ANDERSON, S.C. - Following a challenging 2020-21 season, Anderson University women's basketball finished below third place in the conference for the first time since the 2013-14 season. The five-time South Atlantic Conference regular-season champions return to the hardwood the second week of November with expectations of finishing in the top-tier of the SAC and returning to the NCAA Tournament.
"The biggest challenge about last season was that you could never get into a rhythm, due to CoVid, whether it was with the protocols, or your team, or the other team being affected by it," said head coach Jonathon Barbaree. "It made it difficult to prepare for the next game."
"I do not think too much about us finishing 5th, because some of the teams ahead of us did not play the same schedule as we did," said Barbaree. "So, I am not real sure the rankings were as accurate as they would be."
"I thought we were playing some of our best basketball at the end of the year," emphasized Barbaree. "That is what we wanted to do, even though we still had some injuries and CoVid issues."
Returning to the helm for the Trojans is sixth-year head coach Jonathon Barbaree. Under Barbaree's leadership the Black and Gold have an impressive overall record of (111-37, 81-23 SAC) with two regular season titles and one SAC tournament title. The two-time SAC Coach of the Year and Region Coach of the Year has assembled a solid roster for this year's campaign.
"I am really looking forward to getting back to what a regular season is supposed to look like, said Barbaree. "I want our players to feel that. Last season they were so worried about test results and other outside factors, they could not just play ball."
"I want them to be excited and enjoy playing college basketball, instead of being stressed out about passing CoVid tests," added Barbaree.
Anderson returns the SAC Defensive Player of the Year and All-SAC Second Team player Samantha Michel, as well as key contributors Taylor Hair, Britney Bailey, Jalyn Spurlin and a well-rounded group of role players vying for a starting position which include, Xan Rowland, Maggie Campbell and Nelliah Wilson.
"Samantha is a big presence on offensive and defense. She is going to anchor down a lot in the paint, to go along with Britney's and Taylor's scoring ability. This will allow our new perimeter and young guards to grow on the fly and know that they have someone behind them," added Barbaree.
"The returners that we have coming back, especially in the paint give us a good base," said Barbaree. "This allows us to work around them and for us to feel like we have a rim protector."
Michel averaged 10.4 points per game, 6.7 rebounds, 2.5 blocks and 1.1 steals per contest. The native of Apex, N.C. tallied 60 block shots throughout the season, propelling her into 12th on AU's all-time career blocked shot list after only one season of play.
Hair's play produced 10.1 points per game and five rebounds while shooting 70 percent from the charity stripe. The 6-0 senior also averaged 1.5 blocks per game, altering many shots throughout the season.
Bailey nearly averaged a double-double dropping in 9.4 points per game and 9.7 rebounds, recording six double-doubles on the season. Bailey also averaged 1.5 blocks per contest in 28.9 minutes of action per game.
Spurlin provided a huge spark off the bench averaging 8.4 points per game, while grabbing 3.5 rebounds per outing. The native of Tampa, Fla. averaged 17.6 minutes for the Black and Gold.
The Trojans welcome an extremely talented group of newcomers that will look to make an immediate impact. Coming to Anderson following successful prep careers, Leslie Marios, Diamond McDowell, Martyna Radzicka and graduate transfer student Shameka McNeill. They bring a wealth of athleticism, height and speed to the Black and Gold.
"Shameka's experience and experience at winning at a high level is going to be huge," said Barbaree. "She is an unbelievable competitor and her experience is already showing our younger guards what it is going to take."
"Our freshman are going to be expected to produce and play," said Barbaree. "They bring a lot of talent to the perimeter shooting, which we missed last season."
Anderson gets its season underway on Friday, Nov. 12th when it plays in the Conference Challenge hosted by Flagler. AU will play host Flagler at 11am on Friday and then play Clayton State on Saturday with tip-off slated for 12 pm.
The Trojans will begin its home slate on November, 20th versus SAC opponent UVA Wise. Barbaree's teams have compiled a 60-11 overall record inside the Abney Athletic Center/Annie Tribble Court.
"Playing at home is always good for us," said Barbaree. "We feed off the crowd's energy and it is where we shoot and work everyday."
"It is a sense of pride to win in front of your home fans and we take pride in that," emphasized Barbaree.
