USA South releases 2009-2010 men's and women's hoops polls

Fayetteville, NC - The USA South announced the results of its 2009-2010 men's and women's basketball preseason coaches polls on Wednesday. On the men's side, head coach John Thompson's squad was picked second among seven teams and received two first place votes, while on the women's side, first-year head coach Artina Trader's team earned a ninth place billing among ten teams.

Thompson's Bishops look to build on a 14-12 record last season, which saw Wesleyan race out to an 8-0 start and #24 national ranking. The Blue & Gold return four starters from that squad and will look to combine their experience with the much-needed size and athleticism of a host of newcomers. Senior All-Conference performers Trey Drake (14.5 ppg, 5.6 apg) and Jarmel Arrington (17.8 ppg) will lead the way as the Bishops’ top two returning scorers in 2009-2010.

Wesleyan finished behind Christopher Newport in the poll. The Captains were picked to win the title after sharing last year's crown with Averett. CNU received four of seven first-place votes.

The Bishop women hope to improve on 6-20 record last season, including a 4-14 USA South record and 8th place finish in the league. Wesleyan returns six letterwinners from that squad and will look to combine their experience with a large host of newcomers. Senior guard Nicole Williams (31 assists, 13 steals in ‘08-‘09) will lead the way, accompanied by returning starters Desiree’ Driver (6.3 ppg, 5.2 rpg) and Meredith Mills (5.9 ppg, 3.4 rpg). The 2009-2010 season will be the first for Trader, a 1999 North Carolina Wesleyan graduate and former Battling Bishop point guard.

Christopher Newport's women also took top billing in the poll. CNU received seven of ten first-place votes after capturing their second USA South Tournament Championship in three years last season.

Complete results of each poll are posted below.