Coming off a trip to the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference semifinals, the Kentucky State University women's basketball team has the tools for a longer run in the 2018-19 season.

"So far we have seen some really good things from this group on both ends of the floor," said Kentucky State University head coach Terrance Slater. "We are more balanced offensively and defensively then we have been in the past."   
 
To achieve their goals, the Thorobreds must replace their top scorers – including one of the most prolific shooters in school history. Gone are leading scorer Brittani Rizzi (13.8 ppg) and Jordan Campbell (9.1), but KSU returns three players that started at least 21 games.

A pair of forwards, sophomore Erica Jones and senior Brooke Wallace - return to bolster the Thorobreds. Jones led the team with 7.2 rebounds and is the top returning scorer with 8.0 points, while Wallace averaged 7.4 points, 6.7 rebounds and recorded a team-high 44 blocks.

"Anytime you lose one of the best shooters in the nation and in school history, it will definitely change your team," said Slater. "But, I will say that we are not as one dimensional as we have been in the past. We will score by committee which can make you a really dangerous team."
 
Sophomores Wynter Webb and Khaliah Herbert will be looked upon to space the floor as they combined to take 151 three-pointers last season. The duo combined to shoot 27.8 percent from beyond the arc. Junior Amani Williams, a transfer from Monroe Community College, shot 31.2 percent (44-of-141) from three-point range.  
 
One of the players that can make the biggest step from last season is senior Tara Jefferson. The forward averaged seven minutes per game in 21 games, scoring 2.0 points and 1.8 rebounds. Additionally, the returns of senior Ka-Leah Ryan and junior Camille Coleman, both whom missed a lot of time with injuries.
 
"Tara Jefferson for sure will be really good for us this season," said Slater. "Wynter Webb and Khaliah Herbert will also have great seasons for us as well. Ka-Leah Ryan will make an impact on the perimeter once she returns."

Williams and sophomore transfer Allenia Ponder should stabilize the point guard position as Kentucky State lost the top assist givers from last year. Williams led her team with 118 assists, and Ponder will provide depth.
 
A pair of transfers, Jessie Kee and Kiante Butts, along with a senior returning from injury, Vinsetta Covington, will compete for minutes in the front court.
 
Kentucky State kicks off the season 2 p.m. today at the Theresa Cheek Tip-Off Classic on the campus of Central State University. The Thorobreds will face Wilberforce Saturday, and then Salem 2 p.m. Sunday.