CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – With the 2020-21 season drawing near, Austin Peay State University women’s basketball is eager to hit the hardwood and turn their doubters into believers.
“Each year you get to prove it on the court in a good way or a bad way,” said Austin Peay women’s basketball head coach David Midlick at OVC Media Day on Tuesday. “It’s a three-, fourth-month season, and you have to get better each day. It sounds like coach-speak and I’ve probably had the same answer each year, but you just have to try and play your best basketball in December when conference starts.”
In his five years at the helm, Midlick has guided the Govs to an Ohio Valley Conference tournament appearance in each of them.
Last season, the Governors lit it up from behind the arc, setting a program record with 267 made three-pointers. Junior Maggie Knowles was a big reason why, adding 58 triples of her own. Austin Peay finished (18-12, 9-9 OVC) after falling to Belmont 76-73 in Evansville, Indiana.
Players to watch
Austin Peay returns its leading scorer this upcoming season in 2019-20 OVC All-Newcomer selection Ella Sawyer. The Australian native poured in 9.5 points per game and totaled 80 assists in her first year with the Govs.
Several other key returners include three-point threat Shay-Lee Kirby, top rebounder D’Shara Booker and the Swiss Army Knife Kasey Kidwell.
The Governors should not lack in the experience department, as seniors Tahanee Bennell, Myah LeFlore, Kelen Kenol and twin sisters Brandi and Briannah Ferby all return in 2020-21.
“Every senior on our team has a different leadership role,” said Bennell. “I think the combination between me and Myah and the other three seniors hopefully can lead our team to a very successful year.”
APSU will also have a few fresh faces in red and white this upcoming season at the Winfield Dunn Center.
On the international side, the Govs welcome in redshirt junior New Mexico Junior College transfer and Finland native Selina Dockery, as well as freshman Nina De Leon Negron from San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Georgia’s Jayla Kimbrough and Kemia Ward each had illustrious high school careers and will look to have continued success at Austin Peay. Fellow freshman Ashlyn Freeman who hails from Rosharon, Texas, will help add more depth at the forward position.
What’s next
The Governors have been tabbed to finish ninth in the 2020-21 Preseason OVC Women’s Basketball Media Poll. With the lowly projected finish and no players being selected to the 2020-21 Preseason All-OVC Women’s Basketball Team, Midlick believes it does put a bit of a chip on the shoulder of the team.
“I think you want to have motivation in anyway possible,” Midlick said. “I’m sure our players do. Once again, you get a chance to prove it on the basketball court. That’s the thing about athletics is it’s merit based.”
The Governors open up the 2020-21 season on the road against North Alabama Wednesday, Nov. 25 at 1 p.m. before taking on Trevecca in their home-opener Saturday, Nov. 28.