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.
Sports
UCO women favored for LSC North title
- Sports
-
-
All-Edmond Golf 2012
-
OCA’s Drewke signs with OC
Oklahoma Christian Academy senior Kara Drewke signed to play soccer at Oklahoma Christian University this week.
-
OC enters final day of NAIA golf championship with 3-stroke lead
Defending national champions and No. 2-ranked Oklahoma Christian maintained the clubhouse lead heading into the final round of the 61st annual NAIA Men’s Golf National Championships presented by FORE! Salem at Creekside Golf Club.
-
Kansas State shuts Cowboys out of tourney
Five days after Oklahoma State University pitcher Randy McCurry dominated Texas A&M in his best pitching performance this season, the junior from Tupelo had his worst outing as Kansas State eliminated the Cowboys from the Big 12 tournament, 11-5, Thursday at Oklahoma City’s Bricktown Ballpark.
-
Defending champion Oklahoma Christian holds 6-stroke lead at NAIA tournament
Midway through the 61st annual NAIA Men’s Golf National Championships presented by FORE! Salem at Creekside Golf Club, defending national champions and No. 2-ranked Oklahoma Christian University holds a six-stroke lead with 36 holes remaining.
-
Eagles, Bogstrand overcome soggy conditions, stand 2nd
Growing up in Norway, Oklahoma Christian University golfer Vilhelm Bogstrand became used to playing in adverse weather conditions. That experience served him well on Tuesday in the opening round of the NAIA Championship.
-
UCO qualifies boat for national rowing; 2 Broncho rowers named All-American
Central Oklahoma will make its first-ever appearance in the NCAA Division II Women’s Rowing Championships this weekend when the Bronchos send their 8+ boat to the West Windsor, N.J. for that three-day event.
-
UCO's Edwards named to academic All-America team
The awards just keep coming for Central Oklahoma’s Kacie Edwards, who was named Wednesday to the 2012 Capital One Academic All-America NCAA Division II Softball Team as selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America.
-
Bronchos fall in World Series semifinals
A dream season ended in disappointment for Central Oklahoma here Saturday afternoon in the NCAA Division II World Series.
-
UCO women 8th at Div. II golf championship
Chaney Uhles capped off a brilliant sophomore season with a fifth-place finish in the NCAA Division II Women’s Golf Championships here Saturday to lead Central Oklahoma to an eight-place showing in its first-ever national tournament appearance.
- More Sports Headlines
-
