NOTE: D-II South Sports begins its 2005-06 pre-season basketball previews with a look at the teams in the Gulf South Conference East Division. Predicted order of finish is based on the coaches poll in each conference.
1. Valdosta State: After going 24-7, winning the GSC East, reaching the finals of the Gulf South Conference tournament, not to mention reaching the second round of the NCAA tournament, what do you do encore? Play a tougher schedule against some of the best teams around. That's the approach head coach Kiley Hill will take as the Lady Blazers try to reach postseason play for the second straight season. In addition to traveling to Hawaii for the Hoop 'n Surf Classic, VSU will face the likes of Albany State, Armstrong Atlantic State, Florida Gulf Coast, and Saint Leo, among other teams. Senior forward Candice Ferrell will lead the way for the Lady Blazers, while junior college transfers Ewelina Gad and Nina Risto will provide much needed help along the front court.
2. West Florida: The Lady Argonauts will look improve upon last season's 18-10 record with significant contributions from seniors Erin Vierling and Michelle Gibson, and transfers Heather George and Karmeshia Easley.
3. West Georgia: The Braves overcam a dismal 0-9 start to advance to back-to-back GSC tournaments for the first time in nearly a decade, finishing last season with a 16-11 record. If West Georgia is to make a third straight trip to the GSC tournament, it must overcome the loss of Milan Cary, as well as rely on the contributions of reigning GSC East player of the year Tai Ellis. The Braves face a challenging early season schedule, which includes a game against defending Peach Belt Conference regular season and tournament champion Clayton State, as well as contests against perennial powers Columbus State and Delta State.
4. Lincoln Memorial: The Lady Railsplitters hope to bounce back after missing the GSC tourney at 14-13 overall, 6-8 in the GSC East.
5. West Alabama: Guard Veronica Lee will lead a UWA team that also fell short of a GSC tournament bid at 14-13, 6-8 in conference play.
6. Alabama-Huntsville: Despite a dismal 8-20 record, the Lady Chargers managed to advance to the GSC tournament. Whether the UAH women will be able to improve their win total from last season depends on the quick maturation of freshmen like Kristen Banes and Melanie Beddingfield.
7. Montevallo: Head Coach Roy Dixon hopes five signees will help the Lady Falcons improve on last year's 16-13 mark. UM will play against three teams who made the NCAA tournament last season (Columbus State, Clayton State, and Henderson State).
8. North Alabama: After a disappointing 6-21 season a year ago, there's only one way the Lions can go, and that's up. Preseason All-GSC East guard Lauren Qualls will be counted to provide leadership for UNA, which plays its pre-conference schedule against teams within the South Region.
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