Texas A&M-Corpus Christi just missed an NCAA Tournament berth as a team that finished a game above .500 last season.

That experience behind it and now loaded with eight seniors, the Islanders have the look as a main player in the Southland Conference race this season.

The Islanders return experienced and talented players from a team that finished 17-16 overall and 8-10 in the league in 2018-19.

Despite the marginal record, how the squad closed the campaign should serve as optimism.

Veteran head coach Royce Chadwick' team won three Southland Tournament games, including a two-point decision over Stephen F. Austin in the semifinals.

The Islanders' impressive run at the tourney concluded with a one-point setback to Abilene Christian in the finals.

The fact that so many players who played key roles last year return gives the Islanders a threatening appearance.

Among the veterans are senior Dalesia Booth (11.7 ppg, 4.5 rpg), senior Alexes Bryant (11.1 ppg, 6.6 rpg), senior Emma Young (9.3 ppg, 5.4 rpg), senior Dae Dae Eans (8.8 ppg, 4.0 rpg) and senior Tiara Matthews (5.9 ppg, 3.9 rpg).

Booth, Bryant, Young and Evans combined to start 105 games last season. They ranked first, second, third and fourth in scoring, respectively.

All four players compiled more than 125 rebounds, led by Bryant's 206 and Young's 194. Booth (139) and Evans (127) rounded out the impressive board work.

Young led the offense with 85 assists, had 17 double figure games and hit the game-winning shot against SFA in the tournament semifinals.

Bryant had 66 blocks, 15 in one game. Booth added 30 swats.

Matthews, who ranked seventh on the team in scoring, should play a larger role in her final season.

The 5-foot-11 senior started 12 games and shot a team-high 48 percent while picking up 20 steals and blocking four shots.

Another senior whose numbers should improve is La'Janeira Robinson, who started 27 games as a junior.

While she shot just 30 percent from the field, her 53 assists ranked second to Young's leading total. Robinson also compiled 36 steals.

Other returners are junior Giana Wright, sophomore Torrionna Nesbitt, sophomore Makinna Serrata, senior Sydney-Anne Cottrell and senior Arhianna Sims-Jackson.

Newcomers are Lynn Tamis, a transfer from Indiana State, and freshmen Hayle Campbell, Olivia Dowden and Alecia Westbrook.

Veterans are everywhere. Newcomers are eager.The coach knows his way around the league. Defense rarely takes a game off.

Add it all up and it's Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, a squad that should have everyone's attention this season.

Preseason MVP:
All senior forward Alexes Bryant does is everything. She averaged 11.1 points and 6.6 rebounds in her initial season with the Islanders. She led the Southland in blocks (66), including 15 in one game, and ranked sixth in rebounding - third on the offensive end. Her 36 assists and 25 steals continue to tell of the versatility she brings to the Islanders.

Game of the Year: Jan. 8 vs Stephen F. Austin

Impact First-Year Player:
Hayle Campbell