CCSU Blue Devils Women's Basketball Season Preview: 2024-25
Entering her second season at the helm, head coach Way Veney has her sights set on building upon the foundation laid during her inaugural year. The CCSU Blue Devils are coming off a campaign where they finished with a 7-9 conference record (9-21 overall), but with a strong mix of returning players and key transfer additions, there’s optimism that CCSU can rise in the NEC standings this year. Veney, who arrived in Hard Hittin’ New Britain in April 2023, brings a wealth of experience from her previous coaching roles, including a successful run as an associate head coach at Temple. While her playing background was as a big scorer at East Carolina, Veney has established herself in the Northeast in her coaching career. With a men’s basketball resurgence in Central Connecticut, there should be little question that the women’s side of the gym in New Britain will be making the same jump as well.
Projected Rotation
Belle Lanpher (G, Grad.) – Lanpher is the Blue Devils' floor general and offensive catalyst. The 5'5" guard led the team with 12.6 PPG last season, along with 2.8 RPG and 2.8 APG in a workhorse-like 35 minutes per game. Her leadership and ability to make big plays in clutch situations will once again be the driving force for CCSU, especially with another year of experience under her belt.
Meghan Kenefick (F, Grad.) – A steady presence in the paint, Kenefick will be a key part of CCSU’s frontcourt rotation again. She played heavy minutes last season, contributing 8.3 PPG and leads the returnees with 5.7 RPG. With her combination of shooting range and rebounding prowess, Kenefick gives the Blue Devils an interior-out threat that helps stretch opposing defenses.
Amaya Williams (G, Sr.) – Williams returns as one of CCSU’s top playmakers. The senior guard averaged 6.7 PPG and 1.8 APG last season and adds valuable defense on the perimeter, logging 0.9 steals per game. As a senior, she’ll be looked to for more consistency and leadership on both ends of the floor, particularly alongside Lanpher in the backcourt.
Alonna Sellers (F, Jr.) – Sellers is primed for a breakout junior season. After showing flashes last year with 7 PPG and 4.6 RPG in 17.6 minutes per game, her expanded role should allow her to become a more consistent scorer and defensive presence. Sellers' athleticism and shot-blocking ability (0.9 BPG) will be key for CCSU’s defensive identity.
Cierra Pearson (G, Jr.) – Pearson is another versatile player who can fill various roles for the Blue Devils. She averaged 2.4 PPG and 2.4 RPG in 17.5 minutes per game last season and should provide depth and flexibility off the bench. Her defensive intensity and ability to knock down open shots will be important for CCSU’s second unit.
Constance Ogbeide (F, Soph., Siena Transfer) – Ogbeide joins the Blue Devils from Siena and is expected to immediately step into a critical role in the frontcourt. She played in ten contests for the Saints last season and in limited minutes showed an ability to rebound. With a star player like Lanpher averaging 2.8 rebounds per game despite being listed at 5’5”, she should increase those totals with some expanded minutes. Her ability to emerge as a post defender and finish around the rim will be pivotal for CCSU to compete in NEC play.
Selina Monestime (G, R-Frosh., Albany Transfer) – Monestime comes to CCSU from Albany. She had the opportunity to sit and watch the Great Danes last season, and this year she’ll look to spend more time on the court. She’ll give Coach Veney another option off the bench or potentially in the starting lineup as the season progresses.
Team Preview
Coach Veney’s second year at CCSU is shaping up to be a promising one, with the team poised to improve on last season’s record. The Blue Devils are bolstered by the return of key players like Lanpher, Kenefick, and Williams, but the infusion of transfers Constance Ogbeide and Selina Monestime could be what elevates CCSU into the NEC’s upper tier. Both transfers will provide an infusion of talent to New Britain, as well as shoring up the frontcourt and adding depth to the backcourt.
If Alonna Sellers can take a step forward offensively, and CCSU gets solid contributions from its transfers and younger players, the Blue Devils have the potential to be a serious contender in the NEC. The team's added depth and experience could prove pivotal in a competitive NEC landscape, and with a returning grad student as the leading scorer, Central Connecticut State should be expected to take a step forward in Coach Veney’s second campaign.
Expect CCSU to be a much tougher out this season, and don’t be surprised if they make a push for a top-four finish in the NEC standings.
