Women’s basketball prepares for upcoming season
Marajiah Bacon looks to drive to the basket. Credit: Larry Levanti
By Greg Patuto | Published Nov. 28, 2017
Danielle Oakley calls out a play for her team. Credit: Larry Levanti
The women’s basketball team at Kean University is coming off a season where they finished with an overall record of 16-10 and 13-5 in conference play. This was good enough for them to make the New Jersey Athletic Conference tournament but they suffered a loss in the semifinals.
The Cougars graduated only two seniors from last year and have most of their main contributors back. Junior Marajiah Bacon has led the team in scoring the last two seasons with 24.7 points per game as a freshman and 22.5 per game last season. She will look to continue her success on the court as a captain.
Head coach Mandy King trusts her captains and believe they will succeed as leaders.
“Our captains are locked in and give us the ultimate competitive advantage,” King said. “They will bring us to a whole new level and as long as we are tough, disciplined and together, there is nothing we can’t accomplish.”
Miesha Bacon dribbles up the court. Credit: Larry Levanti
After a playoff loss last season, Kean has some unfinished business to take care of. Returning a lot of players with experience paired with hard work is how the Cougars will be able to reach their goals.
King has high expectations for her team but the main one is that they play hard and compete until the end.
“Our expectations are that we will play fast, tough, and disciplined basketball. We will compete relentlessly every rep, every practice, every possession and every game,” King said. “And we will play passionately and together all season long. We will win the NJAC and advance to the NCAA tournament and we will have a crazy amount of fun along the way.”
The Cougars have put a lot of work in during the offseason to prepare and that will help them get to where they want to be. King also spoke about the newcomers on the team and the immediate impact they will have.
“Our team has worked harder and longer than any team I have coached in 15 years,” King said. “There is something so special about this group of young women.”
The season tips off on Nov. 15 against Brooklyn College and Kean will begin conference play on Nov. 21 against Montclair State.
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