Nine Teams, Nine Days – Over the next nine days we’ll take a look at each of the America East’s nine women’s basketball programs in a lead up to the 2023-24 season. The regular season begins on Monday, Nov. 6 with eight teams in action and the full schedule of contests can be found here.
Binghamton had a solid 2022-23 campaign, but six straight losses by ten points or less to conclude the season left a bitter taste in the mouth of the Bearcats. They were in every contest but were unable to come out the victories. This year Bethan Shapiro Ord is excited about the team she has coming back and knows that there are two big keys for her team to succeed this year.
“First and foremost, continue to grow together and have that great chemistry on and off the court,” said Shapiro Ord. “All I need is every day just get better, and also continue to compete every day. I tell you what, practices have been a lot of fun.”
There’s a lot to be pleased about with the strong core returning. Any list of returners must begin with three-time all-conference performer Denai Bowman. The guard has already played in 105 career games and led the team in scoring (13.0), while averaging 4.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.0 steals per game last season.
A pair of rising sophomores, Ella Wanzer and Jadyn Weltz will be expected to step up their game and Shapiro Ord has every confidence they will do so. Wanzer finished second on the team in scoring (11.0) while leading the league in both three-point percentage (39.8%) and threes per game (2.3). Weltz, meanwhile, was an All-Defensive team selection after leading the conference in steals (2.5) and ranking second in assists (4.1). Genevieve Coleman is the team’s fourth returning starter and averaged 10.8 points per game last year.
Binghamton did bring in four freshmen this season, with three guards Yanniah Boyd, Bella Pucci and Kaylee Krysztof as well as 6-2 Kendall Bennett in the post.
The Bearcats open their season at home against Bloomsburg on Nov. 6 and then Siena just three days later. They also play at Loyola and Navy before a trip to Puerto Rico Nov. 24-25 where Binghamton will play Appalachian State and Furman. The team’s December schedule is highlighted by a trip to Pitt and they begin conference play on Thursday, Jan. 4 at home against UMBC.
Binghamton – Roster - Schedule
Head Coach: Bethann Shapiro Ord
2022-23 Record: 13-17, 6-10 (6th)
Scoring Offense: 61.1 points per game (4th)
Scoring Defense: 61.1 points per game (4th)
Rebounds/Game: 36.2 per game (2nd)
Returning Starters (4)
Denai Bowman, G – 13.0 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 3.3 apg
Ella Wanzer, G – 11.0 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 2.3 3pt pg
Genevieve Coleman, F – 10.8 ppg, 5.5 rpg
Jadyn Weltz, G – 7.6 ppg, 4.1 apg, 2.5 spg
Notable Newcomers (4)
Yanniah Boyd, G - freshman
Bella Pucci, G – freshman
Kaylee Krysztof, G - freshman
Kendall Bennett, F – freshman
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