Editor's Note: This is the first of multiple preseason basketball previews at D-II South Sports. First up are the women's teams in the Gulf South Conference.
Here's how the coaches see things turning out in the GSC...
Now...here's how D-II South Sports sees it...
East Division
1. Valdosta State (21-9 in 2008-09): After reaching the NCAA tournament last season, the Lady Blazers hope to take step, and make a deeper postseason run this season. Leschelle Matthews is expected to lead way in the backcourt for VSU.
2. West Georgia (22-7): The Wolves will look to provide the Lady Blazers with a stiff challenge, as they defend their GSC East title.
3. West Alabama (11-17): Can the Lady Tigers rebound from a below-average season?
4. North Alabama (15-13): Sophomore forward Dana Jackson and senior guard Jameica York are among the returning players for the Lady Lions.
5. West Florida (8-19): The Lady Argonauts will try a snap a six-game skid dating back to late last season.
6. Alabama-Huntsville (7-20): Juniors Marissa Carter (guard) and Jasmine Young (forward) must step up for the Lady Chargers to be a serious contender for a berth in the GSC tournament.
West Division
1. Delta State (30-7 in 2008-09): After reaching the NCAA Division II Final Four last season, the Lady Statesmen look to take the next step, and win it all this season. Junior guard Sarita Cooper and sophomore forward Veronica Walker could be the key to the DSU women's national championship hopes.
2. Ouachita Baptist (23-9): The Lady Tigers hope to build on last season's NCAA tournament appearance. They gave the Lady Statesmen all they could handle before losing in last season's South Regional final.
3. Arkansas-Monticello (21-9): The Cotton Blossoms hope to put themselves back in the postseason conversation after advancing to the second round of the NCAA tournament a season ago, losing to DSU.
4. Harding (20-10): The Lady Bisons barely reached the GSC tournament despite finishing 5-9 in West Division play. It'll be interesting to see if they can finish with a .500 or better record in conference games this season.
5. Arkansas Tech (19-9): The Golden Suns also hope to shine at or near the top of the GSC West this season.
6. Christian Brothers (11-16): A season-ending three-game winning streak provides some hope for the Lady Buccaneers in 2009-10.
7. Henderson State (10-16): The Lady Reddies ended their season with four straight losses.
8. Southern Arkansas (8-19): But the Riderettes hope to snap an eight-game skide to begin this season.
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