The Bengal women, who made back-to-back appearances in the Big Sky Tournament championship, are scheduled to return everybody but Freya Newton from this year's active roster. They also signed four players in the November signing period, including JUCOs Dora Goles, a 5-7 PG, and 6-2 guard Nicole Clavier. Here's what the roster looks like today, although I wouldn't be surprised to see a returner or two leave and another recruit or two joining the program:
PGs
Brooke Blair, who likely would have been ISU's leading scorer had she not blown an ACL in the first game returns for a fifth year. She'll be joined at the point by Isabel Vera de Rey, who inherited the starting job after Blair's injury, and Goles, who averaged 5.8 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 11.7 points a game in JUCO this past year. A lot of quality depth at this position.
Wings
Saylair Grandon was ISU's most improved player last year and she was having a very productive sophomore season until she went down to a broken bone in her hand late in the conference season.
The battle to start at the other wing comes down to true sophomores Bianca Thacker and Estephie Ors, with Brittany Kochendorfer available as a good backup. JUCO transfer Nicole Murugarren Clavier is an intriguing prospect at 6-2. She averaged 13 points and 7.8 rebounds for her JUCO last year. Brittany Kochenderfer is a steady hand off the bench as well, and also improved greatly from freshman to sophomore season.
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Starters Lindsay Brown and Grace Kenyon both return with Sai Tapasa coming back after a productive freshman season.
Irene Vincene will likely see a few more minutes this year after struggling as a freshman, while Incoming freshmen Ellie Smith and Kaitlyn Bell are good redshirt candidates. Little used Jenna Morch is also eligible for another season.
There are always injuries and transfers to contend with but I like the looks of this roster. The goal should be not just to get into the championship again next year but to finish in the top four to get an extra day's rest and win the tourney this year. I fully expect ISU to be in the top four when the ballots are counted next fall.
PGs
Brooke Blair, who likely would have been ISU's leading scorer had she not blown an ACL in the first game returns for a fifth year. She'll be joined at the point by Isabel Vera de Rey, who inherited the starting job after Blair's injury, and Goles, who averaged 5.8 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 11.7 points a game in JUCO this past year. A lot of quality depth at this position.
Wings
Saylair Grandon was ISU's most improved player last year and she was having a very productive sophomore season until she went down to a broken bone in her hand late in the conference season.
The battle to start at the other wing comes down to true sophomores Bianca Thacker and Estephie Ors, with Brittany Kochendorfer available as a good backup. JUCO transfer Nicole Murugarren Clavier is an intriguing prospect at 6-2. She averaged 13 points and 7.8 rebounds for her JUCO last year. Brittany Kochenderfer is a steady hand off the bench as well, and also improved greatly from freshman to sophomore season.
Posts
Starters Lindsay Brown and Grace Kenyon both return with Sai Tapasa coming back after a productive freshman season.
Irene Vincene will likely see a few more minutes this year after struggling as a freshman, while Incoming freshmen Ellie Smith and Kaitlyn Bell are good redshirt candidates. Little used Jenna Morch is also eligible for another season.
There are always injuries and transfers to contend with but I like the looks of this roster. The goal should be not just to get into the championship again next year but to finish in the top four to get an extra day's rest and win the tourney this year. I fully expect ISU to be in the top four when the ballots are counted next fall.
