RUSTON, La. – With just under a week until the college basketball season tips-off, Louisiana Tech head coach Brooke Stoehr continues to be pleased with what she is seeing from her team in practice.

As the Lady Techsters eye the end of the preseason and get ready for their season opener next Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. against Jarvis Christian, Stoehr said she is excited about the strides that the group has made since coming to campus this past summer.

"I like where we are in terms of our continuity and chemistry," said Stoehr. "This group fights hard for each other, and they play really hard together. That's something I look forward to seeing on the court as the season goes on.

"With nine new faces its always interesting to see how well they can gel, and this group has done a very good job building those relationships to have that chemistry we want to see in our team. We want to be gritty and tough, and I think this group shows up every day with that fight to compete."

Stoehr reloaded this year's squad with nine newcomers including four Division I transfers in Gabbie Green (Pittsburgh), Jadona Davis (South Alabama), Kate Thompson (Wisconsin) and Salma Bates (Tulane). It's a group that will bring a load of experience and depth to this year's squad, especially inside.

"We have some depth and size inside, that we really haven't had since I have started here," Stoehr said. "I think that if you want to compete for a championship in a league you have to have some post depth. We added two really good pieces in Jadona Davis and Kate Thompson to complement what we already had in Anna Larr Roberson already."

Davis and Thompson are strong, physical posts that have shown the coaches that they can provide length and depth to the Lady Techsters front court and play a major part on the defensive end of the court. Stoehr said she is excited to be able to play through the post.

"Jadona is a really good scorer, and I think that she is in a very good place right now to have success this year. Thompson is also a very efficient scorer on the inside for us," said Stoehr. "We're excited to add these two pieces and finally be able to play through the paint with the size and depth that they add."

The Lady Techsters backcourt brings back a few explosive weapons from a season ago in Keiunna Walker, Robyn Lee and Lotte Sant while adding in a mixture of experience and youth that can provide a spark to the offense. Stoehr feels she has one of best passing teams she has ever had and that the guards are all very solid players.

Walker, a 2021 second team All-CUSA selection, is a veteran leader on this year's team and brings a level of play that makes her dangerous from anywhere on the court.

"Keiunna is such a dynamic athlete in the backcourt, that it makes it hard for people to guard her," said Stoehr. "She has probably played as balanced and composed as we have seen her play in her career so far this season. I have seen growth in maturity from a leadership perspective just by how she is coming and approaching practice each and every day."  

Bates is another perimeter threat and distributer for the Lady Techsters. She brings a level of experience at the point from Tulane that will help open up the offense and create different looks for many of her teammates.

"Salma has been really good and very solid at the point guard position," said Stoehr. "I love the experience she brings. She can score it, but she is a very good facilitator that brings a calmness and steady hand at the point guard position."

Lee missed some significant time last year with an injury and was limited in game action playing behind a talented group of seniors, but Stoehr said Lee has gained a level of confidence that has really elevated her game.

"I'm really excited with what she brings to the table," said Stoehr. "She is in very good shape after missing some time last season, but she has been a different player this preseason; just with the level of confidence she is playing with now."

Season tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased by calling 318-257-3631 or through LATechSport.com/Tickets. The Lady Techsters kick off the 2021-22 season next Tuesday, Nov. 9 at 6:30 p.m. when Jarvis Christian College comes to the Thomas Assembly Center.