Kingsport, TN: The Bryan College Women's Basketball Team traveled to Kingsport, TN last week to participate in the Women's AAC Basketball Tournament. The Lady Lions finished the regular season as conference champions after Reinhardt's loss to Tennessee Wesleyan. 

Game one featured the #1 seeded Lady Lions taking on the #8 seeded Truett Mcconnell Bears. Although it was probably a closer first half than Head Coach Gabe Johnson would've liked, the Bears eventually went down 75-49.

Game two was set to be a battle as Bryan took on a scorching hot UPIKE squad. The Bears came into the tournament as the #4 seed, but as the tournament progressed, they looked like the top team in the AAC. The game was a highly contested affair until late, with Pikeville going onto win 74-63. The Bears won the AAC Tournament and secured the guaranteed national tournament bid. 

Although the Lady Lions came up short and would probably like to forget their trip to Kingsport, there is still basketball to play. Many teams that lose in their conference tournament have to face the unfortunate reality that their season is done. However, with the AAC Conference regular season title in hand, Bryan has an automatic bid to the NAIA National Tournament. Before getting to that, let's take a moment to honor the players and coaches that put together this season. 


Notable Wins:

• @ Milligan 12/9/23; Final Score 81-72
  • Why it was notable: Milligan finished as the third ranked team in the conference, Milligan was a tough customer at home finishing with a 9-2 record with one of its only two losses coming at the hands of the Lady Lions. 
•  Vs. Pikeville 1/2/24; Final Score 80-68
  • Why it was notable: Pikeville finished the season as conference tournament champions. This win was huge as the Bears gave their best game and still were not able to come out on top.
• Vs. Milligan 1/27/24; Final Score 76-69
  • Why it was notable: Beginning with an away game versus rival Tennessee Wesleyan, Bryan began the toughest part of their schedule. Despite having multiple tough games in close proximity, the Lady Lions were able to hold on.
• @ Montreat 2/10/24; Final Score 73-69
  • Why it was notable: There is no more challenging game than the Cavaliers at home. Despite an offensive masterclass from Virginia Edmonson, Bryan was able to come away with the win. 
• Vs. Reinhardt 2/14/24; Final Score 72-65
  • Why it was notable: The Lady Lions ended their brutal stretch with a game against the #1 team in the conference. Reinhardt came into the game undefeated in conference; they left Summers' with one loss. The victory against the Eagles allowed Bryan to claim the 1 seed in the regular season

Notable Performances: 

• Kaitlynn Hennessee's 30 Point, 7 Rebound, 5 Assist, 4 Steal, 3 Block game versus Milligan University
  • The point forward was everywhere on both ends of the floor in a massive game versus the Buffaloes
• Samantha Russell's 26 Point, 4 Rebound game versus the University of Pikeville
  • There could not have been any better time for the senior to show her full offensive bag than versus the Bears
• Torie Brooks' 30 Point, 6 Triple game at the University of Pikeville
  • Anyone who has watched the Lady Lions knows that Brooks can light it up from deep. In this game versus the Bears, she seemed to be extremely comfortable and could not miss as she finished 6-9 from three

Final Wrap-Up:
Despite the loss in the conference tournament, there is a lot to be excited about for the Bryan Women's team. The Lady Lions have shown resilience throughout the season that should be admired. The NAIA selection show takes place on 11/7/24 at 8:00 PM. After the show takes place, Bryan will know their opponent and eagerly look forward to advancing in the National Tournament.