~ Margenthaler prepares for his second season as Redhawks basketball coach

Second-year Southeast Missouri State women's basketball coach Ty Margenthaler isn't about to predict an Ohio Valley Conference championship.

But Margenthaler does expect significant improvement as he continues the task of rebuilding a floundering program.

The Redhawks went 7-22 overall and 4-12 in OVC play last season, missing the conference tournament for the third straight year. They are a combined 22-64, including 12-40 in the OVC, during that stretch.

"We still of course have a lot of work to do," Margenthaler said during Southeast's media day Thursday. "But we definitely feel we're much improved. I feel we'll make some major strides this year. Our kids believe that.

"I'm not going to predict wins and losses, but I truly believe we're ready to compete. We're ready for some success."

Margenthaler believes improved depth will be a major benefit.

"We competed last year. We just didn't have the depth. This year we'll be able to play a 40-minute game," he said.

The Redhawks return three starters among six letterwinners. They have added five newcomers and will regain the services of forward Brooke Taylor, who has not yet played a regular-season game for the Redhawks due to illness and injury.

Taylor missed the entire 2010-11 campaign with a blood disorder. She saw action in Southeast's only exhibition contest last year before suffering a season-ending knee injury during practice.

"We're excited about having her back," Margenthaler said.

Returning starters for the Redhawks are senior forward Brittany Harriel, senior guard/forward Bailie Roberts and senior center Courtney Shiffer.

"Our three seniors really are taking on a big leadership role," Margenthaler said.

Harriel was Southeast's top scorer and rebounder last year with averages of 10.2 points and 6.9 boards per game. She also shot a team-best 46 percent from the field.

"My senior year, there's nothing really to hold back for. All of us seniors feel that way," Harriel said. "I think we can definitely make a change [in the record]."

Roberts averaged 9.7 points and 6.1 rebounds, both figures second on the squad behind Harriel. Shiffer averaged 6.2 points and five boards while blocking a team-high 21 shots.

"I'm very excited. We have more depth and really good team chemistry," Shiffer said. "I think we all have this renewed energy to go out and get a winning season."

Also returning are junior forward Patricia Mack (3.2 ppg, 5.1 rpg), sophomore guard Allyson Bradshaw from Notre Dame Regional High School (5.3 ppg) and sophomore guard Yelena Rosado (2.4 ppg).

"Last year was like our rebuilding year. This year I think we're going to show everybody we can be capable of being at the top [of the OVC] and not the bottom," Mack said.

Jordan Hunter, who will take over for the graduated Bianca Beck at point guard, is Southeast's lone junior college transfer. She was an All-American at Crowder Community College and is a member of the New Zealand national team.

"She's a special player. She's experienced," Margenthaler said. "We're really excited about her."

Freshmen are forward Connor King and guards Dru Haertling, Kara Wright and Olivia Hackman. King and Haertling are both Jackson High School graduates.

"They're all going to come in and help us," Margenthaler said. "I like our mixture of experience and youth."

The Redhawks host their only exhibition game against Southern Indiana on Nov. 4. They open the season at home against Wright State on Nov. 9.