Published: October 01, 2008 09:41 pm      

UCO women favored for LSC North title

BARTLESVILLE — Lizzie Brenner was named Lone Star Conference North Division Preseason Player of the Year and Central Oklahoma earned the favorite’s role in the team race, it was announced Wednesday during the annual LSC Basketball Media Day.

The Bronchos, who return six players from last year’s 24-8 team that shared the LSC North title and made their first-ever NCAA Division II national tournament appearance, earned 13 first-place votes in balloting of North Division head coaches, sports information directors and various media representatives to finish with 144 points.

Texas A&M-Commerce was second in the poll with 130 points, followed by Northeastern State (110), Southwestern Oklahoma (85), Southeastern Oklahoma (82), Texas Woman’s (63), East Central (40) and Cameron (30).

“We’re proud to be number one in the preseason poll, but we know it’s where you are in March that really counts,” said third-year UCO coach Guy Hardaker. “We’re still going to be smaller than most teams, but we’re going to play fast and I’m very excited about our chances this year.”

Brenner, a senior forward from Woodward, was the LSC North Division co-Player of the Year and first-team Daktronics All-South Central Regional selection last year after averaging 17.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, 3.0 steals and 1.4 blocked shots a game.

The senior star is on the verge of setting a number of school career records and already owns the all-time marks for free throws made (353) and steals (206). Brenner ranks third in points (1,280) and fourth in rebounds (629), needing just 97 points and 168 rebounds to set those career records.

UCO also has back two other starters in senior Mallory Markus and junior Cristina Yarbrough, while junior Taylor Allen and sophomores Ashley Beckley and Kasey Tweed also saw extensive playing time last year.

West Texas A&M was picked to win the LSC South Division, with WTAMU’s Emily Brister the Preseason Player of the Year.

UCO opens preseason drills Oct. 15, with the Bronchos set to open the season Nov. 18 at Oklahoma Panhandle.