ANDERSON, S.C. - Following a memorable 2018-19 season, Anderson University women's basketball, the defending South Atlantic Conference regular-season champion and SAC Tournament champions, returns to the hardwood on Thursday with even higher expectations after finishing the year in the second round of the NCAA Division II Southeast Regionals.
"We were definitely appreciative of what a great year we had, but after any last loss it leaves a bad taste in your mouth," said head women's basketball coach Jonathon Barbaree. "We are really excited to get our new season underway."
With just two starters lost due to graduation, the Trojans return a main core that became the first SAC team to run the table in the conference slate in a season and finished the year with at least 30 wins for the second time in AU history. Fourth-year head coach Jonathon Barbaree, who was named the SAC and Region Coach of the Year a season ago, is 71-21 over his three-year span, headlined by an impressive 36-6 mark inside the Abney Athletic Center.
"We have a great atmosphere and tremendous fan support," said Barbaree. "We get to practice in our own gym day in and day out and you have to have a "defend your home court mentality", especially since it so hard to win on the road in this league. Having a sense of pride, regarding our home court, is something we talk about from day one."
Following a 69-66 overtime victory over No. 8 ranked Barton in the NCAA Tournament Southeast Regionals, Anderson saw its outstanding season cut down by No. 5 ranked Lander. A major part of the Trojans' run through the season and postseason that saw the Black and Gold enjoy a 28 game win streak was the play of Alexy Mollenhauer, who returns to the team for her senior season. In October, Mollenhauer was named to the Preseason All-SAC First Team after earning SAC and Region Player of the Year and All-America honors a season ago.
Also earning Preseason All-SAC First Team accolades was senior guard Madison Baggett. Baggett was a steady force all season long, while also shining during the postseason, recording her third double-double of the season in a 14-point, 9-rebound, 10 assist performance in the loss to Lander. Baggett averaged 12.5 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists, earning a spot on the Southeast Region All-Tournament team.
"Both Alexy and Madison's leadership is so crucial for our team," said Barbaree. "They set the tone for every practice and their understanding of how I communicate is so beneficial to the younger players. They bring accountability to the extra work that is required to be successful."
Despite returning a solid support cast, the Trojans will look to replace key contributors, Ace Easter, leader Cassie Ketchum and role player Erika Martin. Easter averaged 17 points and 4.8 rebounds, while earning All-SAC First Team and SAC All-Tournament accolades. The native of Maiden, N.C., became the SAC single game scoring champion (47 pts) and single game record holder for most three-points baskets made (13) after her offensive explosion in a home contest versus Mars Hill.
"Ace brought so much to the table for us," explained Barbaree. "If we needed a basket, she would find a way to make that happen. Ace would also have the assignment of defending the other team's best guard and often come up with the big stop or steal that we needed."
Ketchum made 33 starts, while averaging 24.8 minutes per contest. Ketchum made 46 three-points baskets, shooting 35.9 percent from behind the arc.
"Cassie was so good at knowing the system from every position and being that voice in the locker room," boasted Barbaree. She would hit the big three and open up the floor for others to score."
Martin averaged 13.8 minutes a contest, while chipping in 5.9 points and grabbing 3.7 rebounds per game, highlighted by a career high 18 point game against Carson-Newman.
"Martin was instance offence and energy for us last season and that will be a tough role to fill," added Barbaree.
Anderson returns a well-rounded group of returners which include, Amari Grevious, Taylor Hair, Alexis Tate, Makayla Green, Britney Bailey and Valencia Carroll. Grevious made 31 starts with Hair, Tate and Green each averaging double digit minutes a season ago.
"I am very excited about where I returners are," said Barbaree. "They are working hard and have gained a lot of confidence. Amari and Taylor are pushing the post hard and Alexis and Makayla are bringing experience and leadership to the guard position."
The Trojans welcome a slew of newcomers that will look to make an immediate impact. Essence Marshall, J'Mya Cutter, McKenzie Gadson, Xan Rowland, Jalyn Spurlin and Nelliah Wilson. Coming to Anderson following successful prep careers, they bring a wealth of athleticism and speed to the Black and Gold.
"This group makes us more athletic and faster than we have ever been," said Barbaree. This will open up opportunities for them to step in and play key roles on offense and defense."
Expectations are not only flying high within the program, but around the league as well. This past week Anderson was voted by the coaches to win its second straight conference title. Unanimously, the coaches slotted the Trojans first in their respective poll, as they beat our Carson-Newman by 20 points.
"I am very honored that the fellow coaches in the league feel this way," said head women's basketball coach Jonathon Barbaree. "Preseason rankings are great, but we have a lot of newcomers and we need to realize a target is on our back and continue to put in the work to defend that."
Anderson gets its season underway on Thursday with its preseason exhibition when they travel to Division I North Carolina State for a 7 p.m. tip-off. Anderson begins its regular season on Nov. 8th when it host the Conference Challenge. The Trojans are slated to play Georgia College (Nov. 8th) at 3:30 pm and Clayton State (Nov. 9th) with a scheduled 1:30 pm tip-off.
