2021-22 Women's Basketball Preview

2021-22 Northwod University Women's Basketball Preview

By Hudson Harkness

Expectations for the 2021-22 Northwood Timberwolves Women's Basketball team are high, not only from their coach, but from other schools in the GLIAC. The team was picked to finish second in the GLIAC South by other coaches, after a 11-9 record last season that allowed them to earn the second bid to the NCAA tournament in program history.

"It shows the respect other schools in the league have for this team and we need to take that as a huge compliment," said Autumn Haggadone, who is in her first season as head coach. "We really have a special group of women that want to be successful,"

Haggadone took over as head coach after Jeff Curtis took the Athletic Director job at Northwood. Last season's leading scorer, Makenzie Todd, returns for the Timberwolves after a season where she averaged 11.3 PPG and shot 37% from the field while earning Second Team All-GLIAC honors. This year's team should also be able to score the ball inside, with the presence of senior center Jayla Strickland and sophomore Alana Nelson in the paint. Haggadone says she is excited about her offense because it has the capability of having multiple double-digit scorers.  

On the defensive side of the ball, the Timberwolves lost GLIAC All-Defensive team performer and starting point guard Kenzie Seeley. To replace her defense, it will take a team effort.

"Defense has been a big emphasis this offseason," said Haggadone. "It is going to take all five of the players on the court to be the team they want to be."

A key player to watch this season on defense is Alli Keyser. Last season she led the team in steals and is going to have another season picking the pockets of opponents. Strickland was a force in the paint averaging just over a block a game a year ago.

The ladies open the season November 12 at 5pm against Findlay. The Oilers compete in the GMAC, the conference that Northwood will join next season. Findlay is led by senior, Sydney Kin who averaged 21.4 PPG last season. Following the Findlay game, Hillsdale will come to Midland and to take on Northwood November 13.