Second year head coach Nitra Perry wasn’t afraid to be blunt when asked what’s on tap for the women’s basketball team’s season, which opens Friday night at the College of Charleston.
“We need to improve our record,” Perry said. KSU finished with a 7-24 record in 2012, going just 3-15 in the Atlantic Sun Conference. While injuries are no excuse, there’s no doubt that the steady return redshirt senior Lisa Capellan could make a big difference. Capellan, who was becoming a force in the paint in 2011, missed all of last season with an Achilles injury.
“Lisa Capellan was a verbal leader for us last year because she wasn’t able to get on the court, and now she’s working her way in,” said Perry of the 6’1” forward from New York. Capellan’s return will be coupled with the addition of eight freshman and two transfers.
Juniors guard Ty-Nita Baker and Valescia Dixon will add some firepower to the Owls lineup. Both are junior college transfers from Mississippi.
“(Baker) can score in many capacities. She can get to the hole and score from three,” Perry said. Perry also thinks highly of Dixon, who’s brought on some shades of the program’s recent past.
“She reminds you a lot of Sametria Gideon. Very athletic and can jump out of the gym. We’re expecting great things from her,” Perry said.
Gideon, who had been a force for the Owls from 2009-12, coupled nicely with sharpshooter Kristina Wells. Wells now enters her junior year as a key cog in the Owls offense.
“Wells was a strong force for us last year,” Perry said. “She’s coming along very well.”
One freshman who has received much praise from the head coach is Deandrea Sawyers. The 5’8” Nashville native is expected to make an immediate impact.
“She’s a freshman who we look to give a lot of minutes,” Perry said.
The Owls topped Talladega College 70-50 on Sunday night in the only exhibition of the season. KSU will open at 8 p.m. On Friday against the Cougars before its home opener at 7 p.m. On Monday against Tennessee State.
Notable non-conference games for KSU include a home date on Nov. 17 against Florida, Georgia State on Dec. 3, and a road game at Georgia on Dec. 15
