WBB: Local hoops wrap

St. John’s led a quality group of women’s teams. The Red Storm made the Sweet 16, while Hofstra advanced to the WNIT. Marist made waves in the NCAA Tournament once again, while Rutgers and Princeton made tournament appearances. Stony Brook is looking to take the second step under rookie coach Beth O’Boyle, while LIU hopes to put forth another 20-win season.

As for the Pride’s future, there’s nothing to worry about. Evans is back, along with defensive terror Candace Bond and sharpshooter Kate Loper. Freshman guard Andreana Thomas also returns for the Pride. New recruits for 2012-2013 include talented guard trio Alexis Carter, Sydni Epps and Asia Jackson and forwards Ruth Sherrill and Dianna Thomas-Palmer.

Losing four-year starter Da’Shena Stevens will sting a bit, but Red Storm coach Kim Barnes Arico and top assistant Joe Tartamella have proven to be very capable recruiters. New recruits for next season include guards Cedrica Gibson and Ashley Perez.

On the outskirts: Rutgers (22-10, 10-6 Big East) struggled mightily in late January and early February, losing five straight. But C. Vivian Stringer’s crew rallied to win five in a row. But they fell to Gonzaga in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The Scarlet Knights lose seniors Khadijah Rushdan and April Sykes, but returns Monique Oliver…Princeton (24-5, 14-0 Ivy) finished 24th in the final AP poll and is poised to win the Ivy next season with the return of leading scorer Niveen Rasheed and sophomore Nicole Hung…Marist (26-8, 17-1 MAAC) proved once again why it shouldn’t be overlooked. The Red Foxes advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tourney and was four points away from the Sweet 16. Marist has to replace its top two scorers. Don’t bet against it…LIU (21-10, 10-8 NEC), led by Ashley Palmer had a great run. Palmer departs, but second leading scorer and rebounder Ebony Davis returns next season...Other area squads to watch for include Army (14-16, 8-6 Patriot League), Sacred Heart (25-8, 15-3 NEC), Hartford (19-13, 10-6 America East), Quinnipiac (22-10, 13-5 NEC), Monmouth (19-13, 12-6), Fairfield (24-9, 15-3 MAAC) and Manhattan (18-16, 10-8 MAAC).