Kearney, Neb. – The Nebraska Kearney basketball teams have been picked fifth (women) and sixth (men) in the MIAA preseason coaches' and media polls.

The rankings were released this morning (Oct. 6) as part of media day at the College Basketball Experience in Kansas City. Fans can watch head coaches Drew Johnson and Marty Levinson speak at the event via The MIAA Network.

The Loper women received 135 points in the coaches' poll and 268 on the media side. Last winter, UNK went 20-9 (13-6) to place fourth in the league standings. Returning starters are point guard Jillian Aschoff (Lincoln Pius) and forward Brinly Christensen (Lincoln SW) with post Bailee Sobczak (Rapid City, S.D.), forward Jordan Sears (McPherson, Kan.) and point Saniya Simmons (Kansas City) all being key reserves last winter.

Pittsburg State (326 points; 13 1st place) is the media's favorite with Fort Hays second (299; five 1st place). In the coaches poll, the Tigers are first (152; 2 1st place) with Washburn the runner up 148; six 1st place) and Pitt close behind (144; five 1st place).

The UNK men rallied in the second semester last year to earn the fifth seed in the MIAA Tournament. They finished 12-16 (10-9) and garnered 106 points in today's coaches' poll and 211 in the media rankings. Returning starters are point guard Ja'Bryant Hill (Duncanville, Texas), forward Kendrick Gilbert (St. Louis) and post Taylor Harrell (Huntsville, Texas). Finally, forwards Clayton Moore (Mullen) and DJ Jamerson (Cibolo, Texas) and guard River Johnston (North Platte) each were contributors off the bench in 2024-25. 

Defending regular season and tourney champ Washburn is the favorite in both polls. The Ichabods tallied 169 points (13 1st place) in the coaches' poll and 346/23 in the media's rankings. Rogers State and Hays, respectively, were the second-place teams.

Both Loper teams start the season in Billings, Mont., Nov. 6-8.