseason Finish |
CUNYAC Semi-finals |
|
Overall History |
|
|
CUNY Championships (Last) |
2004 |
|
CUNY Finals Record (Last) |
2005 |
|
Coach Information |
|
|
Head Coach |
Vana Loukssas |
|
Alma Mater |
Hunter College |
|
Year of Graduation |
2003 |
|
Year at Institution |
Sixth |
|
Record at Institution |
41-67 |
|
Overall Record |
41-67 |
|
Associate/Assistant Coaches |
Michael Kotrozos, Cally Prasinos, Shemkia Stevens |
|
This Season |
|
|
Key Player(s) |
Kristen Markoe, Nicole Lenard |
|
Returner(s) |
Nicole Lenard, Ayanna Hudson, Kristen Sells, Dimitra Krissi Thomopolus |
|
Important Recruit(s) |
|
|
Games to Watch |
Hunter vs Baruch, 11/26 |
|
Projected Milestones |
Nicole Lenard to hit 1,000 career points. |
The Hunter women's basketball team look to win with maturity and experience as they embark on their 2013-2014 season this Friday at 5:00 PM as they take on Wheelock College at home in the Hawks tip off tournament.
Coming off a 12-15 season the Hawks and head coach Vana Loukissas will be looking to their abundance of upper clansmen to lead them this season. Of their 13 total players, 9 of them are a juniors and seniors. This deep core of leaders should help the Hawks compete in the highly competitive CUNY athletic conference (CUNYAC).
When asked about what new comers she believes will have the greatest impact this season, coach Loukissas named Racquel Baudanza, Kerrin Sells, and Lauren Wu as players who have a chance to shine early this season. The one player however that she raved the most strongly about is Kristen Markoe. "She is one of the top 5 players in our conference and it's great to have her back (from season ending injury in the preseason of last year)"
She also believes that the leadership of the team is another critical strength. "Our three captains (Nicole Lenard, Kristen Markoe, Kristina Thomopoulos) are all leaders in their own way. While one is loud and motivating the others can be more soft spoken and understanding. It balances everything out and gives our other players great examples of how to act on and off the court."
Finally, when asked about her season expectations, coach Loukissas spoke of high expectations. "For the first tiume in my Hunter coaching career we have a team with tremendous chemistry on and off the court. We are a family and we have each others back and I believe that is why we will be successful this year."
Loukissas also added "I love coaching but because of my players, coaches, and administrators I love it even more."
John Jay
Courtesy of John Jay Sports Information
|
Last Season |
|
|
Overall Record |
13-13 |
|
CUNYAC Record |
10-6 |
|
Postseason Finish |
Lost in CUNYAC Quarterfinals |
|
Overall History |
|
|
CUNY Championships (Last) |
1 (1992) |
|
CUNY Finals Record (Last) |
1-1 |
|
CUNY Regular Season Titles (Last) |
1 (1997) |
|
Coach Information |
|
|
Head Coach |
Diane Ramirez |
|
Alma Mater |
Baruch College |
|
Year of Graduation |
2007 |
|
Year at Institution |
Sixth |
|
Record at Institution |
37-91 |
|
Overall Record |
37-91 |
|
Associate/Assistant Coaches |
Assistant Coach- Jennifer Ithier
Assistant Coach- Shernai Bentley |
|
This Season |
|
|
Key Player(s) |
Jamecia Forsythe, Tyana Hale |
|
Returner(s) |
|
|
Important Recruit(s) |
Tamara Jones |
|
Games to Watch |
Hunter College - 12/13(away) , 1/29 (home) |
|
Projected Milestones |
Jamecia Forsythe - 1,000 Career Points (959), 1,000 Rebounds (940) |
Diane Ramirez is in her 6th season as coach of the Bloodhounds. She is returning CUNYAC First Team All-Star, Jamecia Forsythe who is 41 points and 60 rebounds shy of 1,000/1,000. The team will also rely on Tyana Hale and Tamara Jones.
Lehman
Courtesy of Lehman Sports Information
Medgar Evers
Courtesy of Medgar Evers Sports Information
|
Last Season |
|
|
Overall Record |
0-26 |
|
CUNYAC Record |
0-16 |
|
Postseason Finish |
Didn't Qualify |
|
Overall History |
|
|
CUNY Championships (Last) |
None |
|
Coach Information |
|
|
Head Coach |
Eric James |
|
Alma Mater |
Medgar Evers College |
|
Year of Graduation |
1990 |
|
Year at Institution |
4 |
|
Record at Institution |
7-67 |
|
Overall Record |
7-67 |
|
Associate/Assistant Coaches |
Assistant Coach- Delroy Ennis |
|
This Season |
|
|
Key Player(s) |
Imani Mason (F), Jaquy Lanot (G), Nia Tompkins (G), Antanique Williams (F), and Jasmine Dossou (G) |
|
Returner(s) |
Essence Perry (G), Imani Mason (F), Jaquy Lanot (G), Nia Tompkins (G), Antanique Williams (F), and Jasmine Dossou (G) |
|
Important Recruit(s) |
Kimonia Mullings (F/C), Ashley Desir (G) |
|
Games to Watch |
11/30 Dr. Betty Shabazz Tournament (MEC Hosts), 12/13 MEC @ BC- Rivalry Game, 1/29 MEC vs. BC- Rivalry Game |
The 2013-14 Medgar Evers College Women's Team, under 4th year Head Coach Eric James, will look upon the leadership of his veteran student-athletes. The team will look to carry 10 women, and will hopefully show a much improvement from one year ago.
York
Courtesy of York Sports Information
|
Last Season |
|
|
Overall Record |
3-23 |
|
CUNYAC Record |
3-13 |
|
Postseason Finish |
CUNYAC quarterfinals |
|
Overall History |
|
|
CUNY Championships (Last) |
zero |
|
CUNY Finals Record (Last) |
n/a |
|
CUNY Tournament Record (Percentage) |
unknown |
|
Overall Record (Percentage) |
unknown |
|
Division III Record (Percentage) |
unknown |
|
CUNY Regular Season Titles (Last) |
0 |
|
CUNYAC Regular Season Record (Percentage) |
unknown |
|
NCAA Tournament Appearances (Titles) |
0 |
|
NCAA Tournament Record (Last) |
0 |
|
ECAC Tournament Appearances (Titles) |
unknown |
|
ECAC Tournament Record (Last) |
unknown |
|
Coach Information |
|
|
Head Coach |
Winnifred Brown |
|
Alma Mater |
Bethune Cookman |
|
Year of Graduation |
1990 |
|
Year at Institution |
8 |
|
Record at Institution |
47-128 |
|
Overall Record |
47-128 |
|
Associate/Assistant Coaches |
Osato Edobor-Osula, Ron James |
|
This Season |
|
|
Key Player(s) |
Stayce Kay Muirhead, Shanelle Baldwin, Angelika Ruggiano, Kiera Burns, Juliet Matthews |
|
Returner(s) |
Stayce Kay Muirhead, Shanelle Baldwin, Angelika Ruggiano, Antenieka Burton, Aimee Aikens, Danielle Dunn |
|
Important Recruit(s) |
Juliet Matthews, Kiera Burns |
|
Games to Watch |
11/16, season opener at Guilford
11/26, home/ conference opener vs. Staten Island
2/18 senior night vs Hunter |
After a couple challenging seasons for the York College women’s basketball team, the Cardinals are hopeful they can turn things around this season and get back on track.
Last season was a tough one for the Cardinals as York managed just three wins. But York has an improved recruiting class and also brings back some of the players who were bright spots last season, and because of this, Head Coach Winnifred Brown expects better things from the team this season.
“Our goal is to finish in the top four in CUNY this season. We were at the bottom last year and we are trying to push to make the top four.”
In order to get to that point, coach Brown places an emphasis on eliminating turnovers and playing strong defense.
“I’m big on defense,” noted Coach Brown. “That’s the biggest key to success. We need to be able hold our opponents to a certain number. We also want to control turnovers. We averaged too many turnovers last season. That’s something we have control over and need to improve.”
A big part of that success will be dependent on junior center Stayce Kay Muirhead and sophomore forward Shanelle Baldwin.
Muirhead is arguably the Cardinals top returning player. The St. Catherine, Jamaica native has a nose for the basketball, as she ranked third in the CUNYAC, averaging 11.5 boards per game, while also ranking 11th in the CUNYAC in steals (2.2 per game).
“Muirhead has developed a lot. She will gives us the edge in rebounding and she’s quick,” noted Brown.
Baldwin joined the team in the second half of the season and was a nice addition. She improved as the year went on, finishing the season with an average of 5.4 points and 4.1 rebounds per game.
“Shanelle is coming in to her own,” added Brown. If she continues to play like she did at the end of last season, which I believe she will, she’s going to be another player that will help us a lot.”
At the point guard position, the Cardinals look to sophomore Angelika Ruggiano. Though her game was plagued by turnovers at times, she did contribute an impressive 8.3 points and 3.4 assists per game as a freshman.
“Angelika will be much better this year, said Brown. “She’s vocal now and she’s going to be running our team. I’m looking to her step up this season.”
Some other key returning players include senior center Danielle Dunn (5.6 ppg last season), Aimee Aikens (3.3 ppg) and Antenieka Burton.
The most promising new players this season will be Kiera Burns—a guard from Erasmus Hall High School and Juliet Matthews, a freshman from Queens.
“Kiera is very aggressively offensively. She is still working on making the transition from high school to college but she has great athleticism,” said Brown.
“Juliet is aggressive, rebounds, and plays defense. I think she’ll be a nice addition to our team,” added Brown.
The Cardinals strength this season certainly appears to be their quickness. They are guard-heavy and are loaded with speed. Coach Brown feels they added some pieces that could push the ball up the floor and get easy baskets. She also liked the depth of her team and noted that it could be someone different contributing on any given day.
York opens the season with a tip-off tournament at Guilford College in North Carolina on November 16 and 17. Their home and conference opener will be onNovember 26 against the College of Staten Island.