DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Bethune-Cookman University junior Ashanti Hunt has been named a First Team selection on the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference's Preseason All-Conference squad while the two-time defending Lady Wildcats have been picked to finish second, the league announced today (October 25, 2017)

Hunt, a forward from Washington, D.C., averaged 8.4 points and 6.0 rebounds and led the Wildcats in scoring (12.6 ppg) during the Lady Wildcats' 15-1 run during conference play in 2016-17.

"Ashanti understands the work needed to be a champion," said B-CU Head Basketball Coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis. "She's long. Athletic. Plays inside and out. Tenacious defender. Mind of a champion."

Hunt was the lone Lady Wildcat to be named on the preseason team selected MEAC coaches and Sports Information Directors. Delaware State junior forward NaJai Pollard was selected as the league Preseason Player Of The Year.

Bethune-Cookman received seven first place points and finished second behind Hampton, who downed the Lady Wildcats in the 2017 MEAC Tournament Championship, as preseason favorites. North Carolina A&T State picked up five first-place votes and was picked to finish third. Rounding out the rest of the preseason poll are Norfolk State, Howard, Florida A&M, Maryland Eastern Shore (one first-place vote), Morgan State, Coppin State, Savannah State, Delaware State, South Carolina State and North Carolina Central.

"It's time for our young players to step and carry the yolk," Blair-Lewis said. "They've had great mentors and are ready."

Bethune-Cookman opens the 2017-18 campaign at home on Friday, November 10 at 6 p.m. against Edward Waters.