St. John's University Athletics
St. John's Receives Votes in Preseason Coaches Poll
10/27/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll
QUEENS, N.Y. - Coming off the program's first BIG EAST Championship since 1988 and the team's ninth-straight postseason appearance, the St. John's women's basketball team received nine votes in the USA TODAY Sports Preseason Coaches Poll, the publication announced Thursday.
The Red Storm is coming off its third-straight 23-win season, a campaign that saw the Johnnies earn their first BIG EAST title in 28 years and make an appearance in the NCAA Tournament for the sixth time in the last seven seasons. Head Coach Joe Tartamella will be relying on veteran leadership from seniors Aaliyah Lewis and Jade Walker, and red shirt senior Sandra Udobi to guide the team through a tough non-conference schedule before BIG EAST play begins
Walker is the leading returning scorer after averaging 9.3 points per contest over the course of 32 games last season, while Lewis returns as the team's starting point guard. The Staten Island, N.Y., native led the team with 3.9 assists and added 7.9 points per game last season.
Tartamella expects his group of juniors to continue to grow and compete for valuable minutes. Imani Littleton, who started every game a year ago, returns and brings back valuable experience at the forward position. Tamesha Alexander and Crystal Simmons will both be looking to contribute in big ways this season.
A pair of second year players, Akina Wellere and Jordan Agustus, have made strides since their rookie campaigns. Wellere saw action in all 33 games last season and had one of her best games in the BIG EAST semifinals against DePaul.
Last month, Tartamella announced the finishing touches on his recruiting class that already included junior college transfer Maya Singleton and freshmen Andrayah Adams and Tiana England, with the additions of graduate transfer Kendyl Nunn, Alisha Kebbe and Shamachya Duncan.
The Red Storm kicks off the 2016-17 season on Sunday, Nov. 13, traveling to Williamsburg, Va. for a game against William and Mary. The opening tip is slated for 2 p.m.
