Women's Basketball Picked Seventh; Ward Earns Honors On Eve Of Sun Belt Media Day
10/17/2022 11:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Junior Terren Ward named to preseason All-Sun Belt first team; Ward and Howard to represent Eagles at Tuesday's Media Day
STATESBORO - On the eve of Sun Belt Women's Basketball Media Day, the league released its 2022-23 Preseason Poll and Preseason All-Conference Teams Monday. Georgia Southern has been picked to finish seventh in a vote of the league's coaches, while junior Terren Ward was named to the preseason All-Sun Belt First Team.
Georgia Southern, which finished seventh a year ago with an 18-10 overall record and an 8-6 mark in league play, received 108 votes and a first-place vote in the preseason poll. Troy was picked to finish first with 194 points and 12 first-place votes, followed by conference newcomer Old Dominion, which received 166 points and the remaining first-place vote. Louisiana (161), Southern Miss (137), Texas State (135) and James Madison (130) were picked ahead of the Eagles. App State (102), Arkansas State (96), Marshall (91), Georgia State (50), Coastal Carolina (45), South Alabama (38) and ULM (17) round out the poll.
Terren Ward, meanwhile, continues to accumulate accolades in her Georgia Southern career. The league's Freshman of the Year in 2020-21 and Sixth Woman of the Year in 2021-22 was one of five players selected to the Preseason All-Sun Belt First Team, joining Preseason Player of the Year Felmas Koranga (Troy), Da'Nasia Hood (Texas State), Domonique Davis (Southern Miss) and Keya Patton (Arkansas State). Ward averaged 15.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.9 steals per game as a sophomore, ranking among the league's leaders in scoring, rebounding, steals, three-point shooting, free throw percentage and blocked shots.
Tuesday, the Sun Belt will host its first in-person Women's Basketball Media Day in New Orleans. Head Coach Anita Howard and Ward will represent the Eagles. Media Availability for Howard and Ward will be at 9:25 a.m. and the press conference will be aired live on ESPN+.
Georgia Southern opens up the 2022-23 campaign on Monday, November 7, hosting Allen at 6 p.m. in Hanner Fieldhouse.
2022-23 Sun Belt Conference Women's Basketball Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Troy (12) - 194
2. Old Dominion (1) - 166
3. Louisiana - 161
4. Southern Miss - 137
5. Texas State - 135
6. James Madison - 130
7. Georgia Southern (1) - 108
8. App State - 102
9. Arkansas State - 96
10. Marshall - 91
11. Georgia State - 50
12. Coastal Carolina - 45
13. South Alabama - 38
14. ULM - 17
2022-23 Sun Belt Conference Women's Basketball Preseason Awards
Preseason Player of the Year
Felmas Koranga, Troy
Preseason All-Sun Belt First Team
Felmas Koranga, Troy
Da'Nasia Hood, Texas State
Domonique Davis, Southern Miss
Terren Ward, Georgia Southern
Keya Patton, Arkansas State
Preseason All-Sun Belt Second Team
Kennedy Taylor, Texas State
Brandi Williams, Louisiana
Janay Sanders, App State
Kiki Jefferson, James Madison
Melyia Grayson, Southern Miss
Preseason All-Sun Belt Third Team
Lanay Wheaton, Louisiana
Amari Young, Old Dominion
Lauryn Pendleton, Arkansas State
Jashanti Simmons, Troy
Faith Alston, App State
