PRESEASON NO. 1

The Southern University women’s basketball team has been picked to do something they have never done before:Win the Southwestern Athletic Conference women’s basketball title. The Jaguars under the leadership of second-year coach Sandy Pugh was picked by the SWAC pre-season polls as the team to beat.
The ladies who finished the 2000-01 in second place with a 19-10 record edged out SWAC champions Alabama State, for the top spot.
“It’s flattering to know that others think we can win,” said head coach Pugh. “But it does add some pressure to the season. Last year we were able to sneak up on the competition, now they will be waiting on us.” The women’s team got into action Sunday, October 15, with their first official practice of the season. Returning to this year’s roster is guard Jacklyn Winfield, forwards Cherise Sims, Tammy Bullock, Tiffany Womack, Tonnetta Bracey, and Ruth Buck, and point guard Tremesha Colbert.
Newcomers include guards Angela Bullock, Deonicia Culberson, Crystal Jackson, Tommie Walden, and Kerby Jones, and forwards Kelly Garmond, Kanecia Williams and Felicia Gray.One newcomer in particular is expected to do great things. Angela Bullock a transfer from Meridian Community College, is expected to back-up all-SWAC Jacklyn Winfield at the guard position.
“Angie will be around to give Jackie some resting periods throughout the season,” said Pugh. “She has great heart and is a wonderful athlete…The type of player anyone would love to have on their team…I’m just glad she’s on mine.”
Freshman Kelly Garmond is expected to be fundamental in this season’s game plan. Garmond, a graduate of Hightower High School in Missouri City, Texas, is a 5-8 shooting guard who averaged 15 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 assists as a senior.
“She’s the kind of kid I like to have,” SU coach Sandy Pugh said. “I like her enthusiasm about working hard and getting better. Those are the kind of kids I want in this system.”
Many of the ladies who returned for the 2001-02 season also garnered several SWAC award. Jacklyn Winfield, a senior who transferred to SU from Meridian C.C. in the fall of 2000, a first team awardee was named the Southwestern Athletic Conference’s newcomer of the year. Winfield averaged 19.8 points per game for a total of 573 points for the season.
Tammy Bullock a forward, who started in 28 of 29 games averaging 9.2 points per game, also garnered first team honors.
Second team all-SWAC honors went to point guard Tremesha Colbert. Colbert averaged 11.1 points and 8.2 rebounds with 45 steals for the season.
Guard Cherise Sims who did not receive any SWAC honors is also expected to do great things for the Jaguars. Known for her three-point shot from the corners, Sims is also known for being a scholar. Sims maintains a 3.2 grade point average.
“Cherise is a smart girl. We are really going to need her to be ready for every game, and we want her to bring her shot with her,” said assistant coach Lisa Powell.
The women’s basketball is scheduled to take on the Alabama WRATH, November 8, at 7pm. Due to renovations to F.G. Activity Center, this game will be held in Seymour Gym. The ladies are asking that everyone come out and support the team.
“We need the student body to pack the house every night,” said team member Tammy Bullock.