Last time Piedmont women’s basketball was on the court, they fell short in the Collegiate Conference of the South championship game. This season, rewriting the script starts with preparing every player for any situation.
“The conference championship game left a bad taste in our mouth,” said head coach Jamie Purdy. “We’ve kind of gone into the season knowing that you can’t become complacent. You need to constantly be working. You never know when your time is going to come or you’re going to be called on, so you have to be ready. I think the girls really kind of bought into that.”
In most games, the Lions rely on many players to put up points, not just one or two individuals. In last year’s conference regular season, the Lions averaged 31 bench points, and had four individuals averaging above eight points per game. Despite the second ranked CCS offense’s success, Purdy said when players needed to step into greater roles, they weren’t prepared.
“At the end of the day, we all want the same thing,” said Purdy. “So it may not be your day today, but next week it might be or tomorrow or whatever the case may be. This group is really kind of buying into that, and it makes it really fun to be around.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic cutting short many athletes’ seasons, the NCAA awarded all athletes competing during that time a fifth-year option to replace the 2020 season. Three seniors, Ashley Scott, Laken Stiles and Colby Reed, have all chosen to exercise their redshirt season this year. These players played large roles last season, all in the top five on the team for minutes played.
“Last year, we were all really hungry to get that win and unfortunately, we didn’t. So, I was kind of wanting to come back and hopefully get a ring this year,” said Reed, who led the Lions with 45 3-pointers made last season. “I just try to do the best I can. Be the person that everybody else needs me to be, as well as take care of myself. Just really let people know that I’m there for them and whatever’s needed, I can do.”
The Lions welcomed three freshmen and two transfers to their roster, including freshman Alex Willis, who won the season’s first CCS rookie of the week award with 17 points and nine rebounds against Sewanee College in the season opener. Junior transfer Andelin Hill had a double-double with 15 points and 16 rebounds against Berry College.
“We have a strong freshman class, but I think what’s most important is just seeing the difference in the transition and our returning athletes, and what they’ve kind of put in,” said Purdy. “When you are able to pour into each other and provide that positive atmosphere and environment, then the success will come.”
The Lions have started off 2-0 and will open their CCS campaign on Jan. 5, at home versus Lagrange College at 5 p.m. Stay up to date with Piedmont women’s basketball at piedmontlions.com.
