LAKELAND, Fla. - In his first game as head coach of the Fire Women's basketball team, Tim Hays led the team to a convincing win over the #11 Goshen College. Southeastern finished off their Indiana road trip with a 34-point win against Grace College. This week the Fire prepare for their home opener along with two other road contests.
Game 3: Southeastern University (2-0) vs. Taylor University (2-2)
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Game 4: Southeastern University at Ave Maria (2-2)
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Game 5: ) Southeastern University at Webber International University (1-4)
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Beyond the Stripe: A team that is notorious for being deadly beyond the ark surely has lived up to their reputation. Baylee Hooker and Jenny Dee have had the hot hand for the Fire thus far.
Hooker, the Lutz, Florida native, was lights out against Goshen shooting 60 percent from three and notching 20 points in that game. She is currently the team's leading scorer averaging 17 points per game.
The UC Irvine transfer, Dee, has also been a consistent scorer for the Fire. In her 36 minutes of work this season, Dee is five for 10 from the three point line and is averaging 13.5 points per game.
The Fire are home to The Sun Conference's leader in assists in the form of Alyssa Ramos. Ramos has dished out 12 assists and is one three pointer shy of her 300th career three pointer made.
As a whole, the Fire rank second in all of the NAIA in 3-pt percentage and field goal percentage. Collectively, the Fire are able to score as well as defend as they rank 2nd in the NAIA in scoring margin with 32.5 points.
Dominating the Glass: Last year's Polk County Female Athlete of the year, Christin Strawbridge, is off to a steady start in the 2016-17 campaign. She has totaled a team leading 17 rebounds, as well as, averages 12 points per game.
Complimenting Strawbridge on the glass are both Sarah Green and Ana Richter. Green, the University of Central Florida Transfer has tallied 15 rebounds, 10 of which are defensive. Lastly, Richter has managed 12 rebounds, while averaging 11 points per game. The trio of women are able to create second chance opportunities for the Fire while thwarting any opposing attack.
The Trojans: Taylor University is headed by coach Kelly Packard in her 4th season with the team. While the Trojans are undefeated at home, they have suffered both losses on the road this season.
The Trojans' offense is headed by the Crossroads League's leading scorer Kendall Bradbury. In her sophomore season, Bradbury is averaging a double-double per game with 28 points and 10 rebounds per contest.
Aiding in the offensive attack is Cassidy Wyse who is averaging 10.8 points a game. The native of Archbold, Ohio leads the team in the defensive category of steals with 10.
Setting up the offensive are both Aubrey Wright and Lacey Garrett. The two women combine for 28 assists with Garrett leading the way with 15.
The Trojans are coming off of a tightly contested overtime loss against Webber International and hope to turn their fortune around in Lakeland against the Fire.
The Gyrenes: On their Illinois swing the Gyrenes were able to capture two wins, one of which coming in their most recent match against Robert Morris. Bob Batson's team was able to gain a bit of momentum coming into the match against the Fire beating the Eagles 90-54. In that contest Jasmine Bateman led in the scoring department with 23 points. Lauren Gillingham also had a solid performance against the Eagles as she recorded a double-double with 20 points and 14 rebounds.
The junior guard prepped at Ft. Myers High School, Gillingham, leads the team in four statistical categories; points per game (14.5), rebounds (31), assists (19), and steals (7).
The Gyrenes have not faired too well against the Fire in the past. In both 2015-16 matchups the Gyrenes suffered 20 and 8 point losses.
The Warriors: Webber International is home to the nation's leading blocker. Quanthavia Stalworth not only leads the nation in blocks with 15, but she also leads her team in points with 10.4 per game, steals with 14, and rebounding with 42.
The Warriors are a solid team when it comes to second chance opportunities. Webber International ranks 19th in all of the NAIA in offensive rebounds per game with 15.6.
Aiding the defensive front for the Warriors is the junior from Ocala, Florida Amber Ferguson. Ferguson is second on the team in steals with 12 and also averages 10.2 points per game. The 6ft forward has recorded 24 rebounds on the season.
Setting up the Warrior offense is Breyonna Reed. The native of Bradenton, Florida tallied 13 assists thus far in the 2016-17 season.
In last year's matchups with the Fire, the Warriors are 1-2 with an 86-58 road win in the Furnace.
In Closing: The Fire are currently clicking on all cylinders. A team that is receiving votes is anxious to play on home court and continue their dominant play. With the Fire's depth, opponents may have a tough time stopping the defending Sun Conference Champions.
For updates on all of the action, be sure to follow @SEUFireWBB on Twitter.
