BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Delta State University Women's Basketball Program are picked sixth in the Gulf South Conference Preseason Poll announced by the GSC office this afternoon.
The Lady Statesmen return five players who have seen the floor in 24 or more games last season led by senior guard
Olivia Allen and
Madi Kate Vuncannon. DSU will also have
Dakiya Toney in the front court for the Green and White this upcoming Season.
Allen averaged 9.1 points per game last season and had 20 plus point performances against Harding and West Florida. Vuncannon is the top three-point shooter returning for the Green and White. The Tiplersville native shot 38.5 % from beyond the arch.
Toney was one of the top rebounders on the team in the 2024-25 season averaging 6.3 rebounds per game in the 2024-25 season. Toney had four double doubles in the 2024-25 season.
DSU will have some exciting newcomers including Bailey Featherstone,
Kennedee Shelton, and
Jariyah Williamson.
Featherstone comes to DSU from St. Edward's University in Texas where she averaged 8.7 points per game and pulled down three rebounds per game.
Shelton transfers to DSU from nearby Arkansas-Monticello where she averaged 5.7 points per game in 25 games played for the Cotton Blossoms. Shelton shot 71.9 percent.
Williamson comes to Cleveland after playing for Southeast Missouri State. As a Redhawk, Williamson played in 26 games where she averaged 3.6 points per game with 33 assists and 30 steals. Williamson had a career-high with 14 points.
The Lady Statesmen open their season next week as they play a preseason exhibition on the road against the Rajun' Cajuns from the University of Louisiana next Friday at 5:00 p.m. (CDT).
2025-26 GSC Women's Basketball Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Union (10) – 119
2. Lee – 107
3. UAH (2) – 106
4. West Florida – 92
5. Valdosta State – 80
6. Delta State – 55
7. Mississippi College – 54
8. Montevallo – 53
9. Auburn Montgomery – 41
10. West Alabama – 40
11. Trevecca Nazarene– 33
12. Christian Brothers –
12 First-place votes in parenthesis ( )
