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The Kent State Golden Flashes are number 8 on our list, even though they were projected by the MAC coaches to finish second in the East. We have them coming in third in a competitive race. The number 8 ranking is a testament to just how deep we expect the league to be this season.
Kent had the best record in the East last season with a 13-5 conference record and bowed out of the tournament in their first game against eventual winner Toledo. While 4 starters return, it’s difficult to gauge just how much of a hole will be left with the departure of Larrissa Lurken and her amazing stat line each game. She averaged 23.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per contest.
Jordan Korinek will certainly help fill some of that void. The 6’3 senior averaged 15.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game last season. She is the only active player in the conference with over 1000 career points and 500 career rebounds. Also returning is the team’s leading three point shooter, 6’ tall McKenna Stevens. Senior Naddiyah Cross returns and was the team leader in assists with 111. I believe she is going to be a key for the Golden Flashes, as turnovers were a bit of a problem last season. Only Akron and Bowling Green averaged more turnovers per contest.
There are a lot of ifs coming into this season. If they can shore up the turnovers and if more than just Korinek can up their scoring, Kent could be a competitive team, and not just in the East.