2024 Women’s Basketball Team Previews
Stonehill
Mercyhurst
FDU
Le Moyne
Saint Francis
Central Connecticut
Chicago State
Wagner
LIU
Basketball Power Rankings 11/10/25
I want to thank the coach, Bobby Wilson, for contributing these rankings. Bobby’s a basketball coach and former player. When he’s not generously giving us some of his time to talk basketball, he does an amazing job talking UConn football on the T’N’T’ College Football Podcast. When we were putting together the first Lambert Trophy panel, he immediately came up because of the quality of his work.
But as he tells us, basketball is his first love. We’re grateful to have his expertise.
Men's Basketball Power Rankings Bobby Wilson
1. LIU
2. Mercyhurst
3. Stonehill
4. CCSU
5. Wagner
6. FDU
7. Chicago State
8. Le Moyne
9. Saint Francis
10. New Haven
LIU was the preseason unanimous pick to win the NEC and had a solid showing Week 1. Losing at Notre Dame and picking up a big win at a much improved IU Indy squad. Mercyhurst had an amazing victory at Loyola Chicago. While Le Moyne, Wagner, and Stonehill had very solid showings in losses at Xavier, Seton Hall, and DePaul respectively.
Player of the Week: LIU's Greg Gordon. Averaged 20 points, 7 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 2.5 steals during the two games this week. Gordon finished with 29 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists at IU Indy.
Win of the Week: Mercyhurst 73 Loyola Chicago 65
Upcoming Game of the Week: Saturday, November 15th James Madison at LIU
The preseason Sun Belt favorites travel to the preseason NEC favorites in what should be a fun, up and down matchup.
Women's Basketball Power Rankings Bobby Wilson
1. FDU
2. Chicago State
3. Le Moyne
4. LIU
5. Stonehill
6. Wagner
7. CCSU
8. New Haven
9. Mercyhurst
10. Saint Francis
FDU was the unanimous preseason favorites, and even with two losses at Purdue and No 15 Notre Dame, they get the top spot. Le Moyne had a solid road victory in overtime at Lafayette. As did LIU winning at Northeastern. Chicago State secured a home victory over Winthrop, who was picked to finish fourth in the Big South. New Haven had a very solid showing in a loss at Xavier.
Player of the Week: Chicago State Aiyanna Culver. Averaged 28 points and 2 rebounds over three games this week. Including 33 points in the Cougars victory over Winthrop.
Win of the Week: Chicago State 59 Winthrop 54
Upcoming Game of the Week: Sunday, November 16th FDU at Rutgers
Big in-state matchup for FDU. Rutgers just look to Stony Brook and will be ready to roll.
NEC Blitz IN YOUR HOUSE- Chicago State at Cleveland State, WBB, 11/3/25
I couldn’t be more excited to get on campus and to see the Wolstein Center on Monday.
The NEC is taking its show on the road, as the league does every November in the beginning of basketball season. I’m just always excited when I have a chance to be there for it. The Midwestern member of our league, Chicago State, is coming just easterly enough that I can manage the trip out, so the Cougars will be the first team we get to see in person this season. Let’s talk a little bit about them and what you can expect when you tune in via NECBlitz.com to check out our radio coverage for the evening. Especially if you’re from Cleveland. Here’s some storylines we’re looking forward to talking about.
AI Is Here
No, not artificial intelligence, although that is, too. Aiyanna “AI” Culver is the leading scorer from last season’s Cougars team and the point guard from last season. The sophomore from Queens, NY is a deep threat for the Cougars. She’s more of a scorer than a true point guard, but will be counted on to facilitate as we’d expect opposing teams to key in on her this season. Her statline could be interesting if the Vikings begin the game playing a little loose and giving up deep shots. Culver scored 14.6 last season with knee pain, so this might be a point total that actually increases in 25-26.
We’re All About the Bass
Paris Bass was one of the transfer additions the Cougars made through the portal. This is a player the we’re very excited about. She’s got the ability to score and it’ll be interesting to see how she does against a tough Vikings defense. The Detroit, MI forward came to Chicago State because of her relationship with the coaches. One of those nice reminders that recruiting isn’t a magic trick- you build through the people you’re able to build relationships with, and the Cougars have someone who excels at that in the first seat.
Great Expectations
The Cougars were picked third in the NEC Coaches Poll entering the season. I’ve long felt that Chicago is a place where you can build a winner in the NEC- in football as that sport approaches, but certainly in basketball. I’ve spoken a couple of times with Coach Irvin and each time something that comes up is the difference in recruiting to the Second City as opposed to her previous stop in Starkville, MS. We might be a year away with FDU returning some excellent young pieces, but the Cougars are a team to watch in the future.
For their part, the Vikings were picked 4th in the Horizon League. It’s no secret that when the Horizon and NEC meet up, the NEC team is usually the underdog. We’ll have to see how the Cougars stack up against the well-established Horizon at the start of the season.
The Sisco Kid
Just a note here. One of the intriguing additions Chicago State made in the offseason was Chloe Sisco, who will be transferring in from the College of Lake County. In two seasons, Sisco averaged 14 and 13.2 points per game. We’ve seen players transfer in and maintain production in the NEC in the past, so this is one to keep an eye on.
NEC Blitz Announces Internet Radio Broadcast of Chicago State Women’s Basketball Opener
HOOP TOWNSHIP- The Chicago State Cougars and NEC Blitz have reached an agreement to livestream audio for the women’s basketball season opener on November 3rd at 7:00 EST (8:00 CST) against the Cleveland State Vikings. The Cougars will be on the road in this contest.
NEC Blitz’s AJ Mayowski will be on site along with Cleveland State writer Kyle Rossi, Women’s Basketball Editor for the Horizone Roundtable and finalist for Best of Cleveland 2025 in the Sportswriters category. Together, they’ll be bringing you live coverage with both an NEC and Horizon League feel when the non-conference foes meet up to tip off the 2025-26 season.
AJ Mayowski said “When I founded NEC Blitz, I looked to the Horizone Roundtable as a model and still do to this day. Kyle is actually one of the people that inspired me to enter journalism as a way to stay involved in college sports when I moved on from working in the athletic department. It’s an honor to team up with the Horizone Roundtable as much as it is to cover Chicago State on-site, one of the best athletic departments to work with and a key part of the South Side’s identity in Chicago.”
The event will stream via internet radio broadcast on NECBlitz.com and HorizoneRoundtable.com. Conversations are ongoing with other partners. Fans should expect pre and postgame coverage from the Wolstein Center.
This is expected to be the first radio broadcast on NECBlitz.com’s new internet radio network.
The Cougars finished 2024 at 7-26 with a win in the NEC Tournament. Cleveland State concluded their campaign at 27-10 and advanced to the Fab 4 in the WNIT.
Red Flash Topple Hornets, 69-60
Saint Francis University women’s basketball secured a hard-fought 69-60 victory over Delaware State on Thursday night, marking their second win of the season. The Red Flash leaned heavily on standout performances from Jade Campbell and Natalie Johnson, who both achieved career-best numbers in the game. With Campbell dominating in the paint and Johnson providing a crucial offensive spark, Saint Francis overcame a tightly contested matchup to claim the win at Memorial Hall in Dover, Delaware.
The game’s defining stretch came in the final five minutes. Leading 58-55, Campbell extended the advantage with a layup, setting the tone for a strong finish. Airah Lavy added a pair of free throws to make it 62-55, but Delaware State quickly responded with a jump shot to trim the lead. Johnson stepped up with a timely jumper to push the margin back to seven, and Yanessa Boyd knocked down free throws to widen the gap to nine points. Another layup by Johnson in the paint, followed by a free throw from Lavy, capped off the late-game surge and put the result beyond doubt.
The Red Flash found ways to create separation throughout the game, starting with a seven-point run in the first quarter. Lavy’s three-pointer ignited the run, and Harris Robinson followed with back-to-back layups to give Saint Francis a 12-6 lead. Delaware State fought back, but Saint Francis continued to respond, particularly in the second quarter. Down 24-20, three-pointers from Johnson and Ineivi Plata pulled the Red Flash even at 26, ensuring the game remained competitive heading into halftime.
Campbell’s impact was felt throughout the contest, especially during critical moments. Late in the third quarter, she converted consecutive layups to break a tie and send Saint Francis into the fourth quarter with a 50-47 lead. Her career-high 17 points came on an efficient 7-of-11 shooting night, and her 19 rebounds—also a career best—were a key factor in the team’s dominant performance on the glass. The Red Flash finished with a season-high 49 rebounds, outpacing Delaware State’s total of 36.
Johnson, the RMU transfer, provided a significant boost off the bench, scoring a career-high 14 points. Her ability to deliver in key situations, including her clutch fourth-quarter jumper, was crucial to the Red Flash’s success. Lavy added 12 points, continuing her streak of consistent offensive contributions, with Thursday marking her fourth game of the season scoring in double digits. Plata contributed with team-high four assists, helping to facilitate the offense in critical stretches.
With the win, Saint Francis improves to 2-8 on the season, with both victories coming on the road. The Red Flash will now turn their attention to their upcoming game against UMBC, set for December 8 at DeGol Arena. The matchup provides an opportunity for Saint Francis to build on Thursday’s success and earn their first home victory of the season. As the team continues to develop, performances like Campbell’s and Johnson’s will be essential in guiding the Red Flash as they move towards NEC play.
Brooke Paquette's Sophomore Surge
In just her second season, Brooke Paquette has emerged as a standout force for Stonehill College, delivering performances that hint at a rapid evolution from promising freshman to impact player. After a solid debut season where an injury-plagued roster could only manage 4 wins, Paquette’s transformation this year has been nothing short of electric.
In Stonehill’s 79-46 victory over Emmanuel College on Thursday, Paquette showed just how much her game has grown over the summer. Scoring 12 of her 14 points in the first half alone, she set the tone for the game, driving Stonehill’s offense with precision and efficiency. Her stat line—4-for-11 from the field, 2-for-6 from three, and a perfect 4-for-4 from the line—highlights her shooting ability, but it’s her all-around contributions that are even more impressive. She dished out a career-best eight assists, grabbed two rebounds, and recorded four steals, all while looking relentlessly energetic on the floor. The Skyhawks were able to change their approach against the overmatched opponent in the second half, or the stat line might have been even more impressive.
The growth was already apparent in Stonehill’s season opener against Rhode Island, where despite the team's loss, Paquette poured in 15 points, went 6-for-14 from the field, and added six assists. She’s showing a knack for taking control of the pace, navigating defenses, and creating scoring opportunities for her teammates. But what’s striking about Paquette’s game right now is her speed. This season, she’s not just appearing to be playing mentally faster—she’s visibly moving faster, making explosive drives to the basket, pulling defenders, and finding the open player. When Emmanuel tried to pressure her with a press defense, she was easily able to get around the first player. This is crucial to opening up Stonehill's offense, as she’s now able to shift seamlessly between roles as a scorer and a facilitator.
Coach Trisha Brown has to be thrilled with Paquette’s early-season performances, which have not only elevated Stonehill’s offensive dynamics directly but is also setting up teammates like Sharn Hayward (16 points against Emmanuel) and Kylie Swider (15 against Rhode Island). As she continues to grow into her role, Paquette is proving to be a player capable of taking charge and creating opportunities, giving Stonehill a potent weapon in their lineup. If these first two games are any indication, Paquette’s sophomore year promises to be one where she fully realizes her potential, playing faster, smarter, and more fearlessly than ever. We might be at the point already where we’ve seen her evolve into the best player on the court in most games. That’s how good Paquette is looking so far.
NEC Blitz Preseason Women’s Basketball First Team
The NEC Blitz Preseason Women’s Basketball First Team highlights five players who are ready to make their mark this season. From power inside to sharp shooting outside, we believe these five players will have a significant impact on their teams and the league as a whole.
C- Josie Hill, Chicago State
F- Bailey Kuhns, Mercyhurst
F- Teneisia Brown, FDU
G- Belle Lanpher, CCSU
G- Abby Conklin, FDU
Here’s why they made our list:
Josie Hill, Center, Chicago State
Josie Hill comes into the NEC after playing one of the toughest independent schedules in the nation, and her ability to handle physical play sets her apart. Her ability to control the paint is going to be a major factor for Chicago State this season. Hill’s combination of size and skill will make her a matchup nightmare for opponents who may not be used to her level of physicality. She’s not just built to take bumps—she’s more likely to give them out this season, and that’s what makes her such a dangerous threat inside.
Chicago State will lean heavily on Hill to anchor both their offense and defense, and we expect her to rise to the occasion. Her ability to finish around the rim and control the boards makes her an automatic candidate for First Team honors. Look for her to assert herself early in conference play and be a consistent force all season long.
Bailey Kuhns, Forward, Mercyhurst
Coming off a stellar sophomore season where she led Mercyhurst in scoring, Bailey Kuhns is another interior player who could dominate the NEC this year. Kuhns, who earned PSAC West Second Team honors last season, brings a level of physicality that could overwhelm many NEC teams. As good as her play was in the PSAC, it might rise to another level She shot 50% from the floor last year and pulled down double-digit rebounds in multiple games, including a career-high 16 boards against Seton Hill. Kuhns’ experience in the PSAC, a league known for its rugged, physical style of play, has prepared her well to handle whatever the NEC throws her way.
Kuhns is built for contact, and this year she’s going to be the one initiating it. Her ability to carve out space in the post and finish through defenders will be critical for Mercyhurst as they transition to Division I. Expect her to lead by example, especially in high-pressure moments, and be a go-to scorer in the clutch.
Teneisia Brown, Forward, FDU
Teneisia Brown brings a balanced skill set to the table, combining scoring, rebounding, and defensive prowess. Last season, she averaged 12.6 points and 8.0 rebounds per game for the Knights, while shooting an impressive 48.4% from the field. Brown is a versatile forward who can score inside, but also thrives on her ability to crash the boards and affect the game defensively.
Brown’s presence in the paint will be crucial for FDU, but her real value lies in her ability to do it all. Whether it’s scoring, defending, or rebounding, she impacts the game in multiple ways. Brown’s well-rounded game makes her one of the most complete players in the league, and her leadership will be key in FDU’s pursuit of a championship this season.
Belle Lanpher, Guard, CCSU
Belle Lanpher was a standout for CCSU last season, earning All-NEC Second Team honors, and she’s back for more in 2024-25. Last year, Lanpher averaged 12.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game while playing a whopping 33.9 minutes per contest. Known for her ability to take over games, Lanpher scored in double figures in 22 games last season, including an unforgettable 35-point explosion against Fairfield. She’s a fearless competitor.
Lanpher’s ability to handle the ball, create for her teammates, and score from anywhere on the court makes her one of the most dangerous guards in the NEC. She shot 87.8% from the free-throw line last season, showing she’s reliable when the game is on the line. Lanpher is poised for a breakout year, and with her leadership and scoring ability, she’ll be the engine that drives CCSU’s success.
Abby Conklin, Guard, FDU
Abby Conklin is the sharp-shooting guard for FDU who can stretch the floor and cause major problems for opposing defenses. Last season, she averaged 9.8 points per game, but it’s her three-point shooting that really stands out. Conklin hit 35.7% of her shots from beyond the arc, making her one of the most dangerous perimeter threats in the NEC. Her ability to knock down big shots has earned her a reputation as a clutch performer, and FDU will need her to continue her sharpshooting ways this season. At Media Day, Coach Gaitley was blown away at all of the progress she had continued to make with her game.
Conklin also plays tough defense and provides leadership on the court. She has the ability to take over games with her shooting, and her presence on the floor spaces out defenses, giving players like Teneisia Brown room to operate inside. Look for Conklin to play a huge role in FDU’s offensive game plan, especially in tight games where her shooting can be the difference.
A Balanced Attack
Our NEC Blitz Preseason First Team highlights a balanced mix of interior power and guard play that we believe will define the 2024-25 season. Josie Hill and Bailey Kuhns bring the physical edge, while Lanpher and Conklin offer perimeter scoring and leadership. Teneisia Brown bridges both worlds, capable of dominating inside while being an all-around force. These five players are poised to make major impacts on their teams and could very well be the difference-makers in the NEC this season.
LIU Sharks Women’s Basketball Preview: 2024-25
Roster (not yet finalized)
2023-24 Record: 8-22
2023-24: 5th place
LIU Sharks, led by head coach Rene Haynes, are looking to bounce back from an 8-22 season. Entering her fifth season, Haynes, a former assistant at Duke and accomplished coach in the ACC, SEC, and Mid-American conferences, is determined to steer this team upward. The Sharks were tough at home, finishing 6-6 in Brooklyn, but struggled on the road. With no returning player logging over 23 minutes per game last season, the team’s success hinges on several returning and new faces stepping into expanded roles. The Sharks are one of the older NEC teams and have a group of players who have been around college basketball for a long time that should lead them once again into the NEC tournament.
Projected Rotation
Esti Varga (G, Grad.) - Varga returns after missing the 2023-24 season but was a key contributor in 2022-23, averaging 21.3 minutes per game with 3.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 3.4 points. As a veteran guard, Varga's leadership and playmaking will be crucial to the backcourt. Expect her to anchor the offense and set the tone defensively with her solid all-around game.
Gisela Vazquez Segura (F, Grad.) - A Franklin Pierce transfer, Vazquez Segura brings experience and versatility to the forward position. Last season, she averaged 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 5.8 points per game. Her ability to contribute across the board makes her a key addition to the lineup, and she’ll likely play a significant role on both ends of the floor.
Amaya Dowdy (F, Sr.) - Dowdy was a major presence last season, averaging 22.3 minutes, 6 rebounds, and 7.9 points per game, while leading the team in blocks (1.8 per game). Her defense and rebounding make her an essential part of the frontcourt. Dowdy will continue to be relied on for interior defense and scoring around the rim.
Nigeria Harkless (F, Sr.) - Harkless contributed 6.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game in 20.4 minutes last season. Known for her hustle and defense, she’ll bring energy to the lineup and provide consistent support on the glass and in transition. Harkless should be an important two-way player in her senior year.
Janessa Williams (G, Soph.) - Williams is set to be a crucial part of the rotation after playing 30 games as a freshman. She averaged 16.8 minutes, 5 rebounds, and 3.6 points per game, showcasing her defensive abilities with 0.8 steals per game. In her sophomore season, Williams could take a step forward offensively while continuing to excel on the defensive end.
Candela Nevares Garcia (G, Sr.) - A transfer from Charleston, Nevares Garcia saw limited action last season but brings depth to the guard position. She averaged 6 minutes per game with 0.8 rebounds and 0.3 points. Nevares Garcia’s experience will be valuable as a backup, especially in spot minutes for the starters.
Patricia Sherrill (F, Sr.) - Sherrill, a transfer from New Orleans, averaged 6.1 minutes per game, contributing 1.4 rebounds and 0.9 points. She’ll provide frontcourt depth, and her size and physicality will be important in matchups where the team needs additional interior presence.
Sirviva Legions (G, Soph.) - Legions, a transfer from Southern, offers athleticism and scoring. She averaged 13.5 minutes, 3.4 points, and 1.1 rebounds last season. Legions will be expected to provide a scoring spark and defensive intensity when on the floor.
Kayla Tilus (G, Jr.) - Tilus played in 22 games last season, averaging 10.4 minutes, 1.1 rebounds, and 1.7 points per game. Her role as a backup guard will involve providing energy and shooting off the bench. With another year of experience, Tilus could see an increased role in the rotation.
Team Preview
The Sharks are aiming for significant improvement in the NEC after winning 5 conference games in the 2022-23 season. The Sharks have aimed to improve by getting older, including the return of key veterans like Varga and Dowdy. LIU showed that they can be scary to play in Brooklyn last year; now they will look to be competitive both at home and on the road. If the Sharks can build chemistry early and their young players step up, they could surprise some teams in conference play. LIU has a long and storied basketball tradition including a men’s national title. This new generation- now called Sharks instead of Blackbirds- hopes that with their maturity, they can live up to that legacy.
Wagner Seahawks Women’s Basketball Season Preview: 2024-25
Wagner’s women's basketball program, led by head coach Terrell Coburn, enters the 2024-25 season looking to rise from a challenging finish last year. Coburn, the first African American head coach in the program's history, has been here since 2021-22 after serving as an assistant. Despite the struggles in conference play last year(4-12), the Seahawks remained competitive throughout, tied with two other teams and just one game behind Saint Francis. This season offers hope, as Wagner has taken a bold approach to roster construction, leaning heavily on international talent and transfers, which could help them climb in the NEC standings.
Projected Rotation
C - Hawa Balde-Camara (Jr., Queens Transfer) - Balde-Camara will likely be one of the primary interior defenders and rebounders for Wagner. While her offensive production has been limited, her shot-blocking and defensive presence in the paint will be key for a team looking to shore up its defense.
F - Raneem ElBarky (Grad., TAMU-International Transfer) - ElBarky joins Wagner as a graduate transfer. Our provided statistics below are from the 2022-23 season. Her offensive potential (as indicated by her PPG) makes her an intriguing addition. She could provide much-needed scoring punch in the frontcourt if she adapts well to NEC competition.
F - Malia Mpondo (Jr.) - Mpondo offers versatility and athleticism in the forward position. While not a primary scorer, she adds depth and energy on both ends of the court.
G - Taleah Washington (Grad.) - Washington is the focal point of the Seahawks’ offense. Her ability to handle the ball, distribute, and score will be central to any success Wagner has this season. Look for her to play heavy minutes as both a leader and playmaker.
G - KC Carter (Grad., Mount St. Mary’s Transfer) - Carter, a graduate transfer, adds experience to Wagner's backcourt. Though her previous contributions were limited in terms of minutes, she could see an increased role as a rotational guard, especially with her experience in NEC play. On Wagner’s website, she is listed as transferring from Cornell. It’s unclear if she was at Cornell for a short time.
G - Irene Fernandez de Caleya (Jr., Casper College Transfer) - Fernandez de Caleya is a solid all-around guard, and her ability to contribute in multiple facets (scoring, rebounding, and assisting) will make her an important part of the rotation. Expect her to be a valuable piece off the bench, capable of stepping into the starting lineup when needed.
G - Angelie Ricard (Jr.) - Ricard is a reliable guard who provided 20 minutes per game last season. Her experience and ability to stretch the floor make her a vital part of Wagner's second unit.
G - Klea Kaci (R-So., Purdue Fort Wayne Transfer) - Kaci provides depth at the guard position and could see an increased role depending on her ability to fit into Wagner’s system. Her previous experience at Purdue Fort Wayne makes her a solid option.
Team Preview
Wagner’s roster composition is unique within the league, with 11 international players and a heavy reliance on transfers. This creates both excitement and uncertainty as the team seeks to rebound from last season’s struggles. If the new additions can find their footing in the NEC, and Taleah Washington continues to lead effectively, the Seahawks could surprise some teams. However, cohesion and chemistry will be essential in determining whether they rise in the standings or remain in the lower tier of the conference.
The strategy for Wagner seems to have been to retain Taleah Washington and build a team around her. To do this, they looked heavily to underutilized players at other schools. Because many of these players had such limited minutes, it’s difficult to ascertain what this Wagner squad will look like. Ultimately, this season will reflect Coburn’s chops as a recruiter and talent evaluator. It feels much like a high risk-high reward approach. If the Seahawks were able to unearth some hidden gems this offseason, Wagner will take a leap up the standings for NEC play. It just depends on what they were able to surround their returning players with.
It’s important to remember that while Wagner was the sole NEC team to not make the conference tournament last season, this team was not a doormat and the Seahawks had to get to tiebreakers to miss the dance last year. They’ll be competitive again on Grymes Hill this season.
