NEC Blitz Preseason Women’s Basketball First Team

The NEC Blitz Preseason Women’s Basketball First Team highlights five players who are ready to make their mark this season. From power inside to sharp shooting outside, we believe these five players will have a significant impact on their teams and the league as a whole.

C- Josie Hill, Chicago State

F- Bailey Kuhns, Mercyhurst

F- Teneisia Brown, FDU

G- Belle Lanpher, CCSU

G- Abby Conklin, FDU

Here’s why they made our list:

Josie Hill, Center, Chicago State

Josie Hill comes into the NEC after playing one of the toughest independent schedules in the nation, and her ability to handle physical play sets her apart. Her ability to control the paint is going to be a major factor for Chicago State this season. Hill’s combination of size and skill will make her a matchup nightmare for opponents who may not be used to her level of physicality. She’s not just built to take bumps—she’s more likely to give them out this season, and that’s what makes her such a dangerous threat inside.

Chicago State will lean heavily on Hill to anchor both their offense and defense, and we expect her to rise to the occasion. Her ability to finish around the rim and control the boards makes her an automatic candidate for First Team honors. Look for her to assert herself early in conference play and be a consistent force all season long.

Bailey Kuhns, Forward, Mercyhurst

Coming off a stellar sophomore season where she led Mercyhurst in scoring, Bailey Kuhns is another interior player who could dominate the NEC this year. Kuhns, who earned PSAC West Second Team honors last season, brings a level of physicality that could overwhelm many NEC teams. As good as her play was in the PSAC, it might rise to another level She shot 50% from the floor last year and pulled down double-digit rebounds in multiple games, including a career-high 16 boards against Seton Hill. Kuhns’ experience in the PSAC, a league known for its rugged, physical style of play, has prepared her well to handle whatever the NEC throws her way.

Kuhns is built for contact, and this year she’s going to be the one initiating it. Her ability to carve out space in the post and finish through defenders will be critical for Mercyhurst as they transition to Division I. Expect her to lead by example, especially in high-pressure moments, and be a go-to scorer in the clutch.

Teneisia Brown, Forward, FDU

Teneisia Brown brings a balanced skill set to the table, combining scoring, rebounding, and defensive prowess. Last season, she averaged 12.6 points and 8.0 rebounds per game for the Knights, while shooting an impressive 48.4% from the field. Brown is a versatile forward who can score inside, but also thrives on her ability to crash the boards and affect the game defensively.

Brown’s presence in the paint will be crucial for FDU, but her real value lies in her ability to do it all. Whether it’s scoring, defending, or rebounding, she impacts the game in multiple ways. Brown’s well-rounded game makes her one of the most complete players in the league, and her leadership will be key in FDU’s pursuit of a championship this season.

Belle Lanpher, Guard, CCSU

Belle Lanpher was a standout for CCSU last season, earning All-NEC Second Team honors, and she’s back for more in 2024-25. Last year, Lanpher averaged 12.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game while playing a whopping 33.9 minutes per contest. Known for her ability to take over games, Lanpher scored in double figures in 22 games last season, including an unforgettable 35-point explosion against Fairfield. She’s a fearless competitor.

Lanpher’s ability to handle the ball, create for her teammates, and score from anywhere on the court makes her one of the most dangerous guards in the NEC. She shot 87.8% from the free-throw line last season, showing she’s reliable when the game is on the line. Lanpher is poised for a breakout year, and with her leadership and scoring ability, she’ll be the engine that drives CCSU’s success.

Abby Conklin, Guard, FDU

Abby Conklin is the sharp-shooting guard for FDU who can stretch the floor and cause major problems for opposing defenses. Last season, she averaged 9.8 points per game, but it’s her three-point shooting that really stands out. Conklin hit 35.7% of her shots from beyond the arc, making her one of the most dangerous perimeter threats in the NEC. Her ability to knock down big shots has earned her a reputation as a clutch performer, and FDU will need her to continue her sharpshooting ways this season. At Media Day, Coach Gaitley was blown away at all of the progress she had continued to make with her game.

Conklin also plays tough defense and provides leadership on the court. She has the ability to take over games with her shooting, and her presence on the floor spaces out defenses, giving players like Teneisia Brown room to operate inside. Look for Conklin to play a huge role in FDU’s offensive game plan, especially in tight games where her shooting can be the difference.

A Balanced Attack

Our NEC Blitz Preseason First Team highlights a balanced mix of interior power and guard play that we believe will define the 2024-25 season. Josie Hill and Bailey Kuhns bring the physical edge, while Lanpher and Conklin offer perimeter scoring and leadership. Teneisia Brown bridges both worlds, capable of dominating inside while being an all-around force. These five players are poised to make major impacts on their teams and could very well be the difference-makers in the NEC this season.