WOMEN’S BASKETBALL SEASON TIPS OFF NOVEMBER 1

The Abraham Baldwin College Fillies will tip off this year’s basketball season against St. Pete in St. Petersburg, Fla., on Nov. 1 at 6 p.m.

Julie Conner, the women’s basketball coach at ABAC, said she and her players are looking forward to the new season. The Fillies claimed the Georgia state championship last year in only their second year of returning to action after a 15-year absence when there was no women’s basketball program.

“Our team consists of four players who are returning from last year’s state championship team, five players who transferred to ABAC from other schools, and three freshmen,” Conner said. “The nine sophomores have a lot of experience, and the freshmen players are coming on really strong.

“They are a very talented group, and I am pleased with how they are coming together as a team. We also have a great assistant coach, Jamie Childs, and the players really relate to her.”

Conner said she expects several of her sophomore players to go on to play at four-year schools. Two players from last year’s team, Freda Cherry and Jasmin Lee, are now playing at four-year schools and are doing well. Cherry attends Auburn University at Montgomery, and Lee attends Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers. 

Conner believes the team is prepared to be very competitive. She said that will be very important this year since the Fillies host the Georgia state tournament March 5 – 8.

“We have a great schedule,” Conner said. “There are a few teams that may be tough to play, but overall, I feel the competition is pretty well balanced. I feel confident about the season, and I am eager to get started. Hosting a tournament is really exciting, and one of our goals is to get the best seeding for the conference tournament.

“I really appreciate all the support women’s basketball has received. This is my third year as coach, and we are really starting to build a successful women’s basketball program at ABAC.  I feel we are gaining respect, and it’s great that people are calling about recruits. I encourage everyone--faculty, staff, students, and members of the community--to come to the games. It’s a great way to spend an evening, and there is never a dull moment.”

The Fillies’ first home game is on Nov. 25 at 6 p.m. against North Florida.

# # #