West Virginia University junior guard Bria Holmes was tabbed the Big 12 Conference Preseason Player of the Year and selected to the Preseason All-Big 12 Team, as announced by the league office on Wednesday. The awards were chosen by head coaches, who are not allowed to vote for their own student-athletes. 

 

“This a tremendous honor for Bria and the WVU women’s basketball program,” said head coach Mike Carey. “With this selection, the Big 12 coaches have shown great respect for what Bria has done the past two years. I look forward to seeing Bria continue her role as a leader this season.”

 

Holmes was a unanimous All-Big 12 First Team selection last year in leading the Mountaineers to a share of their first Big 12 women’s basketball regular season title.  She was also an Associated Press All-American honorable mention, as well as a Phillips 66 Big 12 Championship All-Tournament Team honoree. 

 

The New Haven, Connecticut native led the Mountaineers with 15.2 points a game, which ranked seventh in the conference. Her 516 points were the fifth-highest point total by a sophomore in program history. The junior guard had a team-best 184 field goals and her 46.7 (184-of-394) field goal percentage was the 12th-highest in the Big 12.

 

Joining Holmes on the Preseason All-Big 12 Team are Nina Davis (Baylor), Chelsea Gardner (Kansas), Zahna Medley (TCU) and Nneka Enemkpali (Texas).  All five were 2013-14 All-Big 12 First Team honorees. Oklahoma’s Peyton Little was chosen as the Preseason Newcomer of the Year, while Texas rookie Ariel Atkins garnered Preseason Freshman of the Year accolades. The Big 12 Women’s Basketball Preseason Poll will be announced next Wednesday, Oct. 8. 

 

Fans can get a preview of the 2014-15 Mountaineers at the annual Haunted Hoops exhibition game on Friday, Oct. 31 against Wheeling Jesuit. West Virginia opens the season by hosting Eastern Kentucky in the Preseason WNIT First Round on Saturday, Nov. 15.

 

2014-15 BIG 12 CONFERENCE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL PRESEASON AWARDS

(coaches not allowed to vote for own players)

 

Preseason Player of the Year 

Bria Holmes, West Virginia, G, 6-1, Jr, New Haven, Conn.

 

Preseason Newcomer of the Year

Peyton Little, Oklahoma, G, 5-11, So, Abilene, Texas

 

Preseason Freshman of the Year

Ariel Atkins, Texas, G, 5-11, Duncanville, Texas

 

Preseason All-Big 12 Team

Nina Davis, Baylor, F, 5-11, So, Memphis, Tenn.

Chelsea Gardner, Kansas, F, 6-3, Sr, DeSoto, Texas

Zahna Medley, TCU, G, 5-6, Jr, Springfield, Ill.

Nneka Enemkpali, Texas, F, 6-1, Sr, Pflugerville, Texas

Bria Holmes, West Virginia, G, 6-1, Jr, New Haven, Conn.

 

Honorable Mention (listed alphabetically by school)

Niya Johnson (Baylor), Jada Buckley (Iowa State), Nikki Moody (Iowa State), Liz Donohoe (Oklahoma State), Brittany Martin (Oklahoma State), Imani McGee-Stafford (Texas), Amber Battle (Texas Tech)