2005-2006 Women's Basketball Preview

Coming off of the success of last season, the Patriot ladies are looking forward to another championship year. After winning the MSC tournament, earning a berth in the NAIA tournament, and the individual successes of several players, they should expect nothing less. Coach Melissa Irvin stated, “High expectations are placed on this year’s team. With seven players and four starters returning, experience should not be a problem. If that was not enough, we bring in a great recruiting class of three very talented freshman and three experienced transfers.”

The Patriot ladies did lose leadership in the graduation of Tiffany Stewart and Stephanie Isaacs who lead the team with emotion and determination. However, their shoes are expected to be filled by the returning players, especially senior, Tenille Cann. “’T’ will need to extend the defenses we will be facing with her outside shot. She brings the outside threat to our team with unlimited range. In addition to that role, this year she will be asked to bring leadership to a team that is already experienced in winning,” says Irvin. Other key returnees for the Patriot ladies will be junior, Kirsten Roberson, who started every game last season; juniors Jennifer Nagy and Becky Sumner who will be forces on the inside; as well as sophomores Lissi Fuller and Kristin Kunzman, who both had starting roles last season.

In addition to an awesome returning crew, the Patriot ladies will be bringing in a very talented recruiting class of three freshman and three transfers. Of those, freshman Hannah Jefferson hails from Bracken County High School. Hannah is a forward who was Kentucky’s Region XII player of the year as well as a national finalist for the high school Heisman Award. Madison Flowers from Somerset High School is an outstanding shooter, penetrator, and can post up on other guards. If her athletic ability wasn’t enough, she also brings a very competitive spirit that knows what it takes to win and is willing to put in the work it takes to get there. Kathleen Avrit from Bret Harte High is a left handed guard that is expected to add variety for the offense this year. As for the transfers, Shannon Antunez and Sheana Triana both come from Ventura College. Antunez was voted the conference MVP and Triana is a 6’0’’ guard who will cause match up problems for opponents. Colia Mayo comes from North Carolina Central University and brings much needed athleticism and experience to our post play.

Coach Irvin is looking forward to this season and the challenges that come with it. “The biggest thing we’re looking forward to is the competition we see each year, playing a very competitive schedule. Every team in our conference is strong enough to make a run in the national tournament, which makes success that much more enjoyable in our conference.” As for goals for the season, the team is looking forward to recapturing the MSC tournament title, as well as the regular season championship. “Our goal will be winning the Mid-South Conference outright this year, which will earn us a trip back to the NAIA tournament,” says Irvin. Overall, this season should be full of great expectations and success for a very talented Patriot basketball squad.

2004-2005 Preview