the Week three times. Wormack was Asheville’s third leading scorer with a 10.6 mark and second in rebounding at 5.3. She missed the final six games of the year with an injury but is healthy for the upcoming campaign. “It’s obvious that Leah is a good low-block scorer. We want her be at the free throw line more this year and be a little more consistent overall,” stated Kirkpatrick. “She’s a player who will give us great energy and will be a force our opponents will be worried about. Leah’s play will open things up for our perimeter game.” Abra Sickles, a 6-4 junior, has worked hard in the off-season, and that has paid off, according to Kirkpatrick. “Abra is one of the most improved players we have in our program,” commented Kirkpatrick. “She’ll present match-up problems for our opponents.We need her to be a great rebounder this season and play good defense. She’s going to get an opportunity to play this year.”
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Freshman Rachel McGirt comes to Asheville via Jordan HS in Durham. The 6-1 rookie center will provide depth in the post. “Rachel brings size, energy and a great work ethic,” declared Kirkpatrick. “She’s a good teammate who is working hard on her defense and giving us a presence on the boards.”
Gentry Manley gave the Bulldogs a real lift inside last year Tyler Smith is a 5-11 freshman forward from St. Mary’s Ryken in Port Tobacco, Md. “Tyler is a mobile post player who is not afraid to mix it up,” said Kirkpatrick. “She has a nice shot and some range with her shooting. We could use her to knock down some outside shots for us this year.” Kelli Riles led the nation in rebounding early in the season CENTER The Bulldogs have a chance to be pretty good in the pivot spot this season with some talent returning. Senior Kelli Riles led the nation in rebounding for much of the first part of the season and set a Big South record with 28 rebounds against USC Upstate last December. She also had 24 rebounds in the opening game against Winston-Salem State. Riles finished the year averaging 8.3 points and 10.6 per game. She shot .506 from the field (87-of-172) for the season. “Kelli has embraced her leadership with this team and she understands that this is her senior season,” explained Kirkpatrick. “She is one of the most talented rebounders I’ve ever seen. Kelli also does a great job attacking the basket and drawing fouls. We need her to be more consistent this season and to be a lock-down defender.”
Leah Wormack was Asheville’s third leading scorer in 2011-12
Sophomore Leah Wormack showed a lot of promise last season. She started in 23 straight games and was named Big South Freshman of 6
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