After losing four players to graduation at the end of a historical season for SIU women’s basketball, coach Cindy Stein and staff were quick to replace them. 

Guards Ariel Haynes, Mercedes Griffin and Hannah Shores, as well as center Alexus Patterson, were part of a team that went 17-11 — a 12-game turnaround from the 2013-14 season.

Stein praised the three new freshmen for their work ethic, what they bring to the team and the leadership qualities all three share during Media Day on Oct. 20.

With junior guard Rishonda Napier and senior guard Cartaesha Macklin in the backcourt, and All-MVC selection senior center Dyana Pierre and senior forward Azia Washington in the frontcourt, the freshmen will have to fight for playing time. 

Olivia Bowling, Guard

Bowling won all-state and all-district honors during her senior season at Elizabethtown High School in New Haven, Ky., where she averaged six points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals a game. 

Familiarity with the offense, which helped her transition, was a reason Bowling choose SIU. 

“We ran a motion two in high school, which is similar to the offense coach Stein runs,” she said. “As a guard it definitely helps a lot coming in already know some aspect of what we’re trying to do.” 

Stein said she likes Bowling’s versatility, as the freshman is able to play at the point or on the wing. Stein said Bowling shoots and passes well. 

Bowling said fighting for playing time will be an adjustment. 

“Having started every game since I was in eighth grade, it’s frustrating,” Bowling said. “But it is a chance to get better and I’m just contributing where I can, and improving everyday.”

Tiajaney Hawkins, Guard/Forward

Hawkins, a three-star recruit who was rated the class of 2015 22nd best guard according to ESPN, averaged 15 points, eight rebounds and four assists in her senior season at East Chicago Central High in East Chicago, Ind., en route to all-state honors.

Stein said she is impressed with Hawkins’ play. 

“Watching her hustle up and down the court and bring positive energy to her team, I knew she was someone we wanted,” she said. 

Hawkins said her greatest challenge is adjusting to the height of players at the Division I level.

“When I was in high school, I was one of the taller girls on the court,” she said. “I have to learn how to front the post and get around some of the taller players, which is something I didn’t have to worry about before.” 

Ashley Hummel, Center/Forward

The connection between Hummel and Stein goes back to Hummel’s high school coach Kara Lindsey, who hired Stein as an assistant when Lindsey was the head coach at the University of Illinois in the mid-1990s.

Hummel said she is gradually transitioning to the speed of collegiate basketball. She was an all-conference and all-district player in high school for Hilliard Bradley in Galloway, Ohio. 

Stein praised Hummel for her strong work ethic as well as her well-rounded post skills.

“She is very well-coached and has a high basketball IQ,” Stein said. “She finds different ways to score in the low post and can definitely be an instrument of our success in the near future.”

The Salukis open the exhibition season against Maryville at 7 p.m. Friday at SIU Arena. 

Ted Ward can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @TedWard_DE