Dakota State tops preseason women’s basketball poll
(Dickinson, ND) – Dakota Athletic Conference coaches have tabbed defending champion Dakota State as the favorite in the Preseason Women’s Basketball Poll.
The Lady T's picked up seven first place selections to top the poll. DSU brings back six players who started at least ten games from their national tournament team, led by second team All DAC and Honorable Mention All-American forward Jessica VanLoy (9.3 ppg, 3.9 apg) and third team all conference guard Angela Carr (8.9 ppg, 1.9 apg).
South Dakota Mines picked up a first place vote to finish second. Two time DAC MVP and first team All-American Melanie Vedvie (19.3 ppg, 81. rpg, 4.7 apg) leads a group of four returning starters for the Hardrockers.
Mayville State placed third in the coaches’ balloting. The Comets bring back three starters, led by first team All DAC and Honorable Mention All-American center Laura Big Crow (18 ppg, 7 rpg).
Jamestown College placed fourth in the preseason vote. The Jimmies bring back their entire starting lineup from 2006-07 with third team all conference forward and DAC Defensive Player of the Year, Guili Variano (13.2 ppg, 7 rpg), leading the way.
Fifth place in the poll belongs to Black Hills State. The Yellow Jackets will have three familiar faces in their starting lineup. Second team all conference center Lacey Haughian (14 ppg, 7 rpg) looks to guide the Jackets in 2007-08.
Minot State finished sixth in the balloting. The Beavers have first team All DAC and Honorable Mention All-American guard Kendra Meyer (16.3 ppg) and forward Brittni Walker (11.1 ppg, 5.8 rpg) returning.
Dickinson State is tabbed seventh in the tally. The Blue Hawks bring back forward Brittany Mesa (10 ppg, 4 rpg), the team’s leading scorer among their returning players.
Valley City State finished eighth in the poll following the loss of a pair of Honorable Mention All Americans from last year’s squad. Guard Jessica Tykwinski (5.5 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 2.3 apg), last year’s DAC Freshman of the Year, is one of two returning starters and five returning players on the Vikings’ roster.
The poll was conducted by the Dakota Athletic Conference.
Below are the results of the poll with first place votes in parenthesis.
2007- 08 Women's |
2006-07 |
2006-07 |
2006-07 |
Total |
Basketball Preseason |
DAC |
Overall |
DAC |
Voting |
Coaches' Poll |
Record |
Record |
Place |
Points |
Dakota State (7) |
10-4 |
21-11 |
1st |
49 |
South Dakota Mines (1) |
8-6 |
20-11 |
2nd tie |
40 |
Mayville State |
7-7 |
16-13 |
4th tie |
33 |
Jamestown |
7-7 |
14-15 |
4th tie |
31 |
Black Hills State |
7-7 |
17-13 |
4th tie |
29 |
Minot State |
7-7 |
21-9 |
4th tie |
21 |
Dickinson State |
2-12 |
5-23 |
8th |
11 |
Valley City State |
8-6 |
18-11 |
2nd tie |
10 |
2007-08 Team Previews:
Black Hills State University Yellow Jackets:
| Head Coach: Mark Nore (6th year) |
|
|
| |
Phone: 605-642-6886 |
Fax: 605-642-6539 |
E-mail: marknore@bhsu.edu |
| |
Record at BHSU: 74-67 |
|
Overall record: 74-67 |
| Athletic Director: Jhett Albers |
|
|
| |
Phone: 605-642-6885 |
Fax: 605-642-6539 |
E-mail: jhettalbers@bhsu.edu |
| Sports Information: Bradd Schafer |
|
|
| |
Phone: 605-642-6460 |
Fax: 605-642-6539 |
E-mail: braddschafer@bhsu.edu |
| 2006-07 season: 7-7/17-13 - tied for 4th place with Jamestown College, Minot State & Mayville State |
| DAC Tournament: def. Jamestown, 80-45, in the quarterfinals; lost to Dakota State, 85-83, in the semifinals |
| |
|
|
|
| Team Stats: (rank in DAC) |
|
|
| Scoring Margin: +5.8 (3rd) |
Field Goal %: 45.1% (1st) |
| Scoring Offense: 72.2 ppg (4th) |
3pt Field Goal %: 37.3% (1st) |
| Scoring Defense: 66.4 ppg (5th) |
Free Throw %: 64.9% (8th) |
| Rebounding Margin: +5.70 (3rd) |
Opponents FG%: 39.0% (3rd) |
| Rebounding: 38.63 rpg (3rd) |
Opponents 3pt FG%: 35.4% (6th) |
| |
|
|
|
| Key Returnees: (Returning starters: 3) |
|
| Lacey Haughian; 6-2; Senior; Center; Terry, MT |
|
| |
2006-07 stats: 14 pts/game, 7 reb/game, 58% FG, 27 blocks |
| |
2nd team All DAC |
|
|
| Lindsey Buthe; 5-11; Senior; Forward; Lennox, SD |
|
| |
2006-07 stats: 4 pts/game, 4 reb/game, 1 st/game, 42% FG |
| Snjezana Dojcinovic; 6-1; Senior; Center; Zagrib, Croatia |
|
| |
2006-07 stats: 8 pts/game, 6 reb/game, 48% FG |
|
| Alexis Krull; 5-4; Junior; Guard; Hill City, SD |
|
| |
2006-07 stats: 7 pts/game, 2 reb/game, 4 asst/game, 32% FG |
| Bayley Chevron; 5-7; Sophomore; Guard; Fort Collins, CO |
|
| |
2006-07 stats: 1pt/game, 2 reb/game, 30% FG |
|
| Alana Dykhouse; 6-0; Center; Sioux Falls, SD |
|
| |
2006-07 stats: 2 pts/game, 3 reb/game, 35% FG |
|
| Brittany Fuhrman; 5-6; Guard; Mobridge, SD |
|
| |
2006-07 stats: 9 pts/game, 4 reb/game, 2 asst/game, 41% FG, 42% 3 pt FG |
| Key Newcomers: |
|
|
| Janna Schriber; 5-7; Freshman; Guard; Gillette, WY |
|
| Katelynn Lamb; 5-9;; Freshman; Guard; Onida, SD |
|
| Jesstina Pili; 5-5; Freshman; Guard; Barrow, AK |
|
| Courtney Johnson; 6-2; Freshman; Center; Dayton, WY |
|
| Kalyn Sticher; 5-10; Center; Kiowa, CO |
|
| Key Losses: (Starters lost: 2) |
|
|
| Brittney Klipfel, Center - 1st team All DAC, 3rd team NAIA All America |
| Jamie Bentley, Guard - 3rd team All DAC |
|
| Lana Giannonatti, Guard |
|
|
Dakota State University Lady T's:
| Head Coach: Jeff Dittman (14th year) |
|
| |
Phone: 605-256-5246 |
Fax: 605-256-5138 |
E-mail: jeff.dittman@dsu.edu |
| |
Record at DaSU: 224-189 |
Overall Record: 224-189 |
| Athletic Director: Gene Wockenfuss |
|
|
| |
Phone: 605-256-5233 |
Fax: 605-256-5138 |
E-mail: gene.wockenfuss@dsu.edu |
| Sports Information: Nick Huntimer |
|
|
| |
Phone: 605-256-5229 |
Fax: 605-256-5138 |
E-mail: nick.huntimer@dsu.edu |
| 2006-07 season: 10-4/21-11 - 1st place |
|
| DAC Tournament: def. Dickinson State, 79-45, in the quarterfinals; def. Black Hills State, 85-83, in the |
| |
semifinals; def. South Dakota Mines, 87-67, in the championship |
| NAIA Tournament: lost to Taylor, IN, 67-56, in the 1st round |
|
| |
|
|
|
| Team Stats: (rank in DAC) |
|
|
| Scoring Margin: +8.5 (1st) |
Field Goal %: 43.6% (2nd) |
| Scoring Offense: 73.9 ppg (2nd) |
3pt Field Goal %: 35.5% (3rd) |
| Scoring Defense: 65.4 ppg (4th) |
Free Throw %: 67.2% (5th) |
| Rebounding Margin: +5.72 (2nd) |
Opponents FG%: 38.9% (2nd) |
| Rebounding: 41.19 rpg (2nd) |
Opponents 3pt FG%: 33.2% (4th) |
| |
|
|
|
| Key Returnees: (Returning starters: 4) |
|
| Angela Carr; 5-7; Senior; Guard; Flandreau, SD |
|
| |
2006-07 stats: 8.9 pts/game, 1.8 asst/game |
|
| Maria Gengler; 6-2; Senior; Center; Adrian, MN |
|
| |
2006-07 stats: 7.9 pts/game, 6.3 reb/game |
|
| Jill Hansen; 5-9; Senior; Guard; Worthington, MN |
|
| |
2006-07 stats: 7.9 pts/game, 2.5 asst/game |
|
| Laura Tewes; 6-1; Senior; Forward; Mayer, MN |
|
| |
2006-07 stats: 9.4 pts/game, 7.1 reb/game |
|
| |
2nd team All DAC |
|
|
| Jessica VanLoy; 5-10; Sophomore; Forward; Wabasso, MN |
|
| |
2006-07 stats: 9.3 pts/game, 3.9 asst/game |
|
| |
2nd team All DAC, Honorable Mention NAIA All America |
| Tricia Boldt; 5-9; Sophomore; Forward; Arlington, SD |
|
| |
2006-07 stats: 2.7 pts/game, 2.5 reb/game |
|
| Key Newcomers: |
|
|
| Chelsea Ringo; 5-6; Sophomore; Guard; Arlington, NE |
|
| Ashley Broughton; 5-9; Freshman; Guard; Corsica, SD |
|
| Brittany Kokesch; 5-3; Freshman; Guard; Franklin, MN |
|
| Kaitlyn Kramer; 5-11; Freshman; Forward; Fulda, MN |
|
| Steph Mueller; 5-10; Freshman; Forward; Scotland, SD |
|
| Lisa Chase; 5-8; Freshman; Forward; Salem, SD |
|
| Abby Mehlbrech; 5-6; Freshman; Guard; Salem, SD |
|
| Carmyn Stretiz; 5-8; Freshman; Guard; Warner, SD |
|
| Brittney Rabbit; 5-6; Freshman; Guard; North Sioux City, SD |
|
| Allison Winkle; 5-8; Freshman; Forward; Fullerton, CA |
|
| Becky Rhody; 5-11; Freshman; Forward; Deubrook, SD |
|
| Brittany Pearson; 5-11; Freshman; Forward; Rosholt, SD |
|
| Key Losses: (Starters lost: 1) |
|
|
| Sara Nelson, Forward - 3rd team All DAC, NAIA Scholar-Athlete |
| Angie Gottsleben, Guard |
|
|
Dickinson State University Blue Hawks:
| Head Coach: Guy Fridley (2nd season) |
|
| |
Phone: 701-483-2710 |
Fax: 701-483-0501 |
E-mail: guy.fridley@dickinsonstate.edu |
| |
Record at DiSU: 5-23 |
|
Overall Record: 5-23 |
| Athletic Director: Roger Ternes |
|
|
| |
Phone: 701-483-2159 |
Fax: 701-483-0501 |
E-mail: roger.ternes@dickinsonstate.edu |
| Sports Information: Galen Morton |
|
|
| |
Phone: 701-483-2781 |
Fax: 701-483-0501 |
E-mail: galen.morton@dickinsonstate.edu |
| 2006-07 Season: 2-12/5-23 - 8th place |
|
| DAC Tournament: lost to Dakota State, 79-45, in the quarterfinals |
| |
|
|
|
| Team Stats: (rank in DAC) |
|
|
| Scoring Margin: -12.9 (8th) |
Field Goal %: 37.2% (8th) |
| Scoring Offense: 58.8 ppg (7th) |
3pt Field Goal %: 32.9% (7th) |
| Scoring Defense: 71.7 ppg (8th) |
Free Throw %: 66.6% (7th) |
| Rebounding Margin: -8.61 (8th) |
Opponents FG%:43.2% (8th) |
| Rebounding: 31.64 rpg (8th) |
Opponents 3pt FG%: 37.4% (8th) |
| |
|
|
|
| Key Returnees: (Returning starters: 2) |
|
| Ashley Bakich-Emmons; 5-6; Junior; Guard; Coalstrip, MT |
|
| |
2006-07 stats: 8 pts/game, 3 reb/game, 3 asst/game |
| Brittany Mesa; 5-10; Senior; Forward; San Jose, CA |
|
| |
2006-07 stats:10 pts/game, 4 reb/game |
|
| Elise Doughton; 5-9; Senior; Forward; Apple Valley, CA |
|
| |
2006-07 stats: 5 pts/game, 4 reb/game |
|
| Key Newcomers: |
|
|
| Juliet Masei; 5-7; Junior; Guard; Edwards, CA |
|
| Kelsey Boedecker; 5-7; Freshman; Guard; Sheridan, WY |
|
| Sadiyyah Guilford; 6-1; Junior; Center; Aurora, CO |
|
| Teryl Norton; 5-5; Freshman; Guard; New Salem, ND |
|
| Juanita Newsom; 5-8; Forward; Lancaster, CA |
|
| Staci Moore; 5-5; Guard; Cambridge, NE |
|
| Key Losses: (Starters lost: 3) |
|
|
| Dana Johnson, Guard |
|
|
Jamestown College Jimmies:
| Head Coach: Mark Wiest (4th year) |
|
|
| |
Phone: 701-252-3467 |
Fax: 701-253-4450 |
E-mail: mwiest@jc.edu |
| |
Record at JC: 45-42 |
|
Overall Record: 147-110 |
| Athletic Director: Lawrie Paulson |
|
|
| |
Phone: 701-252-3467 |
Fax: 701-253-4318 |
E-mail: paulson@jc.edu |
| Sports Information: Cisco Cole |
|
|
| |
Phone: 701-252-3467 |
Fax: 701-253-4450 |
E-mail: ccole@jc.edu |
| 2006-07 season: 7-7/14-15 - tied for 4th place with Black Hills State, Minot State & Mayville State |
| DAC Tournament: lost to Black Hills State, 80-45, in the quarterfinals |
| |
|
|
|
| Team Stats: (rank in DAC) |
|
|
| Scoring Margin: -0.2 (7th) |
Field Goal %: 39.6% (7th) |
| Scoring Offense: 58.7 ppg (8th) |
3pt Field Goal %: 29.5% (8th) |
| Scoring Defense: 58.9 ppg (1st) |
Free Throw %: 67.0% (6th) |
| Rebounding Margin: +6.97 (1st) |
Opponents FG%: 39.3% (4th) |
| Rebounding: 38.28 rpg (4th) |
Opponents 3pt FG%: 32.1% (1st) |
| |
|
|
|
| Key Returnees: (Returning starters: 5) |
|
| Nicole Zerr; 5-6; Senior; Guard; Mandan, ND |
|
| |
2006-07 stats: 5.6 pts/game, 3.7 reb/game, 105 asst, 39 steals, 18 3-pointers |
| Jenna Lee; 5-10; Sophomore; Guard; Fargo, ND |
|
| |
2006-07 stats: 3.7 pts/game, 5.6 reb/game, 9 asst, 19 steals, 72% FT, 15 3-pointers |
| |
DAC Scholar-Athlete |
|
|
| Giuli Varriano; 5-9; Junior; Forward; Fargo, ND |
|
| |
2006-07 stats: 13.2 pts/game, 7 reb/game, 69 steals, 82 assists, 69% FT, 41% FG |
| |
3rd team All DAC, DAC Defensive Player of the Year, DAC Scholar-Athlete |
| Ali Edwards; 5-11; Sophomore; Forward; Fargo, ND |
|
| |
2006-07 stats: 4.2 pts/game, 3.2 reb/game, 41 asst, 28 steals, 74% FT 10 3-pointers |
| |
DAC Scholar-Athlete |
|
|
| Kristen Klawon; 5-9; Senior; Guard; Larimore, ND |
|
| |
2006-07 stats: 7.5 pts/game, 2.0 reb/game, 30 asst, 15 steals, 64% FT, 53 3-pt FG, 37% 3pt FG |
| Cori Doubek; 6-2; Junior; Center; Anamoose, ND |
|
| |
2006-07 stats: 6.0 pts/game, 3.5 reb/game, 24 asst, 11 steals, 10 blocks, 70% FT, 45% FG |
| Heidi Fichtner; 6-1; Junior; Center; Fargo, ND |
|
| |
2006-07 stats: 6.1 pts/game, 4.1 reb/game, 20 asst, 71% FT, 45% FG |
| Key Newcomers: |
|
|
| Amanda Rantapaa; 5-8; Red-Shirt Sophomore; Guard; Lead, SD |
| Janell Huber; 5-9; Red-Shirt Freshman; Forward; Linton, ND |
|
| Kendra Zak; 5-10; Sophomore; Forward; Thompson, ND |
|
| Mindy Clark; 5-8; Freshman; Guard; Madison, MN |
|
| Cammi Greenheck; 5-3; Sophomore; Guard; Fargo, ND |
|
| Kellie Schuneman; 5-6; Freshman; Guard; Lino Lakes MN |
|
| Key Losses: (Starters lost: 0) |
|
|
Mayville State University Comets:
| Head Coach: Dennis Hutter (3rd year) |
|
| |
Phone: 701-786-4665 |
Fax: 701-786-4840 |
E-mail: d_hutter@mayvillestate.edu |
| |
Record at MaSU: 28-27 |
|
Overall Record: N/A |
| Athletic Director: Mike Moore |
|
|
| |
Phone: 701-788-4706 |
Fax: 701-788-4840 |
E-mail: m_moore@mayvillestate.edu |
| Sports Information: Justin Johnson |
|
|
| |
Phone: 701-788-4715 |
Fax: 701-788-4840 |
E-mail: j_johnson@mayvillestate.edu |
| 2006-07 season: 7-7/16-13 - tied for 4th place with Black Hills State, Jamestown College & Minot State |
| DAC Tournament: lost to South Dakota Mines, 66-52, in the quarterfinals |
| |
|
|
|
| Team Stats: (rank in DAC) |
|
|
| Scoring Margin: +3.8 (5th) |
Field Goal %: 42.8% (4th) |
| Scoring Offense: 75.4 ppg (1st) |
3pt Field Goal %: 34.4% (4th) |
| Scoring Defense: 71.6 ppg (7th) |
Free Throw %: 69.6% (4th) |
| Rebounding Margin: +3.76 (5th) |
Opponents FG%: 37.1% (1st) |
| Rebounding: 44.28 rpg (1st) |
Opponents 3pt FG%: 33.1% (3rd) |
| |
|
|
|
| Key Returnees: (Returning starters: 3) |
|
| Laura Big Crow; 5-11; Senior; Center; Pine Ridge, SD |
|
| |
2006-07 stats: 18 pts/game, 7 reb/game |
|
| |
1st team All DAC, Honorable Mention NAIA All America |
| Cassie Leraas, 5-5; Senior; Guard; Hunter, ND |
|
| |
2006-07 stats: 16 pts/game, 35.4% 3pt FG, 75% FT |
| Nikki Munneke; 6-1; Senior; Guard; Lino Lakes, MN |
|
| |
2006-07 stats: 7.2 pts/game, 36.4% 3 pt FG, 76% FT |
| Jamie Wheeler; 5-5; Senior; Guard; Grand Forks, ND |
|
| |
2006-07: 7.4 pts/game, 2.8 asst/game |
|
| Danielle Guilbert; 5-11; Sophomore; Guard; Rolla, ND |
|
| |
2006-07: 4.7 pts/game, 3.7 reb/game |
|
| Erika Anderson; 5-4; Senior; Guard; Wyndmere, ND |
|
| Lindsay Sannes; 6-0; Sophomore; Forward; Wahpeton, ND |
|
| Key Newcomers: |
|
|
| Ali Sonstelie; 6-1; Junior; Forward; Winger, MN |
|
| Kalli Smart; 5-4; Freshman; Guard; Ada, MN |
|
| Ashleigh Trosen; 5-10; Freshman; Forward; Cass Lake, MN |
|
| Key Losses: (Starters lost:2) |
|
|
| Michelle Halvorson, Guard - 2nd team All DAC |
|
| Kelly Latozke, Center |
|
|
Minot State University Beavers:
| Head Coach: Sheila Green-Gerding (13th year) |
|
| |
Phone: 701-858-3261 |
Fax: 701-858-3136 |
E-mail: sheila.gerding@minotstateu.edu |
| |
Record at MiSU: 211-143 |
Overall Record: 211-143 |
| Athletic Director: Rick Hedberg |
|
|
| |
Phone: 701-858-3041 |
Fax: 701-858-3136 |
E-mail: hedbergr@minotstateu.edu |
| Sports Information: Sheila Green-Gerding |
|
| |
Phone: 701-858-3261 |
Fax: 701-858-3136 |
E-mail: sheila.gerding@minotstateu.edu |
| 2006-07 season: 7-7/21-9 - tied for 4th place with Black Hills State, Jamestown College & Mayville State |
| DAC Tournament: def. Valley City State, 65-62, in the quarterfinals; lost to South Dakota Mines, 68-55, in |
| |
the semifinals |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| Team Stats: (rank in DAC) |
|
|
| Scoring Margin: +8.1 (2nd) |
Field Goal %: 42.5% (5th) |
| Scoring Offense: 68.3 ppg (5th) |
3pt Field Goal %: 36.7% (2nd) |
| Scoring Defense: 60.2 ppg (2nd) |
Free Throw %: 72.3% (3rd) |
| Rebounding Margin: +3.77 (4th) |
Opponents FG%: 39.3% (5th) |
| Rebounding: 37.17 rpg (5th) |
Opponents 3pt FG%: 32.1% (2nd) |
| |
|
|
|
| Key Returnees: (Returning starters: 2) |
|
| Kendra Meyer; 5-7; Senior; Guard; Prior Lake, MN |
|
| |
2006-07 stats: 16.3 pts/game |
|
| |
1st team All DAC, Honorable Mention NAIA All America |
| Brittni Walker; 6-0; Junior; Forward; McLaughlin, SD |
|
| |
2006-07 stats: 11.1 pts/game, 5.8 reb/game |
|
| Sam Medcalf; 5-6; Sophomore; Guard; Andover, MN |
|
| |
20066-07 stats: 3.3 pts/game |
|
| Kayla Rettig; 5-8; Junior; Guard; Lewistown, MT |
|
| |
2006-07 stats: 2.1 pts/game |
|
| MacKenzie Mack; 5-11; Sophomore; Forward; Scranton, ND |
|
| |
2006-07 stats: 1.5 pts/game |
|
| Whitney Loftesnes; 5-9; Freshman; Guard; Velva, ND |
|
| |
2006-07 Redshirt |
|
|
| Heather Lizotte; 5-9; Senior; Forward, Minot, ND |
|
| Key Newcomers; |
|
|
| Lashay Bagsby; 6-1; Junior; Center; Bakersfield, CA |
|
| Caroline Folven; 6-0; Freshman; Center; Byron, IL |
|
| Halee Rasmussen; 5-7; Junior; Guard; Price, UT |
|
| Ashley King; 5-9; Junior; Guard; Cando, ND |
|
| Danielle Levasseur; 5-5; Junior; Guard; Temecula, CA |
|
| Ashleigh Budsoe-Osbouorne; 5-10; Junior; Guard; Compton, CA |
| Key Losses: (Starters lost: 3) |
|
|
| Jenny Castro - 1st team Arthur Ashe Sports Scholar Team |
|
| Arrita Oler - 3rd team All DAC |
|
|
| Taylor McQuilliams |
|
|
| Christa Suedbeck |
|
|
South Dakota Mines Hardrockers:
| Head Coach: Barb Felderman (27th year) |
|
| |
Phone: 605-394-2602 |
Fax: 605-394-3375 |
E-mail: barbara.felderman@sdsmt.edu |
| |
Record at SDM: 391-314 |
|
Overall Record: 391-314 |
| Athletic Director: Hugh Welsh |
|
|
| |
Phone: 605-394-2341 |
Fax: 605-394-3375 |
E-mail: hugh.welsh@sdsmt.edu |
|
