2004-2005 Basketball Season Preview

Crowder College returns seven players from last season, including All Region selections Erika Souza and Livia Brito. The versatile Brito led the Lady ‘Riders in scoring (16.5) and rebounding (6.5) as a freshman, while the speedy Souza topped the team in three-point shooting and steals. Both are from Sao Paulo, Brazil.

The Lady ‘Riders also have back their gritty point guard from Webb City, southpaw Chrissie Greninger, who topped the team last year in assists (82). Also back for her sophomore season will be Erin Moore (Claremore, OK) who shot 51% from the field and 79% from the free throw line last year.

Other returnees from last year’s 14-15 team are hard-driving lefty Heather Bray (Barnsdall, OK); much improved 6-4 post player Daniella Martins (Belem, Brazil) and sweet-shooting Megan Jenkins (Mt. Vernon, MO).

Crowder Head Coach Cletus Green will welcome two transfers and three freshmen to this year’s edition. Rugged 6-4 Melisa Ball from Carbondale, KS and savvy guard Tara Waggoner from Carthage are sophomore transfers with experience.

The new frosh recruits are lightening-like forward Karina Trindade from Sao Paula, Brazil and a pair of quick backcourt gems from Gentry, AR, Kathryn Marney and Megan Welch.

Returning to assist Green in his third year at Crowder will be veteran Bob Sneller and young Shawn Burki. Former Lady ‘Rider player Megan Wolfenbarger from Anderson, MO will serve as student assistant.

Coach Green is “cautiously optimistic” about his new team’s prospects after noting the squad’s increase in size, depth, and quickness. “We could be pretty good by the time we begin playing in the highly-competitive Missouri regional race in January,” said the ‘Rider roundball mentor.

Crowder’s ambitious 30-game schedule includes 14 home dates, many of which feature perennial NJCAA powers as opponents.