BAY MINETTE, Ala. - After a stellar 2012-2013 season that saw them capture the league title, the Faulkner State Lady Sun Chiefs return to the hardwood with a very experienced team.

Coach Linda Pitts welcomes back nine returning players from last season's conference champion team that went 10-2 in the southern division and 14-12 overall.

“Besides the nine returnees, we also have two transfers from Faulkner University - Jasmine Lee-Stackhouse from Flomaton and Allison Whitley from Spanish Fort - along with six true freshmen and one medical redshirt from last year (Rachel Bell),” Pitts said before a recent practice.

Despite the abundance of experienced players, Pitts has not been overly thrilled with her team's preseason performance.

“We have played in two jamborees and not really played well in those. We have not shot the ball well and have been out hustled by the teams we have played. Just not pleased with our progress to this point. We aren't doing a good job rebounding on either end and our defense is not up to par. We will have to improve to make a run at another Southern Division title,” Pitts, FSCC’s coach since 1994, said.

Pitts six freshman as players battling for playing time. They include Deidre Jones, a point guard from Enterprise, and guard Kelsey Hutchins from Mountain View High in Lawrenceville, Ga. Other frosh noted are Murphy of Mobile point guard Devan Cleveland and Davidson of Mobile small forward Carlissa Coker.

Also, Fucisha Stephens from Leeds in the Birmingham area and teammate Briona Allen, also from Leeds.

“At this point, Devan Cleveland and Carlissa Coker have emerged as potential starters. I also have some key returnees including 6’4” post player Shuntavia Harris, guard Sharonda Cooper, Tequisha Robinson, and Diamond Williams.”

FSCC is currently 1-1 after a tip off tournament in Monroeville that saw them lose 69-50 to Albany Tech and defeat Webber International 64-58.

Harris had 10 rebounds and ten points to pace Pitts' squad in the opening loss. Coker added ten also, Robinson added eight while former BCHS standout Latreka Jenkins also scored eight.

Diamond Williams had four steals. In the win, Sharonda Cooper was high point man with eleven. Coker, Harris, and Robinson all netted eight. Stephens had 10 rebounds with Tierra Henry grabbing seven boards.

FSCC opens at home on Nov. 19 against Delgado-New Orleans.