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Big West 2019-20 season preview: another new champion?

By David Yapkowitz

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 21: Head coach Faith Mimnaugh of the Cal Poly Mustangs eyes the play from the bench against the Loyola Marymount Lions in the first half of the home opening game at Gersten Pavilion on November 21, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. Cal Poly won 87-79. (Photo by Jeff Golden/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 21: Head coach Faith Mimnaugh of the Cal Poly Mustangs eyes the play from the bench against the Loyola Marymount Lions in the first half of the home opening game at Gersten Pavilion on November 21, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. Cal Poly won 87-79. (Photo by Jeff Golden/Getty Images) /
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LONG BEACH, CA – JANUARY 17: LBSU head coach Jeff Cammon applauds a play in Long Beach on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019. (Photo by Scott Varley/MediaNews Group/Torrance Daily Breeze via Getty Images)
LONG BEACH, CA – JANUARY 17: LBSU head coach Jeff Cammon applauds a play in Long Beach on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019. (Photo by Scott Varley/MediaNews Group/Torrance Daily Breeze via Getty Images) /

Long Beach State:

2018-19 record: 9-22, 5-11 Conference

Key Losses:

None

Key Additions:

-Alexis Legan

-Kristyna Jeskeova

-Alyssa Alvarez

-Jada Smith

Long Beach State is one of the rare teams who will return with last season’s starting lineup intact. That alone could give them some encouragement. But last season’s team didn’t fare so well, and other team’s in the conference still have strong talent. Still, if all things go right, they might be able to put a scare into a team or two once the conference tournament rolls around.

LBSU has one of the top up and coming guards in the conference with Justina King. King is everything you would want in a point guard. She orchestrates the offense with such precision and is a master at impacting the game without scoring. She’s poised to have a big sophomore season. Her backcourt mate, Shanaijah Davison is one of the top players in the conference. She can get buckets in a hurry and was named to the preseason All-Conference team.

Rounding out the starting lineup will probably be returners Lauren Green, Cyndee Kinslow, and Naomi Hunt. Green is a rugged wing defender who compliments the backcourt well. Kinslow anchors the middle and is solid rebounder who can finish at the rim. Hunt was named to the All-Big West second team last season and is one of the conference’s best three-point shooters.

One player whose development will be interesting to watch is Jasmine Hardy. She made an impact right away as a freshman, and led the team in scoring a few times. She’s a wing who can shuffle between guard and forward. If she takes a big step forward in her development, that could bode well for Long Beach’s season.

There are a few newcomers too who could have an impact this season. Alexis Legan was one of the best scoring guards in the state of California as a high school senior. Alyssa Alvarez is a solid ball-handler and outside shooter. Kristyna Jeskeona is a mobile big who can contribute in all aspects on the court. Jada Smith is another guard/forward combo who is a tough defensive player.

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