Preseason polls: Expect tight race for MWC women

LAS VEGAS — To know where Mountain West Conference women's basketball is headed, one must remember from whence it came.

Last year, the nine-team Mountain West boasted three AP Top 25 teams in Utah, BYU and New Mexico, placed those three and league newcomer TCU into the NCAA Tournament and watched all four claim first-round victories, with Utah continuing all the way to the Elite Eight.

Individually, four-time MWC player of the year Kim Smith of Utah, 2005 co-MVP Shona Thorburn of Utah and 2006 co-MVP Ambrosia Anderson of BYU parlayed outstanding senior seasons performances into pro careers as WNBA draftees.

With the recent history in mind, it should be no surprise that the top trio in this year's preseason media/coaches poll are as close as ever — New Mexico No. 1 with eight of 19 first-place votes and 137 points, BYU second with seven top ballots and 134 points, and TCU the other four first-place votes and 126 points.

Rounding out the top five are defending MWC tournament champion Utah (102) and Wyoming (96).

"The strength of this conference is '1' through '9,' — you do not have one of the best conferences in the nation with just one or two teams," said Wyoming head coach Joe Legerski.

BYU: Head coach Jeff Judkins' Cougars bring depth, experience in four returning starters, a defensive mind-set and the desire to amend losses that ended last year's MWC and NCAA Tournament runs.

They'll have to fill the big-play shoes of Anderson, modify their personal roles from previous teams and effectively play the part of a preseason favorite and defending champ.

"We're going to have the bull's-eye on our back," said Judkins. "We have to take that challenge, knowing that we're going to have to give our best game every night."

He'll count on senior leadership from guards Melinda Johnsen and Jennie Keele and center Dani Kubik Wright to set the tone.

"These three seniors have been through a lot together," Judkins said. "They know what it takes, because they've seen the best and the worst of BYU basketball."

Joining them will be fellow returning starter and perimeter sharpshooter Mallary Gillespie, transfer Ashley Cheesman and experienced reserves such as swingman Shawnee Slade and center Lauren Riley.