Storm projected to finish fourth in preseason poll
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – The Simpson College women's basketball team is projected to finish fourth in the 2024-25 American Rivers Conference Preseason Coaches Poll.
Back for his 38th season at the helm, head coach Brian Niemuth brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the squad. The Storm welcome back three key starters, including standout guard Elle Street and first team all-conference stars Haley Rasmussen and Molly Lutmer.
"The American Rivers Conference is one of the top women's basketball conferences in Division III with its excellent coaches and players, "said Niemuth. "Looks like another competitive season on every game day!"
Simpson will kick off the season with a pair of nonconference matchups in Wisconsin, facing off against perennial contenders Wis.-Eau Claire and Wis.-La Crosse on Nov. 9-10. Both games are slated for a 12 p.m. tip-off.
2023-24 REFRESHER
- Simpson ended the season with a 14-12 overall record and 9-7 mark in A-R-C play.
- The Storm led the conference in points per game (74.0) and steals per game (12.31), while finishing second in field goal percentage (0.438), 3-point percentage (0.339) and assists per game (15.48)
- At the conclusion of her final season, Cassie Nash headlined Simpson's awards by being named second team all-region, first team all-conference and the A-R-C Defensive Player of the Year.
- Returning guards Molly Lutmer and Haley Rasmussen joined Nash on the A-R-C First Team, giving Simpson the most first-team honorees in the conference.
KEY RETURNERS (2023-24 STATS)
- Haley Rasmussen, senior guard (12.9 ppg, 41.2% FG, 2.1 apg, 1.7 spg)
- Molly Lutmer, senior guard (11.7 ppg, 37.0% 3FG, 4.5 rpg, 1.3 spg, 1.3 apg)
- Elle Street, junior guard (6.4 ppg, 52.9% FG, 4.0 rpg, 1.7 spg, 1.7 apg)
2024-25 SCHEDULE | 2024-25 ROSTER
2024-25 AMERICAN RIVERS CONFERENCE PRESEASON POLL
1. Wartburg (29-3, 16-0 A-R-C) - 64 points
2. Coe (21-6, 11-5 A-R-C) - 54 points
3. Loras (23-4, 14-2 A-R-C) - 50 points
4. Simpson (14-12, 9-7 A-R-C) - 41 points
5. Luther (11-15, 6-10 A-R-C) - 35 points
6. Dubuque (16-11, 9-7 A-R-C) - 30 points
7. Central (11-14, 5-11 A-R-C) - 27 points
8. Buena Vista (3-20, 2-14 A-R-C) - 15 points
9. Nebraska Wesleyan (0-21, 0-16) - 8 points
