1. Columbus State--Despite going 1-2 in the recently completed Disney Division II Tip-Off Classic near Orlando, Fla., the Lady Cougars are still the team to beat in the PBC, at least according to the coaches. Head Coach Jay Sparks welcomes back three starters from last season's 21-10 team that reached the PBC tournament finals, as well as the NCAA tournament. Junior center Cherwonna Walker averaged just over 10 rebounds per game last season, while forward Erin Gibbs and guard Tabasha Taylor both return for their seasons. Hopefully, losses to teams like Nebraska-Omaha and North Dakota will help the Lady Cougars take on what's sure to be some tough competition in the PBC this season.
2. Clayton State--The Lady Lakers return six letterwinners, including two All-PBC starters from a team that went 25-7 overall, 13-3 in conference play last season. That's not to mention the Clayton State women also swept the PBC regular season and tournament titles as well, and making the NCAA tournament for the first time in school history to boot. Still, second year Head Coach Dennis Cox has holes to fill, namely replacing three starters, including all-conference standout Jamika Hindsman. Cox also dipped into the Florida junior college ranks during the off-season, as he signed Roberta Phillips and Alecia Humphrey from Palm Beach Community College, and Sharon Wiles and Tracey Browne from Tallahassee Community College, respectively.
3. Georgia College & State University--The Lady Bobcats will look to return to form in 2005-06 after finishing 18-10 last season, and losing in the first round of the PBC tournament to Lander. If Head Coach John Carrick hopes to lead GC&SU to its third NCAA tournament appearance in five years, he must count on a young team to grow up fast, as the Lady Bobcats have only two seniors on this year's squad. The GC&SU women once again have one of the toughest non-conference schedules in the South, if not the nation, with games against Rollins, Shaw, Winston-Salem State, and North Carolina Central.
4. Armstrong Atlantic State--The Lady Pirates return six starters from last year's team, including senior guard Alicia Durham, who currently ranks sixth all-time in assists (216), and fourth all-time steals (189).
5. UNC Pembroke--The Lady Braves will look to improve upon last season's 18-10 mark with improved depth. But in order to contend for the PBC title in 2006, they must overcome the loss of 2005 Peach Belt Conference player of the year Danielle Richardson.
6t. Augusta State--The Lady Jaguars and Head Coach Greg Wilson return two starters from a squad that finished 14-14 overall, and 8-8 in PBC games. Like Columbus State, Augusta State also went 1-2 in the Disney Division II Tip-Off Classic. If the Lady Jaguars are to be a serious contender for the PBC championship this season, they must learn how to win on the road, as they were only 3-8 away from the Christenberry Fieldhouse last season.
6t. USC Aiken--The Lady Pacers finished 19-13 overall, and 9-7 in PBC action, good enough for only the program's second ever trip to the NCAA tournament. But Head Coach Mike Brandt has his work cut out for him, as USCA returns only three of nine letterwinners for this season. However, the Lady Pacers do return two of those players in starting point guard Mindy Allee, and starting power forward Nola Grant.
8. Francis Marion--The Patriots have nine letterwinners, including four starters, returning for this year's squad, including senior Danielle Moore. Whether that will be enough to improve upon last year's 11-17 mark remains to be seen.
9. North Georgia--The Lady Saints won their fourth straight conference title en route to reaching the NAIA tournament for the seventh time in eight seasons, as well as finishing the 2004-05 season at 26-8. But the NCAA Division II ranks and the Peach Belt Conference are both a whole new ball game for the North Georgia women, as they can't compete for the PBC tournament title, although they can play for a regular season crown. North Georgia also brings back three of five letterwinners, including sophomore Megan Huffman.
10. USC Upstate--The Spartans welcome a new head coach in Tammy George, who takes over for the departed Laura Timmons. George faces an uphill battle on the Upstate campus, as the Spartans finished last season at 14-14 overall, but finished under .500 in PBC games at 7-9.
11. Lander--The Lady Bearcats also have a new head coach, as Kevin Pederson comes to Greenwood, S.C. from Anderson College, where he led his team to a 33-3 record last season.
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