Coach: Jennie Hall, first season at Coppin State.
Affiliation: Mid-Eastern Athletic Association.
1997-98 record: 10-18 overall, 7-11 in MEAC.
Radio: Undecided.
Arena: Coppin Center (3,000).
Starters lost: Two.
Tickets: $5 for women's games, $8 for men's-women's doubleheader. Call 410-383-5607.
Best home game: Morgan State, Dec. 12. Matchup of inner-city rivals features players who are very familiar with each other.
Best visiting player: Teresa Jenkins, Florida A&M;, Jan. 11. The versatile 6-6 senior is probably the best inside player in the conference.
Outlook: Hall, the Eagles' third coach in as many seasons, hopes to bring some stability to the program. The key will be replacing center Simone Adams, who averaged 10.4 points and 10.4 rebounds and set a school record with 63 blocks. That void and a roster that features nine players with one year or less of playing experience probably adds up to another rebuilding season. On the positive side, eight players return, including All-MEAC guard Liesha Mitchell. If fully recovered from a knee injury, point guard Alicia Ritchie and Mitchell could combine to form a strong backcourt. The Eagles will be tested by a nonconference schedule that includes Michigan, Miami (Fla.), George Mason and Maryland.
Around the league: Hampton is predicted to win the conference, with Howard, Florida A&M; and UMES providing strong
competition.
Returning players
Name -- Trisha Allen
Yr. -- Sr.
Ht. -- 5-9
Pos. -- G/F
Fast breaks -- Second-leading returning scorer (14.4 ppg).
Name -- Ayesha Dockery
Yr. -- Jr.
Ht. -- 5-11
Pos. -- F
Fast breaks -- Slowed by knee injury last season.
Name -- Javonti Jones
Yr. -- So.
Ht. -- 5-8
Pos. -- G
Fast breaks -- Started 16 games last season.
Name -- Liesha Mitchell
Yr. -- Jr.
Ht. -- 5-10
Pos. -- G
Fast breaks -- Led MEAC in assists (3.9).
Name -- Alicia Ritchie
Yr. -- Jr.
Ht. -- 5-4
Pos. -- G
Yr. -- Tore ACL 6 minutes into last season's opener.
Name -- Gloria Schley
Yr. -- So.
Ht. -- 5-11
Pos. -- F/C
Fast breaks -- Solid rebounder with good touch around basket.
Name -- Danielle Scott
Yr. -- Sr.
Ht. -- 5-6
Pos. -- G
Fast breaks -- Reserve has showed knack for hitting big shot.
Name -- Kristi Webb
Yr. -- Jr.
Ht. -- 5-9
Pos. -- F
Fast breaks -- Came on strong before season-ending knee injury.
Newcomers
Name -- Kiesha Brooks
Yr. -- So.
Ht. -- 5-10
Pos. -- G/F
Fast breaks -- Physical, intense transfer from American U.
Name -- DoWare Merchant
Yr. -- Fr.
Ht. -- 6-2
Pos. -- C
Fast breaks -- Helped lead Oakland Mills to 1A state title.
@Name -- Shannon Muir
Yr. -- Fr.
Ht. -- 5-10
Pos. -- G/F
Fast breaks -- Can play both forward spots.
Name -- Jacqulynn Johnson-Stewart
Yr. -- Fr.
Ht. -- 6-2
Pos. -- F/C
Fast breaks -- Expected to help pick up slack in the middle.
Name -- Kigen Waugh
Yr. -- Fr.
Ht. -- 6-0
Pos. -- F
Fast breaks -- Adds depth to frontcourt.
Name -- Nakeisha Williams
Yr. -- Fr.
Ht. -- 5-6
Pos. -- G
Fast breaks -- Possesses nice outside shot.
Pub Date: 11/13/98