JACKSON, Miss. - The Belhaven Blazers are set to open up the 2015-16 season with a road trip to Memphis, Tennessee to face Rhodes College on the opening night of the college basketball season.
The Blazers begin their first season as a member of the NCAA and Division III, embarking on the first year of transition to full Division III eligibility and the American Southwest Conference.Belhaven has never played Rhodes College prior to this Friday's meeting. However, the programs have a history in several athletic programs dating back to the early 60s, when Rhodes was named Southwestern at Memphis.The Blazers return six players from last season, including three players who averaged at least 10 minutes per game in 2014-15. Belhaven is coming off a 16-15 year in its final season in the NAIA. Belhaven's season ended in round two of the SSAC Tournament.
Head Coach
Steve Calder is entering his second year at the head of the Blazers program and his 6th season overall with Belhaven.
In 2014-15, Calder became the ninth head coach of the Blazers since the program was introduced to intercollegiate basketball in 1974.
Since Calder joined the Blazers coaching staff in 2010-11, the women's basketball program is 94-64, including a Southern States Athletic Conference Championship in 2011-12 and a SSAC West Division Championship in 2010-11.
Calder's 2014-15 season record of 16-15 makes him just the second coach in Belhaven history to have a winning season in their first year with the Blazers. Belhaven and Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame Coach Gwen White is the only other to do so, posting a 14-12 mark (.538) in the 1974-75 season.
With Belhaven losing three starters from 2014-15, the opportunity to grab a key role is open to the 14 Blazers on the roster this season. Belhaven is returning just 39 percent of its starts, 36 percent of its minutes played, 33 percent of rebounds and 32 percent of points scored this season. The Blazers are also returning just 26 percent of its three-point baskets from last season.
Sierra Pittman,
Candler Gregory, and
Vamikka Smith have been named to the American Southwest Conference Preseason Watchlist heading into the season.
Pittman and Gregory have played every game for the Blazers since stepping on campus in 2013-14. Smith comes to Belhaven after playing for two seasons at Pearl River Community College.
The Blazers welcome in five junior college transfers from all over the state of Mississippi, along withone true freshman.
Candler Gregory,
Sierra Pittman, and
Jacinda Smith hold the majority of Belhaven's experience among the returnees headed into the season.
Gregory returns for her junior season as the leading scorer in points (225), three-point field goals made (21) and rebounds (116) from last season.
Pittman will look to continue strong play on both sides of the ball, as she leads all returners in assists (39) and steals (40).
Jacinda Smith's presence in the middle will be a factor for the Blazers in 2015-16, as she leads all returners with 13 blocks.
The game is set for a 6 p.m. tip at Rhodes in Mallory-Hyde Gymnasium.
