Women’s Basketball Slotted Second in the South Atlantic Conference Preseason Coaches’ Poll; Hair Earns Preseason All-Conference Honors

Posted: Nov 04, 2020

Rock Hill, S.C. – After winning its second consecutive South Atlantic Conference title, Anderson University Women's Basketball team has been voted by the SAC coaches to finish second in the 2020-21 campaign.

"I am really happy to see that we are in the top three from the coaches' picks," said head coach Jonathon Barbaree. "We are excited about the season and I'm proud of how hard everyone is working through uncharted territory. We of course graduated a lot from last year, but we also gave a lot of opportunities to younger players to gain experience last season and it has really paid off."

The Black and Gold earned four first place votes, placing them just eight points shy of predicted first-place Carson-Newman (149). Catawba accumulated 134 points with two first place votes sliding the Indians into the third slot. Traditional powerhouse Wingate (116) was ranked fourth, while Newberry (100) occupies the fifth spot. Lincoln Memorial (94) edged out Tusculum (93) for a distant sixth and seventh place position, respectively. Newcomer Limestone (87) was slotted eighth, followed by UVA-Wise (77) in ninth. Lenoir-Rhyne (67) sits in the ten hole while Coker (45) and Queens (41) are voted No. 11 and No. 12. Mars Hill (26) rounds out the poll at No. 13.

"We are led by two great seniors, Alexis Tate and Taylor Hair who are 2- of -3 returning starters," stated Barbaree. "Tate and Hair have the game experience and the ability to take over games both inside and out."

"The third starter returning is sophomore Mckenize Gadson," said Barbaree. "She started every game last year and always guarded the other team's best guard and had an outstanding year. I really thought she deserved to be on the all-freshman team. Well with that fuel, she's really come back stronger/faster and will be one of our top players to watch play."

Trojan role players from a season ago make their bid to preserve a starting position and add increased minutes of play.

"Rounding out the other spots are some players who have also really made huge jumps this off season as returners," said Barbaree. "Britney Bailey and Nelliah Wilson anchor down the post while J'Mya Cutter Jalyn Spurlin, Xan Rowland handle the guard spots. Spurlin and Cutter played big minutes as freshman last season and they've really have looked good early on."

"Newcomers Samantha Michel, Ariana Camp, Kaitlin Bailey, Maggie Campbell and Ashley Berry will also push for a lot of playing time this season, added Barbaree. "You will see each of these young ladies help us this season. They bring a lot to the table in rebounding with length and scoring with power and shooting the three."

Preseason All-SAC was also announced with senior Taylor Hair earning All-SAC Second Team Honors.

Last season, Hair played in all 31 games making 30 starts for the Trojans. The native of Orlando, Fla. averaged 27.3 minutes, 9.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game to go along with 49 blocks and 16 steals. She was named to the SAC Honorable Team a season ago.

Anderson opens its 2020-21 campaign on the road at SAC foe Catawba. The Nov. 21^st matchup is slated to tip-off at 7 pm Goodman Gymnasium.

2020-21 SAC Women's Basketball Preseason Poll

Rank	School (First-Place Votes)	Points
1	Carson-Newman (7)	149
2	*Anderson (4)*	*141*
3	Catawba (2)	134
4	Wingate	116
5	Newberry	100
6	Lincoln Memorial	94
7	Tusculum	93
8	Limestone	87
9	UVA Wise	77
10	Lenoir-Rhyne	67
11	Coker	45
12	Queens	41
13	Mars Hill	26