Get ready for an exciting season of Lady Bears basketball! The Missouri State University Lady Bears are set to tip off their 2023-2024 campaign with a highly anticipated schedule. With a talented roster and a passionate fan base, the Lady Bears are poised to make a run for the championship.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know about the Lady Bears’ upcoming season, including the full schedule, team statistics, player profiles, and more. So, grab your popcorn, find a comfortable seat, and get ready for an unforgettable season of Lady Bears basketball!
Schedule and Match Details
The Missouri State University Lady Bears basketball team has an exciting season ahead, with several upcoming games scheduled against formidable opponents.
Here is a comprehensive list of their upcoming fixtures:
Upcoming Games
- November 7, 2023: vs. University of Arkansas at Little Rock (JQH Arena, Springfield, MO)
- November 11, 2023: vs. Southeast Missouri State University (JQH Arena, Springfield, MO)
- November 14, 2023: at University of Kansas (Allen Fieldhouse, Lawrence, KS)
- November 18, 2023: vs. Southern Illinois University Carbondale (JQH Arena, Springfield, MO)
- November 21, 2023: at University of Tulsa (Reynolds Center, Tulsa, OK)
Team Statistics and Rankings
The Missouri State Lady Bears have compiled an impressive record this season, showcasing their dominance in the Missouri Valley Conference and earning national recognition.
The team boasts a remarkable overall record of 22-5 and a stellar conference record of 14-1, solidifying their position at the top of the MVC standings. Their success has not gone unnoticed, as they have earned a national ranking of #25 in the latest AP Poll.
Individual Player Statistics
The Lady Bears’ success can be attributed to the exceptional performances of their key players.
- Abby Hipp, a 6’2″ forward, leads the team in scoring with an impressive 18.5 points per game. She also contributes 7.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game.
- Sydney Wilson, a 5’11” guard, is the team’s primary playmaker, averaging 12.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and a team-high 5.1 assists per game.
- Elle Ruffridge, a 6’1″ forward, provides a strong presence in the paint, averaging 10.2 points and a team-high 9.1 rebounds per game.
Team History and Notable Achievements
The Missouri State University Lady Bears basketball team has a rich history of success, with numerous conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances.
The program was founded in 1972 and has since won 16 Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) regular season titles and 15 MVC Tournament championships. The Lady Bears have also made 17 NCAA Tournament appearances, including three Sweet 16 appearances and one Elite Eight appearance.
Notable Players
- Jackie Stiles: Stiles is the program’s all-time leading scorer with 2,595 points. She was a three-time MVC Player of the Year and was named a Kodak All-American three times. Stiles led the Lady Bears to the Elite Eight in 2001.
- Katie Gearlds: Gearlds is second on the program’s all-time scoring list with 2,314 points. She was a two-time MVC Player of the Year and was named a Kodak All-American twice. Gearlds led the Lady Bears to the Sweet 16 in 2005 and 2007.
- Danielle Gitzen: Gitzen is third on the program’s all-time scoring list with 2,070 points. She was a two-time MVC Player of the Year and was named a Kodak All-American twice. Gitzen led the Lady Bears to the Sweet 16 in 2009.
Notable Coaches
- Cheryl Burnett: Burnett coached the Lady Bears from 1983 to 2013. She led the team to 11 MVC regular season titles and 10 MVC Tournament championships. Burnett was named MVC Coach of the Year six times and was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013.
- Amaka Agugua-Hamilton: Agugua-Hamilton coached the Lady Bears from 2013 to 2021. She led the team to five MVC regular season titles and four MVC Tournament championships. Agugua-Hamilton was named MVC Coach of the Year four times and was named the Naismith National Coach of the Year in 2019.
Player Profiles and Bios
The Lady Bears roster boasts a talented group of players who bring a diverse range of skills and experience to the court. From seasoned veterans to promising newcomers, each player contributes to the team’s success in their own unique way.
Here are short biographies of some of the key players on the Missouri State Lady Bears basketball team:
Sydney Wilson
- Position: Guard
- Hometown: Strafford, Missouri
- Year of Eligibility: Senior
- Accolades: 2023 MVC Player of the Year, 2023 MVC Tournament MVP
Aniya Thomas
- Position: Forward
- Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana
- Year of Eligibility: Junior
- Accolades: 2023 MVC Defensive Player of the Year, 2023 MVC All-Tournament Team
Jasmine Franklin
- Position: Guard
- Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri
- Year of Eligibility: Sophomore
- Accolades: 2023 MVC All-Freshman Team
Abbie Atteberry
- Position: Center
- Hometown: Ozark, Missouri
- Year of Eligibility: Sophomore
- Accolades: 2023 MVC All-Tournament Team
Mya Bhinhar
- Position: Guard
- Hometown: Lee’s Summit, Missouri
- Year of Eligibility: Freshman
- Accolades: 2023 Missouri Gatorade Player of the Year
Coach’s Corner
The Missouri State Lady Bears basketball team is led by head coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton, who is entering her fourth season at the helm. Agugua-Hamilton is a proven winner, having led Missouri State to two NCAA Tournament appearances in her first three seasons.
Agugua-Hamilton’s coaching philosophy is based on defense and rebounding. She believes that if her team can stop the other team from scoring and rebound the ball effectively, they will be successful. Her teams are known for their physical play and their ability to get after the ball.
Assistant Coaches
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FAQ Guide
When is the first Lady Bears basketball game?
The first Lady Bears basketball game is on November 7th, 2023, against the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
Where can I find the Lady Bears basketball schedule?
You can find the Lady Bears basketball schedule on the Missouri State University Athletics website.
Who is the head coach of the Lady Bears basketball team?
Amaka Agugua-Hamilton is the head coach of the Lady Bears basketball team.
