DENTON, Texas - North Texas women's basketball was picked to finish third in the Sun Belt's West Division in the preseason coaches poll the league announced today. The Mean Green had one of the nation's best turnaround's last season in winning 15 games, were picked to finish behind favorite UALR and Arkansas State.
UALR and Middle Tennessee are the preseason favorites to win the West and East divisions. Jerica Coley of FIU is the Preseason Sun Belt Player of the Year.
North Texas returns three starters from last year's 15 win team, but did not have a player selected to the preseason all-conference team. The Mean Green had the second best turnaround in school history, winning 10 more games from the previous season, while also setting a school record for fewest points allowed.
First-year head coach Mike Petersen and the Mean Green begin the 2012-13 season at home on November 12 against Texas State.
2012-13 Women's Basketball Preseason All-Conference First Team
Taylor Gault (UALR, Sophomore, Guard)
Jerica Coley (FIU, Junior, Guard)
Icelyn Elie (Middle Tennessee, Senior, Forward)
Kortni Jones (Middle Tennessee, Senior, Guard)
Ebony Rowe (Middle Tennessee, Junior, Forward)
2012-13 Women's Basketball Preseason All-Conference Second Team
Taylor Ford (UALR, Junior, Guard)
Jane Morrill (Arkansas State, Junior, Forward)
Chenise Miller (Florida Atlantic, RS-Junior, Forward)
Finda Mansare (FIU, Senior, Forward)
Mansa El (South Alabama, Senior, Guard)
2012-13 Women's Basketball Preseason All-Conference Third Team
Janette Merriex (UALR, Senior, Guard/Forward)
Jasmine Shaw (Louisiana-Monroe, Junior, Guard)
Mary Nixon (South Alabama, Senior, Guard)
Chastity Gooch (WKU, Sophomore, Forward)
Alexis Govan (WKU, Sophomore, Guard)
2012-13 Women's Basketball Preseason Player of the Year
Jerica Coley (FIU, Junior, Guard)
EAST DIVISION - Coaches' Votes in Parentheses
1. MT - 65 pts (10)
2. FIU - 54 pts (1)
3. USA - 45 pts
4. FAU - 29 pts
5. WKU - 26 pts
6. Troy - 12 pts
WEST DIVISION
1. UALR - 54 pts (10)
2. ASU - 39 pts (1)
3. North Texas - 33 pts
4. ULM - 24 pts
5. ULL - 15 pts
