Greetings from Brooks Gym, as the East Tennessee State women’s basketball team tips off its 2026-27 season against West Florida.
Not only is this the mutual season opener, it’s the first game as a Division I member for West Florida.
We’ll have updates here throughout the game.
What did I miss?
Check out our profile on preseason all-conference selection Daniela Lopez, a key player for ETSU in 2026-27. You’ll also be able to read this in our Buccaneer Basketball Blueprint, a free magazine from I-81 Sports coming soon.
Fast start
First time out, and with 4:24 left in the opening quarter, ETSU leads 14-5. West Florida is 2 of 11 from the field. ETSU shooting 60% (6 of 10) from the field and has scored six points off turnovers. Anala Nelson hasn’t missed a beat at point guard. She’s eligible for a fifth year as a high school Class of 2022 graduate, as part of a federal court ruling in Indiana.
And-1, times 2
Nice sequence there for ETSU. Lucia France with the block, Anala Nelson tracks down the other rebound and goes all the way for the bucket and the foul. Nelson makes the free throw, and ETSU has an early 5-2 lead.
Emmah McAmis follows with another hoop and harm, and it’s 8-2 Bucs.
Starting lineups
Lucia France, Emmah McAmis (a Next Level Local out of Wise Central), Lucy Hood, Daniela Lopez, and fifth-year Anala Nelson get the call for ETSU. Carmen Richardson, another preseason all-conference choice, is inactive.
For West Florida, starters are Janai Jordan, Annarose Tyre, Ebba Zalamans, Kayla Williams, and Finley Kennedy.