FRISCO, Texas – Central Arkansas forward Megan Herbert highlights a talented list of players returning for the 2012-13 season, as noted with the release of the Southland Conference women’s basketball preseason teams by the league office. Seven universities are represented on the two preseason teams, led by two selections from McNeese State, Nicholls State and Sam Houston State.

Seven of the 10 players represented on the preseason teams were named all-conference following the 2011-12 season.  Herbert was the second player in conference history to be honored as the player and defender of the year last season. Sam Houston State guard Britni Martin, McNeese State guard Ashlyn Baggett and Lamar guard Kalis Loyd each earned first-team all-conference honors last year.

Herbert, a native of Rogers, Ark., was second in the league in rebounding, third in scoring and field goal percentage and fourth in free throw percentage. Herbert averaged 17.2 points and 11.3 rebounds per game while shooting a consistent 51.6 percent from the field. Herbert led the Sugar Bears to their third consecutive 20-win season and first conference regular season title. Herbert became the first player to named player of the year in consecutive seasons since Stephen F. Austin’s Katrina Price accomplished the feat in 1997 and 1998. In only its second year of eligibility, Central Arkansas made a return trip to the postseason with a bid to the WNIT.

Martin, a junior from Conroe, Texas, help the Bearkats post a 12-4 conference record, the most in Sam Houston history, and earn its second consecutive West Division Title last season. The Bearkats also earned berth to the Women’s Basketball Invitational, marking the first post season appearance in school history. Martin led the league in most 3-pointers made per game (2.9) and second in the conference in scoring (17.4). Martin also ranked in the top five in the conference in other categories, including third in free throw percentage (.827), fourth in 3-point percentage (.387), assist-to-turnover ratio (1.5) and minutes averaged (35.1) and fifth in assists per game (4.0).

Ashlyn Baggett played an important role in leading McNeese State back to the NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive year. Ashlyn, whose twin sister Caitlyn earned second-team honors, led the Cowgirls and ranked seventh in the conference in scoring (15.4), while leading the Cowgirls in 3-point field goal percentage (35.6) and 3-pointers per game (2.1). The senior from Iota, La., was also second on the team in free throw percentage (.722).

Lamar senior Loyd, a native of Malmoe, Sweden, earned first-team for the second consecutive season. Loyd led the Lady Cardinals in almost every category including points per game (16.1), rebounds per game (6.1), assists (84), steals (64) and minutes played (977).

Rounding out the preseason first team is Sam Houston State senior forward Sequeena Thomas, who earned second team all-conference honors last season. Thomas, a native of Allentown, Pa., led the conference and ranked second nationally in rebounding with 12.6 rebounds per game. Thomas was second in the conference last season in blocks (2.0) and ninth in scoring (14.8) while ranking eighth in the NCAA in double-doubles on the season with 18.

Second team honorees include McNeese State senior guard Caitlyn Baggett, Nicholls State junior guard KK Babin, Stephen F. Austin sophomore center Porsha Roberts, Nicholls State senior forward Alisha Allen and Oral Roberts senior guard Kevi Luper.

Caitlyn Baggett, who hails from Iota, La., led the Cowgirls in assists (4.2), 3-point percentage (39.6) and free throw percentage (80.9). Caitlyn was also second on the team in scoring (14.4).

Babin was one of the top threats from behind the arc last season, breaking the Nicholls State season-single record with 81 3-pointers made. The Gonzales, La., native was eighth in assists (3.3), 10th in steals (1.7) and 14th in the league in scoring (12.8).

Roberts, the reigning freshman of the year from Waco, Texas, is the leading returning scoring for the Ladyjacks, averaging 9.2 points per contest last season. Roberts led SFA in field goal percentage (.491), rebounds (5.9) and blocks (1.8).

Allen, a Garland, Texas, native, was the second-leading scorer for the Colonels last season with 13.8 points per contest. She also led the team in field goal percentage (.459), rebounds (6.4) and blocks (0.9).

Luper comes to the Southland as one of the top dual threats, leading the Summit League last season in scoring (23.8) and steals (3.8). Luper, a guard from Adair, Okla., was one of the most consistent shooters for the Golden Eagles last season, shooting 46.2 percent from the field, 38.7 percent from 3-point range and 85.7 percent from the free throw line.

The 2012-13 season begins Friday, Nov. 9 when eight Southland teams take to the court. Conference play starts Jan. 3, 2013. The 2013 Southland Conference Basketball Tournament will return for its sixth season at the Leonard E. Merrell Center in Katy, Texas, March 13-16.

Preseason All-Southland Conference Women’s Basketball Teams

*2011-12 All-Southland Conference Selection