Run It Back: Women’s Basketball Season Preview

Last season Southern University women’s basketball team ran through the SWAC with a record of 17-4 that led to a birth in the NCAA Tournament versus Mississippi State in Starkville. 
Head Coach Carlos Funchess took over the women’s basketball program officially at the start of last season, and after earning an invitation to the SWAC champion into the NCAA Tournament, was recognized as one of the better coaches in the SWAC. At the conclusion of the season, Funchess was named SWAC Coach of the Year after his first season. 
In Coach Funchess’ sophomore season as the Jaguars women’s basketball head coach, he’s coming into the 2019-2020 season with expectations of repeating his teams success from last season. 
While this team will see a variety of returning players this season such as Alyric Scott, Brittany Rose, and Cailian Williams looking to repeat as back-to-back SWAC champions, they will also be looking to get contributions from some of their newer players as well. 
With the losses of senior guards RiShonti Cowart, Skylar O’Bear, and Danayea Charles at the end of last season, the Jaguars will look to bolster their depth with players such as Genovea Johnson and Cabria Lee picking up the defensive load on the perimeter. 
As far as guard play goes, Alyric Scott and Brittany Rose will be the Jaguars primary ball handlers going into the season. Rose, who was one of the Jaguars more efficient options from the three point line last season, will look to remain a threat from outside as well as a perimeter defender. As for Alyric Scott who was named SWAC tournament MVP, was recently named preseason 1st All-Team will be looked to have another astonishing season. 
Similarly, forwards Cailain Williams and CeUndra McGhee will be the returning wings for Southern going into the season. Williams, a former Southern Lab standout, will look to take a step forward in her progression as a scorer, rebounder, and defender in the 2019 season. 
Some of the notable home games to be on the lookout for include consecutive matchups against Grambling and Jackson State on January 11 and 13 in 2020.
The Jaguars will have their first game of the year on November 7 vs Iowa State, but will make their home debut on November 11, 2019 as they take on Wiley College in the FG Clark Activity Center.