2009-2010 Basketball Previews--Peach Belt Conference Women

The latest installlment of the D2SS hoops previews features the women's squads in the Peach Belt Conference.

Here's how the PBC coaches see the outcome of the upcoming season, including preseason notes.

Now, here's how D-II South Sports sees things in the "Belt", broken down into the newly formed East and West Divisions.

East Division

1. Francis Marion (27-5 in 2008-09): All-American Shannon Singleton-Bates is one of four returning starters for the Patriots, who reached the Sweet 16 of last season's NCAA Division II tournament. FMU hopes to capture a third straight PBC regular season title.

2. Lander (20-11): The two-time defending PBC tournament champs hope to have a "three-peat" of their own come March, as 11 players--including juniors Shannon McKever and Tasheba Butler--return for yet another defense of their postseason.

3. USC Aiken (22-12): The Lady Pacers are shooting for a fourth straight 20-win season.

4. Armstrong Atlantic State (17-11): All-PBC standout Lacey Willis has graduated, but the Lady Pirates still have six returnees to help them remain a serious contender for the PBC title again this season.

5. UNC Pembroke (12-16): The Lady Braves return 13 players from last season, but face an uphill battle in trying to move up in the standings.

6. Augusta State (5-21): The Lady Jaguars hope to improve on last season's 3-17 mark in PBC play under second year head coach Tes Sobomehin.

7. Flagler (5-24): The Lady Saints enter their inaugural season in the PBC under a new head coach: Erika Lang-Montgomery.

West Division

1. Clayton State (26-7 in 2008-09): The Lakers hope to advance to their third NCAA Division II Women's Elite Eight in four seasons under the leadership of senior guard Lesheria Stevens.

2. Georgia College & State (17-11): Shandrea Moore hopes her final season in a Lady Bobcats uniform will lead to an appearance in the NCAA tournament.

3. Columbus State (18-14): The Lady Cougars have a new head coach in Jonathan Norton, who was an assistant under former head coach Jay Sparks.

4. Georgia Southwestern (8-19): With four starters coming back under third-year head coach Kelly Britsky, this could be the season the Lady Hurricanes could at least advance to the PBC tournament.

5. North Georgia (9-20): With only two returning starters--and the loss of All-American Syretha Marble--the Lady Saints could struggle just to get to the conference tournament, never mind the double-digit win mark.

6. Montevallo (8-20): After 14 seasons in the Gulf South Conference, the Lady Falcons face a new challenge in their first season as a member of the Peach Belt Conference.