Continuing the theme of preseason rankings. I take a look at the top 15 Mid-Major Preseason teams.
- Gonzaga
Having two sets of twins in the Wirth and Truong duos added to the reigning WCC Player of the Year gives the Bulldogs the talent to compete with almost any team in the country including Power Five teams. Until someone shows they are more deserving, Gonzaga will maintain the top spot on this list.
- Missouri State
Coach Amaka enters her second season at the helm of the Bears program. Having Jasmine Franklin, Brice Calip and Abby Hipp to be the staples of their team gives them a strong base to build off of as the srason goes on.
- South Dakota
The Coyotes return a large number of their production this upcoming season. A strong trio of Monica Arens, Chloe Lamb, and Hannah Sjerven will keep the high scoring continuing for their team. This team has the scoring and shooting that could keep them in any game this season.
- Florida Gulf Coast
Gulf Coast has their system in place and seem to be able to slide in new faces and still find success. If they get a waiver to have Ohio State transfer Kierstan Bell play right away, they will have an elite scorer at their disposal.
- South Dakota State
The Jackrabbits return two of their top three scorers from last season. Myah Selland and Toni Nelson are both double-digit scorers and they have their high-powered outside shooting to anchor their offense.
- Princeton
Replacing Bella Alarie would be a lot for almost any team in the country. However, the history and tradition of the Tigers should help them continue to be a player in the mid-major game.
- Drake
Drake return two starters in Maddie Monahan and Kierra Collier who both will be expected to take on a larger portion of the scoring responsibility for their team. Graduate Senior Monica Burich could maintain the post area for this team and giving them a post presence.
- James Madison
The highest returning scorer for Dukes is 6’1 guard KiKi Jefferson. With the two leading scorers lost to graduation, she will be expected to be the go-to scorer for the team.
- Green Bay
The Phoenix will rely on a duo of double-digit returning scorers this upcoming season. Caitlin Hibner and Hailey Oakley should provide veteran leadership and scoring for their team.
- Rice
The Owls will be led by their power post player and anchor in the painted area 6’9 Nancy Mulkey. That type of height is something some power five teams don’t even have. Finding guards to compliment her will determine how far this team can go this season.
- Bradley
Bradley returns their top two scorers from last season in Gabi Haack and Lasha Petree. They both are poised to have strong seasons and lead this team to new heights.
- Marist
Returning Starter Sarah Barcello will look to lead a five-player freshman class as they look to replace a large amount of scoring lost to graduation.
- Dayton
The Flyers will look to forwards Kyla Whitehead and Erin Whalen to power their team on both sides of the ball. They should be in contention all year for the A-10 title.
- Montana State
Double-digit scoring guard Darian White returns for her sophomore season and looks to take on the leadership role and larger scoring after a high amount of graduation from last year.
- Drexel
The Dragons look to ride on the backs of the high scoring returning trio in forward Mariah Leonard and guards Hannah Nihill and Keishana Washington. They give the team multiple options for a go-to player this upcoming season.
Also Considered:
-Old Dominion
-Western Kentucky
-IUPUI
-Central Michigan
-Rider
-Bethune-Cookman
