ANDERSON, S.C. - With a wealth of talent battling for starting positions and playing time, second-year head coach Jonathon Barbaree is looking for the 2017-18 version of Anderson women's basketball to make a run at both the South Atlantic Conference championship and NCAA championship this season.
Barbaree, who guided the Trojans to a 21-7 overall and 18-4 (T-2nd) SAC record and an 11th trip to the NCAA Tournament will have a very talented and athletic collection on this year's squad.
"I think this offseason was really good for us", said Barbaree. "I feel like we have really grown a lot on and off the court as a team. I think this will help us with the season. I look for us to compete even harder this season as a team. We feel as if we have some unfinished business to attend to."
Despite losing three starters due to graduation, the Trojans return two All-SAC Freshman team members which include the SAC Freshman of the Year and key reserves that will be vying for a starting role. Among the returners is Alexis Dillard who missed almost all of the 2016-17 season due to a knee injury. Prior to the 2016-17 season, Dillard was selected as a Preseason All-SAC Second Team selection.
Following an impressive seven game win streak to close out regular season play that featured wins over Lincoln Memorial and Wingate, Anderson saw its bid for a SAC Tournament Championship end with a quarterfinal loss to Catawba. Anderson was selected as a No. 8 seed in the NCAA Tournament where No. 1 seeded Columbus State defeated the Trojans, 73-62, ending the Black and Gold's season. A major part of the Trojans' run was the play of freshman stand-out Mollenhauer. During the seven-game win streak, Mollenhauer averaged 17 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.3 blocks, 1.9 steals and 1.7 assists per game. Mollenhauer continued her solid play during the postseason averaging 17.5 points and 6.5 rebounds during the final two games of the season.
"The team is excited to get started and move forward", noted Barbaree. "I am really excited about this team and its chemistry. Our goal as coaches is never easy when it comes to keeping everyone happy, but this year's bunch is special. They truly want to see each other succeed and are willing to do whatever it takes for each other to reach those goals."
The Trojans will open up with Clayton State on Friday at the SAC/PBC Challenge hosted by Wingate. Anderson defeated the Lakers in their first-ever match-up to eliminate Clayton State from the NCAA Tournament during the 2015-16 season. Clayton State was able to avenge the loss defeating the Black and Gold in the season opener a year ago.
Anderson begins its season playing its first 7-of-8 games on the road before returning to the friendly confines of the Abney Athletic Center for a three-game home stand against SAC opponents Carson-Newman, Queens and Newberry. The Trojans have one nonconference game mixed in on Dec. 30 at Auburn-Montgomery before continuing their 20-game SAC schedule.
Following the Friday, Nov. 10 tip-off (5 p.m.) against Peach Belt opponent Clayton State, Anderson will play PBC opponent Georgia College on Saturday. Tip-off is slated for 2 p.m. at Cuddy Arena.
