SHAWNEE – Oklahoma Baptist's women's basketball team opens its season on Friday during the GAC/MIAA Crossover on the campus of Southwestern Oklahoma State. On Nov. 14, the Bison play Northeastern State at 4 p.m. before a Saturday matchup with Rogers State (3 p.m.)
Season Tip-Off: These matchups provide an early test against two physical MIAA programs. Head Coach
Bo Overton enters his sixth season with a roster blending experience and youth, aiming to build momentum before GAC play begins in December.
Bison Breakdown: OBU returns a couple key contributors in
Jaedyn Getman,
Katelyn Davis and
Parker Stevenson. Getman, a senior forward, averaged 10.3 points and 4.8 rebounds last season and provides versatility inside. Getman was also capable from three-point range, hitting 41 percent from deep. She's a three-time All-GAC honoree heading into her senior season.
Stevenson, a junior guard, is excellent at driving the ball. She hit 84 percent of her free throw attempts last year too. Davis adds scoring ability in the backcourt after a successful freshman campaign in which she averaged 8.5 points and made 42.6 percent from the field.
Newcomers: There are a bunch of them. Oklahoma State transfer
Brenna Butler will play a big role for OBU this winter. Plus, in the team's exhibition on Nov. 3, these freshmen saw plenty of playing time:
Brianna Jones,
Kate Wiginton and
Jordyn Anderson. Also, Central Oklahoma junior transfer
Reagan Fox played over 22 minutes in that exhibition.
Inside Presence: This will be a spot to look at after the Bison lost
Jill Leslie and defensive stalwart
Sierra Copeland from last year's team. Looking to lead are
Aubrey Marjason, Getman and
Sydney Duncan.
Northeastern State Snapshot: The RiverHawks finished 8-20 last season and rely on guard play to push tempo. They averaged 65.5 points per game while allowing nearly 79. OBU defeated NSU 80-49 in last year's GAC/MIAA Challenge, and controlling the perimeter will be key again.
Rogers State at a Glance: The Hillcats also went 8-20 last year and are known for their physical style and rebounding strength. RSU topped OBU 62-48 in last season's opener, so winning the battle on the boards will be critical for the Bison to flip the script.
What's Next: After this weekend, OBU returns home Tuesday, Nov. 18, to host Eastern New Mexico at 7 p.m.
