The NJCAA Division I Women’s Basketball preseason top-25 poll was released this week, with the Buccaneers debuting at No. 6.
While preseason polls are typically generated based on team performances from the previous season, that criteria perfectly applies to head coach Jeff Jenkins’ squad.
The Buccaneers return eight sophomores and two redshirt freshmen from a 2021-22 team which earned a 28-5 record, a Region XIV co-championship, the Region XIV Tournament title, and a trip to the NJCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship tournament.
“It’s a really big deal,” said Jenkins, who enters his 21st season at Blinn. “A preseason ranking revolves around last year’s team, but we bring back 55 points, 10 total players, and a lot of maturity in terms of our skill level.”
Blinn’s rise into preseason prominence is a welcome development.
The Buccaneers opened last season unranked on Nov. 1 and proceeded to win their first 13 games before cracking the rankings at No. 22 on Dec. 13, 2021. Blinn ended the season ranked 17th.
“It’s a cool honor for our program and our school,” Jenkins added. “It took a while to get into the polls last year, and our returners remember that. Hopefully we can capitalize on this and use it as some motivation on the court.”
Blinn opens its season at McLennan Community College on Wednesday, Nov. 2. The Buccaneers will play six road games before hosting Temple College for their home opener at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 21, at the Kruse Center in Brenham, Texas.
Blinn has competed in intercollegiate athletics since 1903 and captured 42 NJCAA national championships since 1987.
