A young core will be on display for the Robert Morris women’s basketball team entering the 2022-23 season as the Colonials look to build off of last season’s success. Let’s take a look at some of the newcomers and returners for the squad.

FRESHMEN

Fatim Sarr Ndow – is a 6’1 forward from Putnam Science Academy. She is a native of Barcelona, Spain. She brings a much-needed rebound-focused body to the squad. Throughout her time a Putnam Science Academy, she was athletic and scrappy. She has a polished jumper, and she has tremendous court vision.

Louella Allana – She is a 5’4 guard from Laval, Quebec who is an all-around guard who likes to get her teammates the ball. In her most recent stint with the U16 national team for Canada, she posted 4.2 points per game and had 2.2 assists per game.

Candela Rabadan Solis – She is listed as 5’8. Solis comes from Madrid, Spain, and last played for Valencia Basket. From her tape, she is a talented offensive-minded guard who likes to attack the rim. She has a great finishing ability, and her court vision is fantastic.

Paris Kirk – Kirk is the most intriguing prospect this year. Listed at 6’2, she is a defensive anchor and will be huge for the Colonials. With Sol Castro’s timetable to return unknown and the loss of Ashya Klopfenstein, Kirk will see minutes early in her Robert Morris career.

Natalie Johnson – She is listed as 5’8 and is a scrappy guard who can shoot the lights out. She is a quick trigger for her jumper and is not afraid to play tight defense on her opponents.

RETURNERS

Janeira Scott – Scott did not play much last year, averaging three minutes per game, but when her name was called upon, she played well. I expect to see more from her this year.

Mackenzie Amalia – Amalia was regarded as the backup point guard last year to Nina Augustin. Amalia played well behind her, averaging 5.2 points per game and shooting 33 percent from the field and 36 percent from the three-point line. Amalia will take command of the starting role this season.

Danielle Vuletich – Vuletich did not play much last year, but she has a shot of making the rotation with Klopfenstein gone. In the time she did play, she averaged 1.3 points per game and 1.4 rebounds per game.

Jazmyne DeShields – DeShields did not get much time last season but was a sharpshooter when she played. She posted a shooting percentage of 43 percent behind the arc in her 4.1 minutes per game.

Rebecca Dwomoh – Dwomoh is another player with a shot at some rotation minutes with Castro battling an injury. She averaged 1.5 points per game in 16 appearances last season.

Phoenix Gedeon – Gedeon played well in a backup forward role last season and will look to take the momentum into this upcoming season as she will most likely be a starter for the squad. She has a tremendous defensive-minded game that will help the Colonials this upcoming season. She averaged 3.8 points per game in 26 appearances last season.

Sol Castro – Castro is a significant loss this upcoming season as she will miss significant time at the beginning of the year. As a solid player for the Colonials, filling her spot on this roster will be tough while she is still out. It is going to be tough to replace Castro who shot 42 percent from the field last season and averaged 8.6 points.

Simone Morris – Morris started in half of her games last season. Morris was a spark for the Colonials down the stretch in order to host a playoff game last season. Her role will expand this year, and she will be a full-time starter on this squad. She averaged 4.4 points per game on a 34 percent shooting percentage from the field and had 27 percent shooting from three.

Alejandra Mastral – Mastral was a key bench piece last season for the Colonials. With her play style and willingness to shoot, she will keep that sixth-man role this season and will be critical for the second unit. She averaged 3.9 points per game on 33 percent shooting from the field and 27 percent shooting from three.

The Colonials will enter the season with this squad, and it will be interesting to see what lineups coach Buscaglia will roll out in non-conference play. Their first test will be on Nov. 7 at 11 a.m. when they take on St. Francis.