Women’s Basketball Picked 2nd, Mitchell, Bridges Named Preseason All-SWAC
Texas Southern women’s basketball was picked to finished second in the annual Southwestern Athletic Conference poll while the duo of Niya Mitchell and Ataiya Bridges earned preseason All-SWAC honors as the league announced its annual preseason poll and all-conference teams Tuesday morning.
Third-year head coach Cynthia Cooper-Dyke returns an experienced roster with an abundance of letterwinners from a team which finished 14-4 in SWAC play and 20-10 overall. Early on, graduate student Niya Mitchell will be tasked with leading TSU as the Bay City, Texas native had a career season with 16.1 points and 11.8 rebounds while recording 17 double-doubles. The Preseason All-SWAC First Teamer also ranked sixth nationally in rebounding (5th offensive rebounding) and 14th in steals. Mitchell shot 60 percent from the field as she shot 50 percent or better in 23 games. Senior guard Ataiya Bridges also returns and will have an expanded role after averaging 12.9 points and 2.8 rebounds off the bench as the Lanett, Ala. native earned second team All-SWAC honors and after her first season at TSU.
Until the newcomers settle in, the Tigers will rely on a committee of returnees that saw plenty of action last season for depth and experience. Junior posts and 6-3 twin sisters Lauren and Ryann Lewis return as Ryann started nine contests last season while junior Tamaria White is also expected to play a larger role after suiting up in 28 contests last season.
Third-year head coach Cynthia Cooper-Dyke returns an experienced roster with an abundance of letterwinners from a team which finished 14-4 in SWAC play and 20-10 overall. Early on, graduate student Niya Mitchell will be tasked with leading TSU as the Bay City, Texas native had a career season with 16.1 points and 11.8 rebounds while recording 17 double-doubles. The Preseason All-SWAC First Teamer also ranked sixth nationally in rebounding (5th offensive rebounding) and 14th in steals. Mitchell shot 60 percent from the field as she shot 50 percent or better in 23 games. Senior guard Ataiya Bridges also returns and will have an expanded role after averaging 12.9 points and 2.8 rebounds off the bench as the Lanett, Ala. native earned second team All-SWAC honors and after her first season at TSU.
Until the newcomers settle in, the Tigers will rely on a committee of returnees that saw plenty of action last season for depth and experience. Junior posts and 6-3 twin sisters Lauren and Ryann Lewis return as Ryann started nine contests last season while junior Tamaria White is also expected to play a larger role after suiting up in 28 contests last season.
The complete 2020-21 schedule will be released shortly as the staff is finalizing its non-conference slate. The 2021 SWAC schedule is set and can be viewed by clicking the above link.
Courtesy: TSUSports.com
