Owens CC Picked by Coaches to Win 2013-14 OCCAC WBB Basketball Championship

By Nicholas Huenefeld/OCCAC Sports Information

The OCCAC coaches have selected Owens Community College as the pre-season favorite to win the 2013-14 OCCAC women's basketball championship.

The full order, as predicted, is...

1. Owens Community College
2. Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
3. Columbus State Community College
4. Edison Community College
5. Sinclair Community College
6. Lakeland Community College
7. Cuyahoga Community College 

Here's a team-by-team preview:

Owens
 - Top Returner, Eboni Adams
 - Top Newcomer, Paige Wright

"This year's squad features new veterans Kamilah Carter, a redshirt sophomore, Paige Wright, a transfer from Saginaw Valley and Alyssa Lassey - back from the softball program at Owens," said Owens head coach Mike Llanas. "They will be counted on to lead eight new freshmen to the program." 

"We have some big shoes to fill with the graduation of OCCAC Player of the Year, Cameron Vaughn," said Cincinnati State head coach Sonya Beeler. "We are athletic, but very young.  The young players are learning the system and how to compete at the college level.  We are excited to start playing games and competing with top notch teams."

Columbus State
 - Top Returner, Hannah Frey
 - Top Newcomer, Kalyn Daniel 

"We have a very young, but athletic team that has been working hard in the offseason," said Columbus State head coach Joel Renner. "We expect to be competitive in every conference game and compete for an OCCAC Championship."

Edison
 - Top Returner, Brooke Richard
 - Top Newcomer, Bridget Geiger 

"We are looking forward to a good season," said Edison head coach Kim Rank. "The league should be extremely strong and should be extremely fun to watch this year.

Sinclair
 - Top Returner, Ashley Morrow
 - Top Newcomer, Jenae Curtiss 

"We are a new squad led by Ashley Morrow, built mostly on freshman and inexperience," said Sinclair head coach Marcus Stewart. "Will compete every night with the top programs in the conference."

Lakeland
 - Top Returner, None
 - Top Newcomer, Nichole Upshaw 

"With the addition of a brand new group of student athletes, the Lakeland Lakers are looking to make an impact on this year's season and greatly improve on the previous year's success," said Lakeland head coach Amanda Blazetic.

*Cuyahoga did not submit a team preview.