After a disappointing season last year, the Lady Marauders are determind to get back to their winning ways. Freshman guard Charlize Turner is willing to do her part.
“I will try my best to understand the role I have on the team and play my part in order for us to contend for the championship,” Turner said.
Head Coach Tonya McDole recruited 11 new players for this year’s team, which will feature 21 players – up from 14 players last year. McDole believes that the additional players will ensure that the team has enough depth to deal with injuries. It will also allow her to rotate more players in and out of the game to keep up a fast pace on the court.
McDole says she recruited speed and height for this year’s squad. Last year, McDole says she didn’t have enough strength under the boards. With few post players at her disposal, she was forced, at times, to put five guards on the court. Junior Andrea Bowleg is hoping to contribute some power under the boards. The 6’5” center transferred to Central State from a community college in Ohio.
The Marauders had a disappointing 2018-2019 season and finished with a 12-17 record, 11 fewer wins than the previous season. “We lost players to injury and eligibility concerns,” McDole said. “We finished under .500, but we played hard and fought every game.”
With a lot of new faces on this year’s team, the returning Lady Marauders are excited about the season. Sophomore Guard Kennedi London says the team has an excellent work ethic. “The players are the key to our success.” London said. “If the players do not put forth the effort and dedication to come out on top, winning will be very hard. Everyone plays a part in getting the job done.”
The Lady Marauders will kick off their season in Boca Raton, FL, Nov. 9, 2019, with a game against Lynn University. With a new year, mindset, and players, its seems safe to say that Marauder basketball is in a great place.