Louisiana Tech Lady Techsters

2024-25 Record: 18-16 (8-10)

Head Coach: Brooke Stoehr (10th season) is switching things up. Last year, the veteran-laden Lady Techsters ate in non-conference play just to fall short in big moments later. A challenging non-conference slate, starting with the season opener against Arkansas, then Baylor and LSU, will be better preparation for this younger squad. Still, there are some heavy hitters ready to chase another banner for the Bayou State.

As the Conference USA Preseason Player of the Year, Paris Bradley is the engine of the offense. Last season, she started all 34 games, averaging 14.4 points and 3.0 assists per game while shooting 81.3% from the free-throw line (122-of-150). She had eight 20-point games, including a career-high 29 against Western Kentucky, and ranked among the top freshmen in program history for points (489), assists (102), and minutes (1,100).

Her quickness and playmaking will drive the team's up-tempo style. Pursuing a degree in Graphic Design and Business, Bradley was featured on the City of Carrollton's "Carrollton Athletics Through the Ages" mural, showing just how much she means to the community at large.

Jordan Marshall is a rebounding machine who averaged 11.6 points and 8.6 rebounds per game in 2024-25. She started all 34 games, posting 11 double-doubles (second among national freshmen) and grabbing a career-high 15 rebounds against FIU. Her efficiency at the line (126-of-182, 69.2%) and defensive presence make her a matchup nightmare in the paint.

Jianna Morris is the perfect complement to Bradley, thanks to a knockdown perimeter shot and Kyrie-like ballhandling. Morris provides the veteran leadership this young team needs, and her understanding of spacing and tempo will be invaluable as Louisiana Tech looks to improve its offensive efficiency. Bradley and Morris will hit 100 three-pointers as a duo, bet on it!

Mackenzie Wurm steps into her graduate student season as the Techsters' defensive cornerstone, bringing length and experience to a frontcourt that needs physicality. The 6A All-State (TX) honorable mention talent has already etched her name in program lore. A former CUSA Freshman of the Week after posting a double-double (12 points, 12 rebounds, 3 blocks) in her debut against McNeese, she exploded as a sophomore in 2022-23 with 46 blocks(3rd) while averaging 3.7 points and 2.3 rebounds in limited minutes.

Her junior year added 30 more swats, including eight multi-block games, showcasing elite shot-altering ability. After sitting out the 2024-25 season due to injury, Wurm's return could elevate Tech's paint protection to elite levels, especially with her academic pedigree (four-time CUSA Commissioner's Honor Roll) hinting at a mature, focused leader ready to chase postseason glory.

5wins Crystal Ball Call: Louisiana Tech should be among the conference's top contenders with their combination of talent and tradition. Dean Baramore is not walking through that door, though, to spin the old phrase. Forget those five First Place votes in the preseason poll. It’s nothing. This group must go out and earn new respect for Ruston, Louisiana hoops. No pressure to go get that first NCAA berth since 2011 at all…