MONTICELLO, Ark. – Arkansas-Monticello's Women's Basketball team will begins its 2024-25 campaign on Friday, Nov. 8 and Saturday, Nov. 9, at the GAC/MIAA Crossover In Wichita, Kansas. The Cotton Blossoms will take on the Jets of Newman University at 12:00 p.m. on the 8th and the Lions from the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith at 8:00 p.m. on the 9th inside the Fugate Gymnasium on Newman's campus.
 
Coming back to the court after a heartbreaking 83-84 overtime loss to Ouachita Baptist University in the final game of the 2023-24 season, the ladies in green and white are gearing up for a fresh start and new beginnings as they look towards the upcoming GAC/MIAA Crossover battle.

"With the preseason poll coming out it means we are getting close to the start of the season," said Head Coach David Midlick. "This is an exciting time for our players. The GAC is a great conference for WBB, placing 3 teams in the NCAA tournament last year. This year will be no different."

PRESEASON NOTES
Beginning the 2024-25 campaign ranked 10th in the GAC Preason Conference Poll, UAM will look toward the seven Blossoms returning from the 23-24 season, four junior college transfers, and three true freshmen new to Monticello, for a thrilling season. Head Coach David Midlick returns for his third year at the helm of the Women's Basketball team, alongside Assistant Coach Brazia Jones, in her second year, and Student Operational Coordinator Jill Blackstock.

2024-25 Roster:
#0 Cha'Myrean Ellis - Forward | Junior transfer from Mississippi Delta Community College
#2 Haleigh Crews - Guard | Returning Gaduate student
#3 Jayla Stirgus - Point Guard | Returning Sophomore
#4 Bailey Harris - Guard/Forward | Returning Senior
#5 Kennedee Shelton - Guard | Redshirt Junior transfer from Southwest Mississippi Community College
#10 Kelsey Blakemore - Guard/Forward | Returning Senior
#12 Camille Pritchard - Forward | Junior transfer from Temple Community College
#15 Alindsey Long - Shooting Guard | Returning Junior
#21 Mahogany Pierce - Guard/Forward | True Freshman from Brennan High School in San Antonio, TX.
#23 Ella Mask - Shooting Guard | Returning Senior
#24 Alyssa Batton - Point Guard | True Freshman from Hutto High School in Hutto, TX.
#25 Nicole Weaver - Guard | Returning Sophomore
#30 Taleigha Ealy - Center | True Freshman from Russellville High School in Russellville, AR.
#32 Ashley Wallace - Center | True Freshman from Benton High School in Little Rock, AR

Below you will find important information regarding live coverage, tickets, game matchup, and social media links to keep up with the game.

LIVE COVERAGE
Game 1 - Newman University - 12:00 p.m.
• Live Stats Link
​​​​​• Live Stream
​​​​​​​​​​• Tournament Information

Game 2 - University of Arkansas - Fort Smith - 8:00 p.m.
• Live Stats Link
​​​​​• Live Stream
​​​​​• Tournament Information

Social Media | X Accounts: @UAMsports & @uamwbkb |  All scoring information and in-game updates.
 
LAST MEETING
Newman University - Arkansas-Monticello was victorious in the last matchup against the Jets winning 69-48 on November 11, 2023, in Magnolia, Arkansas. The Blossoms were led by Bailey Harris and Haleigh Crews in the match, with Harris scoring 16 points, going 6-13 on shots in the two-point range, 2-4 from beyond the arc, and 2-4 on free throws. She also contributed nine rebounds on the night, with four offensive and five defensive, and a steal in her 29 minutes played. Crews was also in double digits on the night, posting 10 points of her own, hitting 2-6 field goals and 6-10 free throws, also giving UAM three rebounds and an assist. 

University of Arkansas - Fort Smith - The Cotton Blossoms were the victors in the previous match with the Lions, winning 61-31, on November 25, 2023, inside Steelman Fieldhouse. UAM was led by Bailey Harris, Alindsey Long, and Alyssia Thorne. Harris led with 19 points, going 7-17 on total field goals, 16 rebounds, and 5-6 on free throws. Long posted 12 points, hitting 5-14 field goals and 2-10 three-pointers on the game, while Thorne scored 10 points against the Lions hitting 4-10 field goals and 2-2 shots from the line with five offensive and five defensive rebounds for the team's second double-double on the night, two blocks, two steals, and an assist.

ALL-TIME SERIES
Newman University - Having only played once against the Jets on November 11, 2023, the Blossoms hold a 1-0 overall record.

University of Arkansas - Fort Smith - UAM has a current 3-7 all-time record against the Lions since the first match in November of 2009, which was an 88-81 win for the Blossoms. The last win came in November of 2023, with the Blossoms winning 61-53. Overall Arkansas-Monticello is averaging 65.1 points over 10 games played. 

GAME RECAPS
After the conclusion of each game, Weevil Basketball will have a release posted to uamsports.com, X and Facebook, which will give a recap of the game. They can be found on the schedule page as a clickable link after the end of each game, or on UAM Sports social media accounts.

How to follow the Blossoms: For more information on Arkansas-Monticello Women's Basketball, visit www.uamsports.com and follow the team's social media channels on X and Instagram.

#GoBlossoms | #BlossomNation