BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Senior Henrietta Wells' dominant presence inside for the Alcorn State University women's basketball team last season earned Preseason All-Southwestern Athletic Conference First Team and Co-Defensive Player of the Year honors, as it was announced by the SWAC office Wednesday morning.
"I am very proud of 'Penny' [Wells]. She deserves this award," said head women's basketball coach Courtney Pruitt. "She works so hard to be the best player she can be for our team and we look for her to do great things this year."
Wells started 26 of 28 games for the Lady Braves during the 2015-16 campaign, averaging 5.0 points and 5.3 rebounds. She also accounted for 2.9 blocks per contest, which ranked second in the conference. Wells' standout defensive performance came against Alabama A&M where she recorded eight blocks, tying a SWAC single-game high.
Alcorn was tabbed to finish sixth in the SWAC's preseason predicted order of finish. The Lady Braves are replacing three starters from last year's squad, including 2016 SWAC Player of the Year Norianna Haynes.
Alcorn's first contest of the regular season is on Oct. 29 at McNeese State.
Preseason Player of the Year
Britney Wright, Alabama State
Preseason Co-Defensive Player of the Year
Henrietta Wells, Alcorn State; Cortnei Purnell, Southern
Preseason All-SWAC Women's Basketball - First Team
G Shakyla Hill, Grambling State
G Christina Reed, Mississippi Valley State
F Britney Wright, Alabama State; Brianna Green, Southern
F Cortnei Purnell, Southern
C Henrietta Wells, Alcorn State
Preseason All-SWAC Women's Basketball - Second Team
G Joyce Kennerson, Texas Southern
G Derica Wiggins, Jackson State
F Daniele Ewert, Alabama State
F Ashley Beals, Mississippi Valley State
C Miaya Crowder, Southern
Women's Basketball Predicted Order of Finish
1. Alabama State - 136
2. Texas Southern - 125
3. Southern - 120
4. Grambling State - 105
5. Prairie View A&M - 83
6. Jackson State - 70
7. Alcorn State - 63
8. Arkansas-Pine Bluff - 58
9. Mississippi Valley State - 33
10. Alabama A&M - 32
#FearTheBrave
