Birmingham- The Gulf South Conference released the 2010-2011 preseason women's basketball poll on Friday, tabbing Arkansas Tech University to finish at the top of the GSC Western Division with five first place votes while the Lady Statesmen were picked to finish second with three first place nods.
 
Ouachita Baptist University and Harding University were picked to finish third and fourth while Henderson State University, Arkansas-Monticello, Christian Brothers and Southern Arkansas rounded out the standings in the fifth through ninth spots.

The Lady Statesmen were picked to win the Gulf South Conference Tournament, receiving 8-of-14 votes. ATU had the other six.

Sarita Cooper and Veronica Walker were named to the Preseason All-GSC West Team. Cooper, last season averaged 10.5 points, 4.7 boards and led NCAA Division II for the second straight season with 8.5 assists per game. Walker averaged a conference best 20.8 points and 10.2 rebounds per game during the 2009-2010 campaign. Walker also led NCAA Division II in field goal percentage.

Senior Sheena Johnson and freshman Brooke Rhodes were tabbed as top newcomers to DSU for the Lady Statesmen. 

Johnson a transfer from Wichita State averaged 8.8 points and 4.5 rebounds in 2010.

Rhodes, a freshman from East Rankin Academy averaged 21.4 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game for ERA in 2009-2010.

The Lady Statesmen began preparations for the upcoming season today with their first practice.