Coach: Joyce Jenkins, fifth season at UMES (36-73).
Affiliation: Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.
1997-98 record: 16-11 overall, 12-6 in MEAC.
Radio: None.
Arena: Tawes Gymnasium (1,500).
Starters lost: One.
Tickets: $6 general admission. Call 410-651-6705.
Best home game: Howard, Feb. 13. UMES lost to the eventual conference champion Bison twice by a total of six points last season.
Best visiting player: Danielle Dawson, Hampton, Feb. 1. The 5-foot-10 junior guard is regarded as the conference's top overall talent.
Outlook: With 11 players returning, UMES could emerge as a significant force in the MEAC this season after nearly reaching that level in 1997-98. In five of their seven conference losses last season, the Hawks fell by a margin of six points or fewer. UMES features a well-balanced scoring attack, with five players back who averaged seven points or more. The Hawks also rely on their defensive pressure, which forced 27 turnovers per game and recorded 285 steals in 27 contests (10.5 per game). Aileene Frazer is UMES' smallest but most well-rounded player, ranking in the MEAC's top 10 in scoring (12.2) and three-pointers made (40) last season as well as handing out 2.7 assists per game. Nicole Council and Kristi Sheldon complement Frazer in the backcourt.
Around the league: See Coppin State capsule.
Returning players
$Name -- Nikki Appleberry
Yr. -- Jr.
Ht. -- 5-10
Pos. -- G
Fast breaks -- Top free-throw shooter started five games.
Name -- Nicole Council
Yr. -- Jr.
Ht. -- 5-8
Pos. -- G
Fast breaks -- Top playmaker, averaged 3.3 assists.
Name -- Shantwan Dowell
Yr. -- Jr.
Ht. -- 5-11
Pos. -- G
Fast breaks -- Dowell and Lewis only Eastern Shore products.
Name -- Aileene Frazer
Yr. -- Sr.
Ht. -- 5-4
Pos. -- G
Fast breaks -- 2nd-team All-MEAC, led Hawks in scoring (12.2).
Name -- Tonjonna Hayes
Yr. -- Jr.
Ht. -- 6-4
Pos. -- C
Fast breaks -- Strong offensive rebounder, grabbing 2.7 per game.
Name -- Kiana Lewis
Yr. -- Jr.
Ht. -- 5-7
Pos. -- G
Fast breaks -- Scored total of four points in seven games.
Name -- Kristi Sheldon
Yr. -- Sr.
Ht. -- 6-0
Pos. -- G
Fast breaks -- Ranked in MEAC's top 15 in scoring, rebounding.
Name -- Jeanette Simmons
Yr. -- Sr.
Ht. -- 6-2
Pos. -- C
Fast breaks -- Top shooter from field averaged 2.7 ppg.
Name -- Marlena Smith
Yr. -- Sr.
Ht. -- 6-3
Pos. -- C
Fast breaks -- Averaged 3.8 rebounds in last eight games.
@Name -- Dana Spriggs
Yr. -- Sr.
Ht. -- 6-0
Pos. -- F
Pos. -- Had eight double-figure scoring games.
Name -- Nykesha Thompson
Yr. -- So.
Ht. -- 5-6
Pos. -- G
Fast breaks -- Had 12 three-pointers in limited role.
Newcomers
None reported
Pub Date: 11/13/98