Women's Basketball Opens Season with Exhibition Game

11/2/2010 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball

Nov. 2, 2010

HATTIESBURG, Miss. -- The Southern Miss women's basketball team officially tips off the 2010-11 season, hosting University of Mobile in an exhibition game Wednesday at 7 p.m., in Reed Green Coliseum.

The Lady Eagles return only five letterwinners that include three starters from last year's team that finished just 9-21. Headlining the returning players is senior Tanesha Washington who is the top returning scorer and rebounder with 11.1 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. Also returning are seniors Ashlee Kelly, Brittany Johnson and Geneshia Dunbar. Kelly played in all 30 games while averaging 1.4 points and 2.0 assists per game. Dunbar finished the year averaging 3.4 points and 3.7 rebounds per game, but over the last 11 games, she averaged 6.0 points and 6.1 rebounds. Johnson, who missed the final 20 games, averaged 3.3 points and 1.3 rebounds.

Rounding out the returnees is sophomore Danielle Johnson who led the team in three-point goals and free throw percentage. She finished her rookie campaign with 7.3 points and 2.0 rebounds per game averages.

Head Coach Joye Lee-McNelis is entering her seventh season at Southern Miss and her 20th overall. McNelis welcomes eight newcomers to the 2010-11 squad, Janairrika Bland, Nia Bradford, Jamierra Faulkner, Tandrea High, Niesha Pierce, Nitesha Pierce, Ewa Urbanowska and Rachel Vigers.

Mobile opened its season with a road win against Tougaloo College, 68-60. Junior Allison Michael led the Lady Rams with 15 points while Alyssa Lane chipped in 11 points. Alice Honnery added a double-double with 11 points, 17 rebounds and five blocked shots. Adrienne Mackay also had 10 points for Mobile.

Mobile finished the 2009-10 season 17-12. Coach Michael Berry returns six letterwinners from last year's squad. Honnery is the top returnee from last season with 9.5 points and 8.9 rebounds per game.

The Lady Eagles open the regular season, Nov. 12, when the host McNeese State. Game time is set for 12 p.m. Admission is free for students K-12 while parents attending will be admitted at the group rate of $4. A brown bag lunch with be available for $4 upon request.

The game can be heard on WXHB-FM 96.5 with the "Voice of the Lady Eagles" Josh West providing play-by-play action, while former legendary coach Kay James providing color commentary.

Season tickets are still available and for more information, contact the Southern Miss Ticket Office at 1-800-844-TICK (1-800-844-8425).