ALBANY, Ga. (November 7, 2018) – Under the leadership of Robert Skinner, the Albany State University women's basketball program will tip-off this weekend with a pair of games in the Surcheros Lady Blazers GSC/SIAC Basketball Challenge hosted by Valdosta State University at the Complex on Friday, Nov. 8 and Saturday, Nov. 9.
The Golden Rams will face the University of West Florida on Friday at 1:00 p.m. and take on the host Valdosta State on Saturday at 12 p.m.
Who is Albany State?
· The Golden Rams were picked to finish fifth in SIAC East, after finishing 9-19 overall last season.
· Junior guard Alexandria James returns as the leading scorer, averaging 11.8 points and 1.4 assists per contest.
· Senior guard Ashley Johnson also return, after averaging 8.8 points and 2.4 rebounds per game.
· ASU is led in the frontcourt by junior forward Tyra Thompson, who averaged 7.0 points and 5.1 rebounds per game.
Who is VSU?
· VSU was tabbed fifth in the preseason Gulf South Conference polls last week.
· Junior guard Kayla Bonilla returns as the leading scorer and rebounder for the Lady Blazers, averaged 12.0 points and 4.5 rebounds per game.
· Senior Nari Garner, sophomore Kayla Frey, sophomore Abby Rouse and junior Germani Abram also return for the 2019-2020 season.
· VSU welcomes transfers Cheray Saunders (Nova Southeastern), Saniah Simpson-Patu (Saint Martin's) and Delaney Bernard (Saint Leo's).
· Saunders and Patu were named to the GSC Top Newcomer's Squad for the 2019-2020 season.
· The duo provides experience and immediately becomes the major source of offense for the Blazers.
Who is the University of West Florida?
· The Argos were picked to finish third in GSC, after finishing 24-6 overall last season.
· The Argonauts lost GSC Player of the Year Toni Brewer and First Team All-GSC selection Halee Nieman from last year's team, but UWF is a perennial power in the league, finishing with a winning record in conference play the last six seasons.
For the most up-to-date information on ASU women's basketball please visit www.asugoldenrams.com and follow the Golden Rams Athletics on Twitter @ASUGoldenRams.
