Photo courtesy of Iowa Central The 2023-24 Iowa Central women's basketball team includes, front row (left to right): Savannah Johnson, Jordan Mayland, Olivia Miller, Amaya Terrell, Tayler Reaves, Alicia Hatlestad and Maddy Kahler. Back: Alyssa Lux, Laney Pilcher, Lainey Maehl, Mia Danielson, Emily Theiss, Kaitlyn Tendal and manager Shelby Flesher.

Sabah Dickerson enters her second season as head coach of the Iowa Central women feeling confident and excited.

Dickerson, who took over for Brian Ortmeier after he accepted the same position with Briar Cliff, stepped up from the assistant role to guide the Tritons to 14 wins, including an 11-4 mark at home.

She brings in a deep and talented freshman class to mix with two returning players and a transfer from the NAIA level.

“We’ve had three scrimmages that have allowed us to see different looks from different teams,” Dickerson said. “Now, the kids are giddy with excitement to be playing real games.

“The one thing from this group that I really feel stands out from last year is how competitive they are. They have come in and really got after it in everything we have done from conditioning, to team bonding experiences to practices.”

Sophomores Kaitlyn Tendal and Emily Theiss provide the experience alongside transfer Savannah Johnson. Tendal averaged 12 points and five rebounds last year with Theiss adding seven points, three rebounds and two steals.

“Starting last spring, Kaitlyn and Emily did a great job of reaching out to the freshmen and building a relationship with them,” Dickerson said. “They have really helped with the transition to college and what to expect.

“Both of them lead by example and have really stepped into their own personalities within the team.”

Part of the new group includes Fort Dodge Senior High graduate Lainey Maehl, who posted 13 points, nine rebounds, three assists and 2.5 steals per game last year for the Dodgers.

“Getting her was big for us,” Dickerson said. “Lainey is a very coachable kid and has a good understanding of the game. She works hard and is always willing to do whatever we ask of her.”

Theiss will have a familiar face in Jordan Mayland, a Clear Lake grad. The two were part of several successful Lion teams that reached the state tournament and dominated the North Central Conference.

Alyssa Lux averaged 12 points, 4.5 rebounds and three assists for Cascade, who reached state her junior season and went 19-3 last year.

Other freshmen from Iowa include Amaya Terrell, Laney Pilcher, Tayler Reaves, Olivia Miller, Mia Danielson and Maddy Kahler, with Alicia Hatlestad from Minnesota completing the class.

“They come from very successful high school programs,” Dickerson said. “And many of them have played against each other, with each other or at high levels of AAU basketball.

“That was our goal putting the class together to have players from the best programs out there.”

Dickerson will be assisted by Kelby Homeister.

Iowa Central opens the season Thursday at home vs. Mount Mercy JV.

2023-24 IOWA CENTRAL WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Roster

Sophomores

Kaitlyn Tendal, Estherville; Emily Theiss, Clear Lake; Savannah Johnson, Minneapolis.

Freshmen

Amaya Terrell, Maquoketa; Jordan Mayland, Clear Lake; Alicia Hatlestad, Minnesota; Laney Pilcher, Jesup; Tayler Reaves, Center Point; Alyssa Lux, Cascade; Olivia Miller, Homestead; Mia Danielson, Hawarden; Lainey Maehl, Fort Dodge; Maddy Kahler, Burt.

Schedule

Nov. 2 — Mount Mercy JV; 6 — Central-Columbus; 10 — vs. Metropolitan in Kansas City; 11 — at Kansas City-Kansas; 14 — at Central-Columbus; 18 — Briar Cliff JV; 20 — Grand View JV; 28 — at Mount Mercy JV.

Dec. 2 — at Ellsworth; 6 — NIACC; 9 — Southeast; 13 — DMACC; 17 — at Iowa Western.

Jan. 3 — at Marshalltown; 6 — Southwestern; 10 — at Northeast; 13 — Kirkwood; 17 — at Southeastern; 20 — Iowa Lakes; 24 — Marshalltown; 27 — at Kirkwood; 31 — at NIACC.

Feb. 7 — Ellsworth; 10 — Northeast; 14 — at Iowa Lakes; 17 — at DMACC; 21 — Iowa Western; 24 — at Southwestern; 28 — Southeastern.