UT Permian Basin Women's Basketball is locked in heading into 2022-23 with the deepest, most veteran roster under Head Coach Rae Boothe.  Eight players return from last season's squad that narrowly missed out on the Lone Star Conference Playoffs.
 
"It's what we've been building towards, they're very self-sufficient and player ran," said Boothe.  "They know what's expected and done a phenomenal job helping the newcomers blend with the team.  The captains have done a tremendous job getting us ready for the season."
 
One area the Falcons are expected to be much improved in is 3-point shooting.  Holly Hemmeline is back after hitting 53 threes last season.  She'll be joined by Andreea Mancha who knocked down 62 last year at Hill College. 
 
"That's an area where we felt we struggled and now there's a lot more depth," said Boothe.  "We focused on the three and we're tough to beat when we're knocking them down.  There's more competition than ever at shooter and they've been in the gym more than ever practicing.  It's brought out the best of them and we think it'll be a strength this season."
 
Inside the Falcons are deeper than ever, headlined by Alexus Quaadman.  Quaadman comes into the season averaging 7.3 points per game and 6.9 rebounds and is the program's all-time leader in blocks with 76.  She's healthy after missing the second half of last year and will be joined by a talented trio of post players, Aunbrielle Green, Naomi Pierce, and Khiara Flugence.
 
"Quaadman looks the best she's been since she's been here," said Boothe.  "With her scoring, rebounding, and blocking shots we expect big things.  She's more locked in than I've ever seen her.  Aunbrielle is a banger and brings a physicality to the post.  Naomi is like Quaadman skillset wise and can jump out of the gym.  Khiara could have a special freshman season but has a lot of talent around her to learn from as well."
 
Despite the numerous returners in the backcourt, Boothe expects a couple of newcomers to force their way into the rotation immediately.  The sharpshooting Mancha expects to see time at both guard positions while Australian freshman Makayla Bingley will also factor into the rotation at guard.
 
"Andreea is special," said Boothe.  "She's got great leadership qualities, can really shoot the ball, and can handle the point.  We don't think of Makayla as a freshman with the qualities she brings to the team on and off the court.  They've added a lot of competition and depth at the guard spots this season."
 
Few teams in the LSC played as many tight games as the Falcons last season.  Even though they only won eight games, 12 of their losses were decided by 10 points or less and they went to overtime twice.  A couple bounces and shots go the Falcons way and they're in the postseason comfortably a year ago, but this year they're ready to hit the ground running and build towards a conference championship.
 
"It's been a fun group to be around and it's been the best preseason we've had since I've been here," said Boothe.  "It's a special group."
 
Roster Breakdown (* Denotes Returner)
Guard
#1 Andreea Mancha / Junior / Alvin, Texas / Alvin High School / Hill College
#2 Tamia Flores* / R-Freshman / Dallas, Texas / Pinkston High School
#3 Ariyel Gordon / Freshman / San Antonio, Texas / Harlan High School
#4 Kamari Portalis* / Sophomore / Magnolia, Texas / Magnolia West High School
#5 Marisa Seaton / Freshman / San Antonio, Texas / Brandeis High School
#10 Avalon Munoz* / Sophomore / San Antonio, Texas / Edison High School
#13 Diavian Spencer* / Sophomore / Arlington, Texas / Arlington Martin High School
#15 Holly Hemmeline* / Junior / Denver City, Texas / Denver City High School
#21 Ally Haman* / Sophomore / Cypress, Texas / Cypress Creek High School
 
Forward
#11 Morgan Helgesen* / Sophomore / Denton, Texas / Guyer High School
#12 Makayla Bingley / Freshman / Tasmania, Australia / Kings Meadow
#14 McKenze Brown / Sophomore / Longview, Texas / Longview High School / Kilgore College
#22 Khiara Flugence / Freshman / San Antonio, Texas / Champion High School
#23 Alexus Quaadman* / Junior / Las Vegas, Nevada / Spring Valley High School
#24 Aunbrielle Green / Senior / Harrisburg, Pennsylvania / Central Dauphin East High School / Shippensburg University
# 32 Naomi Pierce / Sophomore / Pflugerville, Texas / Hendrickson High School / Houston Christian

Key Losses
Alexus Wykoff - 11.8 ppg, 4.1 rpg
Ogechi Nwodo - 2 double-doubles
 
The season tips off tomorrow in Rapid City, South Dakota against South Dakota Mines.  Download the UTPB Athletics App to follow the team all season long.