2021-22 NSIC Women's Basketball Preseason Coaches' Poll

10/28/2021 10:00:00 AM

MINNESOTA DULUTH TABBED PRESEASON FAVORITE
Augustana Picked in South Division

 

BURNSVILLE, Minn. - The University of Minnesota Duluth was selected by the league coaches as the overall and north division preseason favorite in the NSIC for the 2021-22 season. The Bulldogs received 12 first place votes and amassed 222 points. St. Cloud State received a first place vote to rank second with 203 points while Augustana was third with 187 points and two place votes.  The Vikings were the coaches’ choice to win  the south division. Minnesota State was fourth with 168 points while Sioux Falls rounded out the top five with 159 points and the final first place vote. 

NSIC coaches rank each team in the NSIC in the overall poll and teams from their division in the divisional poll. In the overall poll coaches rank from 1 to 15 with a first place vote receiving 15 points, second place 14, third place 13, etc. Coaches do not rank their own team or vote for their own players.

The regular season champion will be based on the 22-game NSIC schedule. Each team will play teams in their division twice (14) and teams in the other division once (8). An NSIC North and South Division Champion will also be awarded. Divisional standings will also be based on all 22 NSIC contests played. In the case of a tie, co-champions will be awarded. The 12-team NSIC / Sanford Health Women’s Basketball Tournament Quarterfinals, Semifinals and Championships are set to take place February 26 to March 1 at the Sanford Health Pentagon in Sioux Falls, S.D. The top two seeds in each division will receive a first round bye. First round games will be played on campus on Wednesday, Feb. 23.

The 2021-22 women’s basketball season gets underway on Friday, November 5 with the University of Mary and Minot State playing in the D2CCA Tipoff Classic in Billings, Montana, the rest of the league begins Friday, Nov. 12 while conference action begins on Tuesday, November 23.

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#24 Brooke Olson (F, 6-2, Sr. Rice Lake, Wis. / Rice Lake HS) - University of Minnesota Duluth
  • Named NSIC North Division Player of the Year in 2020-21
  • Named NSIC Player of the Year for 2019-20
  • Led the Bulldog roster and NSIC in points per game with 21.9 and finished ranked seventh in ppg in the NCAA in 2020-21
  • Led UMD in rebounds per game with 7.8
  • Chosen as the 2019-20 D2CCA Region Player of the Year 
  • All-NSIC First Team the past two seasons 
Brooke has a tireless work ethic, plays with great energy and is a team first player. I am extremely lucky to have Brooke in our program. I get excited every year to see what kind of improvements she has made in her game in the off season as she continues to find new ways to become a better basketball player and teammate every year. She is the most versatile player I have ever coached and I love her passion for the game. She has a high basketball IQ, is extremely competitive and invests in her relationships with her teammates!
Minnesota Duluth Head Coach Mandy Pearson
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#10 Anna Brecht (6-0, Jr., Sioux Falls, S.D. / Lincoln HS) - University of Sioux Falls
  • Ranked third in the NSIC at 47th in DII in scoring with 18.0 points per game and added 5.46 rebounds per game
  • Record double-digit points games in 12-of-13 outings in 2020-21, scoring 20 points or more a league-high seven times
  • Knocked down 23-of-59 three points for 39.0 percent and was third in the NSIC in free throw percentage at 90 percent (63-of-70) and finished with a streak of 29 straight made foul shots
  • In her career, recorded 15 double-digit games at USF and Wisconsin-Green-Bay with a double of 15 points and 12 rebounds against Augustana on 2/13/21 
Anna is a natural scorer and leader for our team. She provides match up problems for teams because of her ability to play inside and outside. A transfer from UW Green Bay, she is used to playing at a high level and is ready to take another step after having a great year last year for the Coo.
Sioux Falls Head Coach Travis Traphagen

NSIC TEAM PREVIEWS & PLAYERS TO WATCH

AUGUSTANA UNIVERSITY

The Augustana women’s basketball team enters the 2021-22 season with all but two seniors from last year’s team which won the NSIC South Division, going 12-5 on the season. Dave Krauth, last year’s NSIC South Division Coach of the Year, returns for his 33rd season at the helm of the Vikings holding a record of 657-285 while at Augustana. The Vikings welcome three freshmen and two redshirt-freshmen into this year’s mix. Augustana returns three starters from last season in Jennifer Aadland, Aislinn Duffy and Lauren Sees. All three of the returning starters earned South Division All-Conference honors. Duffy and Sees were honored on the NSIC South Division Second Team. Aadland was named to the NSIC South Division All-Freshman Team. Duffy averaged 14.2 points per game on 48-percent shooting while averaging 6.7 rebounds per game. Sees averaged 13.7 points per contest and 1.4 steals per game while Aadland averaged 5.6 points per game and 4.8 rebounds per game. As a team, Augustana averaged 78 points per game, second-best in the league while shooting 42-percent from the field and 33-percent from beyond the arc.

This team wants to get better. They want to be challenged and are always looking for ways to improve as a group. They pride themselves in putting team first and are excited when their teammates shine.
Head Coach Dave Krauth
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#32 Aislinn Duffy (F, 6-0, Jr., Rapid City, S.D. / St Thomas More HS) - Augustana University
  • Named to the All-NSIC Second Team
  • Started all 17 games, averaging 31.2 minutes per game
  • Averaged 14.2 points and 6.7 rebounds per game
  • Had four double-doubles last season
  • Ranked sixth in field-goal percentage holding a shooting percentage of 48.4
Aislinn is a fundamentally solid player who continues to work and improve her game. She is a very skilled post player and also prides herself in her preparation and decision-making.
Head Coach Dave Krauth

Bemidji State University

Bemidji State comes off its second-ever appearance in the NSIC Tournament semifinal to earn its highest overall ranking since 2007-08 and highest division ranking ever in the NSIC Preseason Coaches Poll. Even during a shortened season, the Beavers compiled their most overall wins since 2012-13 and most conference wins since 2007-08. Reining NSIC North Division Coach of the Year Chelsea DeVille returns for her seventh season with the program as four starters also return. DeVille coached two All-NSIC student-athletes a season ago, including the BSU Player to Watch Rachael Heittola.

Heittola earned a spot on the NSIC First Team, the second Beaver named to the first team under DeVille. Heittola led BSU in scoring, field goal percentage, rebounds and blocks, and ranked third in the NSIC in field goal percentage, sixth in rebounds and seventh in scoring. She recorded six 20-point games, including both games of the NSIC Tournament. Joining Heittola as returning all-conference members is fifth-year guard Brooklyn Bachmann, who was selected to the All-NSIC Second Team last season. Bachmann led the Beavers with 3.9 assists per game, ranked second with 5.9 rebounds per game and third with 12.0 points per game.

Last season, BSU ranked third in the league in field goal percent (42.9%), fourth in 3-point field goal percent (31.4%) and sixth in scoring defense (65.4).

We return a nice group of experienced players from last years program. We also have some additions in players who didn't see as much time last year as well as new faces to the program to give our bench some depth.
Head Coach Chelsea Deville
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#32 Rachael Heittola (C, 6-3, So., Belleville, Wis. / Belleville HS) - Bemidji State University
  • Led BSU in scoring (15.3 ppg), FG% (50.5%), rebounds (7.4 rpg) and blocks (0.9 bpg)
  • Recorded six 20-point games, including both games of NSIC Tournament
  • Totaled three double-doubles
  • Ranked third in the NSIC in FG%, sixth in rebounds and seventh in scoring
  • Named to All-NSIC First Team and Winter All-Academic Team
Rachael has been our go to offensive threat for the last few years. She continues to expand her game on the offensive end as well as defensively. She is a threat from inside out and one of our bigger competitors.
Head Coach Chelsea Deville

Concordia University, St. Paul

The Golden Bears enter the 2021-22 season coming off a successful 2020-21 campaign that saw them finish 11-6 overall and 9-5 in NSIC play. CSP earned a spot in the 2021 NSIC Women’s Basketball Tournament as the second seed in the South with a matchup against the Bemidji State Beavers, the third seed in the North. The Bears ultimately fell to the Beavers in a tight 71-70 loss. This year’s squad is poised for another strong season as 10 of the 13 players will return from a year ago. Among the returners is senior guard Riley Wheatcraft. The All-NSIC South Division First Teamer was dominant for the Bears last season, averaging 13.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 17 games. Freshman forward Lindsey Becher was also a key player for CSP last year as she burst onto the scene with a season that earned her the title of NSIC South Division Freshman of the Year. The Shoreview, Minn. native ranked second in the NSIC and sixth in the nation with 2.8 blocks per game while also shooting a team-leading 52.2% from the floor and averaging 11.2 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. Along with the 10 returners, the Bears will also add three new freshmen to the mix.

This team loves playing together and they all get along so great which really helps our team chemistry on the court and understanding each other’s strengths and weaknesses. We have our top 3 scorers returning Riley, Lindsey and Meghan and have some other players who I think will really step up this year for us. Our post player Lindsey Becher can really do it all both offensively and defensively and we believe will be a very dominate player in our conference again this year.
Head Coach Amanda Johnson
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#21 Riley Wheatcraft (G, 6-0, Sr. Prior Lake, Minn. / Prior Lake HS) - Concordia University, St. Paul
  • All-NSIC South Division First Team (2019-20, 2020-21)
  • Played in all 17 games and made 15 starts for the Golden Bears
  • Led the team and ranked 17th in the NSIC with 13.5 points per game
  • Grabbed 5.1 rebounds per game, good for second on the team
  • Collected a team-high 25 steals on the season
Riley will definitely be our player to watch for this season. She brings great length to the perimeter being a 6 foot guard and is a huge scoring threat for us. Her quick release from the arc shooting over 45% last season and her length to attack the rim make her very hard to guard and a big impact when she is on the floor. On defense she is also great at anticipating steals and using her length to get her hands on a lot of ball. She will also bring great experience and leadership on the floor coming back her final year for us.
Head Coach Amanda Johnson

University of Mary

The University of Mary women’s basketball team is eager to get back on the court. UMary will look to improve upon their 5-9 record from the shortened 2020 season.

Head coach Rick Neumann enters his 10th season as the Marauders head coach. He brings in a squad that is mixed with experience and new faces.

Notable returners to the Marauders include Macy Williams, Lexie Schneider and Megan Voit. Schneider led the NSIC in rebounding and was second on the team in scoring with 12.5 ppg. Voit led the team in total three-pointers made with 22 while averaging 7.9 ppg.

Williams was first in the NSIC in assists with 75. Williams ranks 7th all-time for the University of Mary in assists.

The Marauders add the University of North Dakota transfer Megan Zander, who averaged 8.8 ppg and 5.9 rpg last season.

UMary brings in five freshmen, who will look to make an immediate impact for the Marauders. Those five include Addison Rozell, Julia Fitterer, Ryleigh Wacha, Moriku Hakim and Ellie Hasz.

The Marauders will open their season at the McDowell Activity Center against Concordia College on November 1, at 7 pm. 

We are really excited about the athleticism and depth of our team. We have some returning players that have started a lot of games as well as a great group of newcomers that will be expected to contribute immediately. We want to use this athleticism to play as fast as our decision making will allow.
Head Coach Rick Neumann
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#4 Lexie Schneider (F, 6-2, Sr., Appleton, Wis. / Appleton East HS) - University of Mary
  • Led the NSIC in rebounding last season with 8.4 rpg
  • Second on the team in scoring last season with 12.5 ppg
  • Had seven double-doubles last season
Lexie really started to come into her own last season. She is one of the best back to the basket players in the NSIC. At 6'2 she handles like a guard and often leads our break when she gets a rebound. She was the leading rebounder in the NSIC at 8.4 rpg. She had 7 double-doubles in our 14 games which was good for 17th in all of the NCAA II. Lexie had a great summer and is ready for a great season.
Head Coach Rick Neumann

University of Minnesota Crookston

Minnesota Crookston has an experienced team back for the 2021-22 season. The Golden Eagles are looking to build on a 3-13 (3-11 NSIC) mark during a shortened 2020-21 season. UMN Crookston returns six players who played more than 15.0 minutes a game last season. Leading the way are seniors Kylie Post and Mary Burke, along with redshirt junior Bren Fox, freshman Jes Mertens, junior Emma Carpenter, and sophomore Haylee Wheeler. The Golden Eagles also return Eden Golliher, Mattea Vetsch, Kylea Praska, and Veronica Schwartz from last season's team. The Golden Eagles will also look to the help from newcomers Abigail Leach, Abi Fraaza, Alex Page, and Lily Orazem. The Golden Eagles open up the regular-season November 12 against the University of Nebraska Kearney in Maryville, Mo.

We have a lot of returners that have improved there skill set. Along with that we have four new players added to our roster that we are excited about. We have added a lot of length to our roster. This years team will have more depth and I feel we have improved in a lot of areas. I'm looking forward to seeing what this team can accomplish.
Head Coach Mike Roysland
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#5 Kylie Post (G, 5-7, Sr., Corcoran , Minn. / Maranatha Christian Academy HS) - University of Minnesota Crookston
  • Post averaged 9.3 points and 4.0 rebounds per game as a junior
  • She had a season-high 17 points against MSU Moorhead last season
  • Post has been a three-year starter for the Golden Eagles
Kylie is a very hard working player that is fun to be around and coach. She is highly motivated and clearly a great leader on our team. She has a a lot of energy and has improved her skill set. With her speed and high motor she is fun to watch.
Head Coach Mike Roysland

University of Minnesota Duluth

The Bulldogs come into this season with an extremely experienced squad. They return 13 players from last year’s squad that all had playing time. UMD will look to expand upon a successful shortened 2020-2021 season where they would go 14-2 overall and 9-1 in conference. There only loses would come against St. Cloud State and to University of Nebraska at Kearney. Coach Pearson will look to lean heavily on her returning upper classmen this year as they look to continue their success and hope to repeat as NSIC/Sanford Health Tournament Champions. 
Coach Pearson will also look to lean on Senior Forward Brooke Olson. Olson led the conference in scoring this past season averaging 21.9 points per game. Olson was also 3rd in the conference in rebounds per game with 7.8 per game. Olson was also named as a second team All American by the Division II CCA and first team WBCA All American following her 2020-2021 season. Coming into the 2021-2022 season, Olson was named the NSIC North Divisions pre-season Player of the Year, while the Bulldogs were picked to win the NSIC with a total of 12 votes. 
The Bulldogs will begin their season on November 16th as they will travel to face off against Drury. UMD will open conference play as they will host St. Cloud State on November 23rd at 5:30 PM. 

We return a veteran team that has a lot of talent but the best part for me is that they are extremely fun to be around. Every single workout, practice and film session is enjoyable because they bring great energy, are dedicated and focused on constantly improving. One of the best parts about this year so far has been watching our upperclassmen do some of the teaching at workouts and practices. As coaches, I think we all preach improving every day. This is a group that truly grasps that concept and focuses hard through the ups and downs of every day student-athlete life, finding ways to make our team a little better everyday.
Head Coach Mandy Pearson
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#24 Brooke Olson (F, 6-2, Jr. Rice Lake, Wis. / Rice Lake HS) - University of Minnesota Duluth
  • Named NSIC North Division Player of the Year in 2020-21
  • Named NSIC Player of the Year for 2019-20
  • Led the Bulldog roster and NSIC in points per game with 21.9 and finished ranked seventh in ppg in the NCAA in 2020-21
  • Led UMD in rebounds per game with 7.8
  • Chosen as the 2019-20 D2CCA Region Player of the Year 
  • All-NSIC First Team the past two seasons
Brooke has a tireless work ethic, plays with great energy and is a team first player. I am extremely lucky to have Brooke in our program. I get excited every year to see what kind of improvements she has made in her game in the off season as she continues to find new ways to become a better basketball player and teammate every year. She is the most versatile player I have ever coached and I love her passion for the game. She has a high basketball IQ, is extremely competitive and invests in her relationships with her teammates!
Head Coach Mandy Pearson

Minnesota State University, Mankato

The Minnesota State Women’s basketball team welcomed back 11 letter winners and four starters from last season’s team. Two Mavericks, including sophomore Joey Batt and senior Tayla Stuttley played and started in all 16 games, while seniors Mikayla Nachazel and Maddy Olson started in 10 and 5 games respectively. Olson is the leading returning free throw shooter with 81.3% from the stripe. Two Mavericks averaged more than 10 points per game last season, including Batt who tallied a team-best 13.4 points per game and team high 22 made three pointers to go along with a team high 50 steals. Stuttley posted 12.6 points per game, with 20 made three pointers second on the team, with a team high 38.8% from behind the arc and was third on the team in rebounds with 78 (4.9 rpg). Senior Rylee Mentser returns as well after playing in all 16 contests coming off the bench averaging 6.1 points a game with just over 3 rebounds per game while also being tied for second on the team with 31 steals. Senior Jinda Guidinger returns as well after playing in 13 contest, Sophomore Taylor Theusch returns as well after competing in 10 games for the Mavericks last season. Minnesota State will welcome in five newcomers for the 2021-22 campaign with Desiree Kleiman of Maribel, Wis., Molly Ihle of Huxley, Iowa, Destinee Bursch of Chaska, Minn., Morgan Krumwiede of Burnsville, Minn. and Sophie Wood of Lindstrom, Minn.

We return a number of core players to a team that lead the league in scoring and also ranked in the Top 5 Nationally in steals per game. Tayla Stuttley and Maddy Olson return for their 5th year, along with two other seniors that have had a huge impact in our program in Rylee Menster and Mikayla Nachazel. Returning for her third year at the point guard position is two-time All-conference selection, Joey Batt. We look for this core group to bring consistency and leadership for a young, and exciting group of underclassmen that will no doubt play a big role for us this season. Defensive intensity continues to be the focus and identity of our program and we are excited to build on that foundation. This will be a tough and exciting group to watch this season.
Head Coach Emilee Thiesse
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#1 Joey Batt (G, 5-5, So., New Ulm, Minn. / New Ulm HS) - Minnesota State University, Mankato
  • Led Mavericks in scoring with 214 points, 13.4 per game
  • Led Mavericks in 3pt shots made with 22 with an average of 32.4%
  • Led Mavericks in minutes played with 29.9 played per game
  • Led Mavericks in assists with 48
  • Led Mavericks in steals with 50
Joey has a motor that is unmatched. Her fire and intensity coupled with her speed and quickness make her a force on both ends of the court. As a First Team All-Conference selection last season, Joey lead the Mavericks in scoring and is also a great decision-maker and creates offense for her teammates. In addition to being an outstanding and dynamic offensive player, without a doubt, Joey’s biggest impact on our team is on the defensive end! As the reigning NSIC Defensive Player of the Year, Joey ignites our full court pressure defense and brings a great deal of toughness on the ball. She never takes a play off and raises the level of intensity of those around her everyday. Joey is an exciting player to watch and a fun player to coach!
Head Coach Emilee Thiesse

Minnesota State University Moorhead

MSUM returns three starters from last year's team that went 7-6 in the Covid-shortened season. The Dragons are led by All-NSIC North First Team selection Peyton Boom, a junior forward who averaged 14.0 points and 6.1 rebounds per game a year ago. Also returning is junior guard Mariah McKeever who averaged 11.3 points per game. Senior guard Natalie Steichen has started every game over the past two seasons and led the team in steals. Seniors Nicole Herbranson and Emma Thuringer provided key minutes off the bench a year ago. Senior transfer guard Aliyah Miller is expected to contribute on the perimeter. 

The Dragons will have more depth or versatility, which is very exciting!
Head Coach Karla Nelson
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#30 Peyton Boom (F, 6-0, Jr., Barnesville, Minn. / Barnesville HS) - Minnesota State University Moorhead
  • All-NSIC North First Team selection in 2020-21
  • Averaged 14.0 points per game to lead team
  • Averaged 6.1 rebounds per game to lead team
  • Scored a season-high 27 points in win over UMC (1/9/21)
Peyton has improved her game each year. She has become dynamic on the offensive end - she will be tough to guard!
Head Coach Karla Nelson

Minot State University

The Beavers turn a new page as veteran coach Mike Brandt takes over the program bringing more than 500 career wins (507-295 overall) and 30-plus years of experience with him. Last the head coach at the University of South Carolina Aiken, Brandt led the Pacers to the NCAA Division II National Tournament six times before moving on to spend three seasons as the associate head coach at NCAA Division I Southern Methodist University in Texas (2016-2019).

Brandt takes over a team with plenty of experience as five starters return for Minot State, led by 5-foot-11 junior forward Amber Stevahn, who led the team in scoring with 15.2 points per game, is a 51.1 percent shooter from the field (90-of-176) and was No. 2 in rebounding (6.4 rpg).

Joining her from a team that gained experience during a 4-10 campaign last winter, are starters Calli Delsman (5-10, Sr., G/F), Anna Counts (6-2, Jr., C), Lucy Chapman (5-8, So., G), and Kate Head (5-5, Jr. G), who combined for 73 percent of the Beavers scoring last season.

Personally, I was out of the game for two years, and I am extremely grateful to be coaching again. The caliber of student athletes that I inherited and the way they have responded to my coaching is very exciting. It will be a great challenge to play in the NSIC and we are all looking forward to seeing how we stack up in this very tough conference.
Head Coach Mike Brandt
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#34 Amber Stevahn (F, 5-11, Jr. Bismarck, N.D. / Shiloh HS) - Minot State University
  • Led the Beavers in scoring with 15.2 points per game and averaged a second-best 6.4 rebounds per game
  • Only player to start all 14 games last season
  • Named 2nd-Team All-NSIC
  • Honorable Mention All-American at Bismarck State College and led nation in scoring in 2019 and was No. 2 in the nation in 2020
Amber is an exceptional athlete with great basketball skills. She is very hard working, is extremely coachable, and is a top notch student-athlete. She continues to improve the way she plays the game.
Head Coach Mike Brandt

Northern State University

The Northern State University women’s basketball team enters the 2021-22 season after going 5-9 in the shortened 2021 spring slate. Lexi (Wadsworth) Roe and Rianna Fillipi were named to the league All-Conference teams a season ago and return to the court for the Wolves. The pair led the team in points, field goals made, rebounds, and minutes played. Fillipi was nabbed as the 2021-22 preseason player to watch for NSU, averaging 10.6 points and 5.6 rebounds per game as a freshman. Paula Krueger leads the team in her fourth season at the helm, welcoming six incoming freshman to this year’s roster. In addition, Northern returns 2021 key contributors Haley Johnson and Laurie Rogers. The Wolves open the year with an exhibition contest versus Presentation College at home in early November and kickoff the regular season at the Central Missouri Conference Challenge. 

The passion for the game and the genuine excitement for the success of their teammates excites me about this team. These student-athletes are willing to do what it takes individually for team success.
Head Coach Paula Krueger
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#14 Rianna Fillipi (G, 5-8, So., Lennox, S.D. /Lennox HS) - Northern State University
  • 2021 NSIC All-Conference freshman team
  • Averaged 10.6 points and 5.6 rebounds per game
  • Led Northern State with 37 assists and 34 steals
  • Recorded eight games in double figures in 2021
Rianna is coming off a very good freshman year and has spent the off season working hard on her offensive skill set. Rianna is developing into an amazing point guard and leader.
Head Coach Paula Krueger

University of Sioux Falls

Led by NSIC Preseason South Division Player of the Year Anna Brecht (18.0 ppg, 3rd NSIC – 47th, DII; 5.6 rpg), the University of Sioux Falls Women’s Basketball Team will look to improve on its 8-6 finished in a COVID-19 impacted season a year ago. The Cougars return 64 percent of its scoring and 50 percent of its rebounding from a year ago. USF, directed by all-time wins leader Travis Traphagen (251 wins) return four players who started a year ago and six letter winners. USF returns Krystal Carlson (9.2 ppg, 3.9 rpg), Dallie Hoskinson (7.9 ppg, 7.6 rpg – 4th in the NSIC), Megan Fannin (5.4 ppg and 1.8 rpg) and Kiara James (3.7 ppg, 2.6 rpg) as well as a talented group of newcomers. In its DII era, USF has had six 20-win campaigns, two NCAA DII regional berths and, a South Division title. A year ago, USF averaged 71.6 ppg (5th, NSIC), 7.4 made threes per game (4th, NSIC), 78.6 percent in free throw shooting (5th, NSIC), 41.1 rebounds (3rd, NSIC) 14.0 assists (6th, NSIC), 0.98 assist/turnover ratio (4th, NSIC) and 7.6 steals (6th, NSIC) The Cougars have been projected to finish fifth overall and fourth in the NSIC South with a first place ballot in the overall voting and South Division voting. USF opens the season at Tip Off Classic in St. Joseph, Mo., with an opener against host Missouri Western State at 7:30 pm on Nov. 12.   

"What excites me about this team is our closeness and ability to put the ball in the basket. Coming on such a unique year when we couldn't be together much and such an inconsistency in terms of practice/playing. We graduated a number of great players, and not sure how high we will be ranked, but i think we could be that team that could sneak up on some of the top teams in our league "
Head Coach Travis Traphagen
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#10 Anna Brecht (F, 6-0, Jr. Sioux Falls, S.D. / Lincoln HS) - University of Sioux Falls
  • Ranked third in the NSIC at 47th in DII in scoring with 18.0 points per game and added 5.46 rebounds per game
  • Record double-digit points games in 12-of-13 outings in 2020-21, scoring 20 points or more a league-high seven times
  • Knocked down 23-of-59 three points for 39.0 percent and was third in the NSIC in free throw percentage at 90 percent (63-of-70) and finished with a streak of 29 straight made foul shots
  • In her career, recorded 15 double-digit games at USF and Wisconsin-Green-Bay with a double of 15 points and 12 rebounds against Augustana on 2/13/21 
Anna is a natural scorer and leader for our team. She provides match up problems for teams because of her ability to play inside and outside. A transfer from UW Green Bay, she is used to playing at a high level and is ready to take another step after having a great year last year for the Coo.
Head Coach Travis Traphagen

Southwest Minnesota State University

The Southwest Minnesota State women’s basketball will look to continue its steady climb up the NSIC standings following a 9-5 season that saw them come within a game of the NSIC tournament. 

This season’s team will feature the top seven scorers from last season and all five starters. The 2021-22 roster, under sixth-year head coach Tom Webb, features four seniors, one junior, four sophomores, and six freshmen. Senior Meleah Reinhart returns after being named All- NSIC South Division first team last season. Reinhart led the team with 15.7 ppg while shooting 42 percent from 3-point range a season ago. She currently ranks 12th in school history with 1,148 points. Senior Sadie Stelter returns after averaging 13.2 ppg a season ago while leading the team with 41 assists after primarily coming off the bench. Jenna Borchers is a returning starter that averaged 12.6 ppg and led the team with 40 3-pointers. 

Senior Abuk Akoi returns to anchor a defense that allowed 61.9 points per game a season ago, the third lowest total in the NSIC. Akoi was named to the All-NSIC Defensive team for the second straight season after leading the NSIC in blocks and finishing third in rebounding (8.3) to go along with 9.3 ppg. Akoi is the all-time leading shot blocker in SMSU history. Erin Baxter also returns after finishing fifth in the NSIC and leading the team with 2.0 steals per game. 

We are excited the opportunity to play a full conference schedule this year. It's been great to have somewhat of a normal fall pre-season leading up to the opening weekend in November. We're excited about our depth returning 11 players from last years team while adding four freshmen.
Head Coach Tom Webb
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#35 Abuk Akio (C, 6-4, Sr., Sioux Falls, S.D. / O'Gorman HS) - Southwest Minnesota State University
  • Lead the NSIC in blocks last season
  • Finished third in rebounding
  • Also averaged 9.3 ppg
  • Named all-NSIC Defensive team 
  • All-time leading shot blocker in SMSU history
Abuk averaged 9.3 ppg, 7.6 rpg (5th in the NSIC), 3.3 bpg (1st in the NSIC), and has led the NSIC in blocks per game the last two seasons. Abuk was also NSIC South All-Defense Team in the last two seasons (2020 &2021). Abuk impacts the game on both ends of the floor at a very high level.
Head Coach Tom Webb

St. Cloud State University

No, it’s not deja vu or a mirage, though that may be the first thought when teams face the St. Cloud State University women’s basketball team. The Huskies will look very familiar, as they return every single player from their 2020-21 roster, including First Team All-Conference honoree Tori Wortz (Hutchinson, Minn. / Hutchinson) and reigning NSIC Defensive Player of the Year Brehna Evans (De Pere, Wis. / West De Pere). In addition to Wortz, three other seniors, Nikki Kilboten (Eau Claire, Wis. / Eau Claire), Erin Navratil (Albany, Minn. / Albany) and Caitlyn Peterson (Lakeville, Minn. / Lakeville South), opted to return for their extra season after leading St. Cloud State to its second consecutive NCAA tournament appearance in 2020-21. With depth and experience on their side, the Huskies are once again expected to finish toward the top of the NSIC standings, as they were projected to finish second both overall and in the NSIC North standings. 

With everyone returning, I look forward to seeing if we can rise to the challenge to meet the expectations we have set for ourselves.
Head Coach Lori Fish
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#2 Tori Wortz (G, 5-8, Sr. Hutchinson, Minn. / Hutchinson HS) - St. Cloud State University
  • 2020-21 First Team All-NSIC; 2020-21 WBCA All-America Honorable Mention; 2x Second Team All-NSIC honoree (2018-19, 2019-20); 2x NSIC/Sanford Health All-Tournament Team (2019-20, 2020-21); 2019-20 CoSDIA Academic All-District
  • Led the Huskies in scoring (15.3) at the end of the season, having scored 275 points in 18 games, with 74 rebounds, fifty assists, 11 blocks and 30 steals.
  • Voted St. Cloud State’s Preseason Player to Watch in back-to-back seasons
  • One of three super seniors who returned for their extra season 
What makes Tori a special player is her competitive drive, her will to win and how she thrives in pressure situations. A teammate who makes everyone around her better. An absolute pleasure to coach!
Head Coach Lori Fish

Upper Iowa University

The Upper Iowa women’s basketball team is chomping at the bit to get onto the court in 2021-22. The Peacocks return both Lydia Haack, 2020-21 NSIC All-Freshman Team, and Jessica Musgrave, 2019-20 NSIC Freshman of the Year, along with several other experienced, but young players. Last season, Haack averaged a team-high 14.5 points and 3.3 assists per game, while Musgrave was sidelined with a season-ending injury in just the second game of the season. In her two games, Musgrave averaged 15.5 points and 9.5 rebounds following her freshman campaign that saw the Toledo, Iowa product average 14.7 points and 6.7 rebounds in 29 games. In addition to Haack and Musgrave, UIU returns Brooke Evenson, Katie Tornstrom, Calista Rochon-Baker, Lexie Lodermeier, Savannah Domeyer and Alaina Brenning. Evenson scored 9.1 points and pulled down 6.2 rebounds per game as a sophomore, while Tornstrom averaged 7.3 points and 4.3 rebounds per contest. In addition to the experienced returners, the Peacocks have added several new faces including freshman Mia Huberty and University of North Dakota-transfer Emma Anderson. The Peacocks will tip their season in Jefferson City, Mo. on Nov. 12 and 13. Upper Iowa will challenge the University of Arkansas at Monticello and Southern Arkansas University. After the opening tournament, UIU will line up against NCAA Division I Bradley University in an exhibition game on Nov. 15. UIU’s home openers will be on Nov. 19 and 20 against Rockhurst University and Waldorf University.

We are excited about the competitiveness of our group. They have started to learn about the work and desire it takes to compete at this level, and in the NSIC. We have a group that is hungry and determined to start competing - and we look forward to the challenge which the NSIC brings every night.
Head Coach Nate Oakland
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#3 Lydia Haack (G, 5-3, Fr., Elk River, Minn. /Elk River HS) - Upper Iowa University
  • Earned NSIC South Division All-Freshman Team honors
  • Led the Peacocks in scoring with 14.5 points per game, which ranked ninth in the NSIC
  • Also contributed a team-high 3.3 assists per game (9th in the NSIC) and converted 91.2% of her free throws, the second-best average in the NSIC
  • Scored a season-high 30 points and shot 12-12 from the FT line in the team's season-opening win against St. Cloud State University
We are excited to see where Lydia takes this team. As a true freshman last season and with some key injuries, she proved to be one of top PGs in our league. Her toughness and determination, both on & off the floor, really excite us about this season.
Head Coach Nate Oakland

Wayne State College

Fourth year head coach Brent Pollari is in rebuilding mode with the Wildcats this season, losing four starters from last year’s team that was 6-10 overall and 5-9 in the NSIC South in an abbreviated 2021 season.  Pollari has to replace a pair of four-year starters and 1,000-point scorers in forward Erin Norling and point guard Halley Busse, who were both All-NSIC selections last season, along with graduated center Brittany Bongartz and forward Josey Ryan.  The lone returning starter for the Wildcats is senior guard Kylie Hammer, who accounted for 9.8 points and 4.5 rebounds a contest last season.  Only two other players averaged more than 10 minutes a game last season off the bench – junior forward Kassidy Pingel and junior point guard Lauren Zacharias.    Missouri Western transfer Logan Hughes, a 5-10 junior guard/forward, is expected to be an immediate contributor to the Wildcats after averaging 8.0 points and 3.3 rebounds per game in 22 contests last season.  Wayne State will be young this season with just one senior and six incoming freshmen making up the 14-player roster.  The Wildcats open the 2021-22 season on Saturday, November 13th at Newman University in Wichita, Kansas.  

While rounding out our preseason workouts we are very impressed with the energy, enthusiasm, and competitive nature that our players are bringing on a daily basis. The culture being developed is contagious and we can see it spilling into the classroom, weight room, and on the court. This is a close knit group and we are excited to see them grow.
Head Coach Brent Pollari
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#5 Kylie Hammer (G, 5-5, Sr., Wayne, Neb. / Wayne HS) - Wayne State College
  • Lone returning starter
  • Averaged 9.8 points and 4.5 rebounds per game
  • Had eight games in double figures
  • Two games of 20 or more points last season
  • Shot 76.2 percent from  the free throw line
Kylie is a consistent scorer, a lockdown defender, and is our most experienced returner. We look for Kylie to provide leadership entering the 21-22 season.
Head Coach Brent Pollari

Winona State University

The Winona State University women’s basketball team heads into 2021-22 season in the coming weeks and the Warriors look forward to competing in a full season with a strong group of returning experience and exciting new talent. 

 Head coach Scott Ballard will head into November with 17 student-athletes, including four seniors. 

Taylor Hustad, a senior from New Prague, Minn. earned NSIC All-Conference Second Team last year, leading the Warriors in points scored (317), total rebounds (88) and minutes played (317). Hustad hauled in a season-high 15 rebounds against MSU-Mankato in an exciting 95-91 OT win on Feb. 6, 2021. 

Emma Fee leads the Warrior way in the paint this winter, as the 6’1” senior from Burnsville, Minn. put together some dominating performances during the COVID-shortened 2021 campaign.  Fee had heroics on multiple occasions last year, including a buzzer-beater to down Concordia-St. Paul 68-67 on Feb. 13 and dropped a career-high 30 points on Sioux Falls on Jan. 17 as well. 

Veterans Caitlyn Riley and Emily Kieck round out the key leadership core for the Warriors, with Kieck leading the team with 36 assists last year. Riley had 10 starts and appeared in all 12 games.

The Warriors won four of their last five games of the season and head into this November with renewed enthusiasm, starting the 2021-22 season with a pair of exhibition games in La Crosse, Wis. Winona State will take on Dakota State University on Friday, Nov. 12 and Viterbo University on Saturday, Nov. 13. 

We have a good mix of skilled returning players for leadership and good depth with our talented new comers!
Head Coach Scott Ballard
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#12 Taylor Hustad (F, 5-10, Sr., New Prague, Minn. / New Prague HS) - Winona State University
  • Hauled in season-high 15 boards in OT win over MSU – Mankato
  • Led team in rebounds with 88, averaging 8.0 a contest last year
  • Dished out 25 assists, third-most on the squad in 2020-21
  • Made 61 field goals and scored 317 points, both top Warrior marks
We are excited that Taylor is returning as a fifth year senior! She is a dynamic player at both ends of the court and is the ultimate competitor. She was a NSIC All Conference player the past two years and provides senior leadership!
Head Coach Scott Ballard
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