Numbers can be deceiving. While the Long Island University women's basketball team struggled during the 2008-09 campaign, the Blackbirds took several positives from the experience and were left with a feeling of optimism heading into the 2009-10 season. In her first season at the helm, head coach
Gail Striegler led Long Island to a 9-20 record (4-14 Northeast Conference), but the final numbers were not indicative of the Blackbirds season. Playing often with as few as seven active players, the short-staffed squad was involved in eight losses that were decided by two points or less. A couple different bounces of the ball here and there and Long Island would be looking at an entirely different season.
The Blackbirds were forced to play a young lineup for most of the season, but that inexperienced squad displayed grit and determination that resulted in a confidence level that increased as the year progressed and the team won two of its last three contests. After playing several freshmen for more than traditional minutes, Striegler can expect a bonus this season with a sophomore class that has seen more game action than the norm. That, combined with the stellar play of last season's NEC Rookie of the Year
Ashley Palmer and a talented recruiting class, has the Blackbirds expecting broad things on the horizon.
Forwards
Palmer was impressive from start to finish last season, including the most productive debut ever by a Long Island player when she turned in 30 points and 16 rebounds in the season opener at La Salle. For the year, she averaged 17.1 points and 9.3 rebounds per game despite being frequently double- and triple-teamed. Palmer led the nation in scoring among freshman and was second in rebounding. She scored in double figures in all but three contests and recorded 13 double-doubles en route to a spot on the All-NEC Second Team and the aforementioned rookie of the year award.
Chelsi Johnson enters her junior year coming off a season where she was second on the team in scoring (11.5 ppg) and rebounding (6.2 rpg). A former member of the NEC All-Rookie Team, Johnson has grown into a prime scoring threat, often proving to be the perfect compliment to Palmer. In addition to her scoring prowess, Johnson is tough on the boards. She finished the season ranked 13th in the NEC rebounding and averaged 4.4 boards per game on the defensive glass to rank 10th.
Fellow junior
Justine Stevenson also returns to the Blackbirds' frontcourt. A physical presence in the lane, the 5-foot-11 Stevenson averaged 4.0 ppg and 2.1 rpg last season. She recorded season highs of 12 points and six boards in a 47-46 win at Mount St. Mary's and, with two seasons of experience under her belt, looks to figure largely into Long Island's plans this year.
Luxembourg native
Tessy Hetting is back for her senior season. The 6-2 forward saw action in 20 games last season and scored a career-high 11 points against Wagner. Sophomore
MaryAnn Abrams appeared in 19 games for the Blackbirds last season, gaining pivotal experience in her freshman campaign, leaving her primed for a larger role this season. With their ability to come off the bench, Hetting and Abrams give Striegler some valuable depth in the frontcourt.
Guards
Senior
Connie James returns for her final season in Brooklyn. The talented 5-8 guard was third on the team in scoring, netting 9.2 ppg. Despite her diminutive size, James was one of the team's top rebounders. With a true nose for the ball, she pulled down 6.0 rpg. James was also one of the NEC's top ballhandlers, finishing 11th in the league with an assist-to-turnover ratio of 0.89. A multitalented player who can score, rebound and dish out assists, James' play should prove vital to the Blackbirds' success.
Junior
Heidi Mothershead suffered a season-ending injury in the second game of the season, but is primed for a comeback. In her two games prior to the injury, the sharpshooting guard averaged 7.5 points. A threat from the three-point line, Mothershead gives Long Island yet another scoring option. She knocked down five treys in her limited action. A healthy return should bolster the Blackbirds' backcourt.
Sophomore
Marika Sprow saw action in 29 games during her inaugural campaign. She averaged 4.4 ppg and led the Blackbirds with 23 three-pointers. Combined with Mothershead's prowess from long range and a similar ability from both Palmer and Johnson, Sprow will give Long Island a number of options from beyond the arc.
Newcomers
Sophomore transfer
Kiara Evans will see action for Long Island after sitting out last season following her arrival from the University of Louisville. A multitalented guard, Evans is expected to see significant playing time.
Evans is joined by a talented recruiting class that was ranked by Blue Star Basketball.
Tamika Guz, a 6-2 center, will give the Blackbirds a strong presence in the lane. She comes to Brooklyn from Miami, Fla., where she led Miami Norland High School to a state championship last season and was an All-Dade County Selection.
Ify Obianwu, a 6-0 forward from Tabernacle, N.J., played for Bishop Eustace High School. An athletic player that can both score and defend, she took her team to the South Jersey championships and was named second-team all-conference in the process.
Kayla Ramsby, a 5-10 guard from Fairburn, Ga., comes to Long Island from Creekside High School. Ramsby, a versatile guard that can hit the outside shot or drive to the rim, was an All-Region 2-AAAA selection at Creekside.
Krystal Wells rounds out the recruiting class. A 5-5 point guard that can penetrate and find the open player, the Douglasville, Ga., native was a two-time league player of the year at Douglas County High School.