Adding Wheeler to experienced lineup has put MTSU women's basketball among nation's best

MURFREESBORO − Savannah Wheeler knew what she was getting into when she hit the transfer portal and left Marshall for Middle Tennessee State following the 2021-22 season.

And the 5-foot-6 junior guard from Kentucky hasn't been disappointed yet, joining a squad that is currently 7-2 and ranked as one of the top teams in the nation.

"That was my first thought, really," said Wheeler, on joining a team that returned six of its top seven players off a 27-8 record and WNIT semifinals run last season. "When I first entered the portal, I hoped that they would reach out to me. They did, and of course, I took advantage of it."

Wheeler has been a big addition after finishing 17th in the nation in scoring (20.2) and leading Conference USA last season.

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Through Wednesday's 68-61 win over Houston, she is averaging 16 points, four assists and 3.8 rebounds per game while splitting time between shooting guard and point guard.

But she's had plenty of help, with returning starters Courtney Whitson, Alexis Whittington, Jalynn Gregory and Anastasiia Boldyreva and top bench player Kseniya Malashka all picking up where they left off last season.

The result has been a No. 22 NET ranking while receiving votes in both the Associated Press and USA TODAY Coaches poll. MTSU is ranked higher than any team in Tennessee and is the top C-USA team in the NET rankings.

"Our mindset hasn't changed," said Whitson, a 6-foot forward from Kingsport, who is averaging 10.2 points and 8.2 rebounds. She is just one point away from 1,000 for her career. "We were always used to being the underdogs. We were known as 'Little Middle.' But right now we have a target on our back.

"It's definitely different, especially from a leadership position. Just keeping a calm mind, but continuing to work hard, we can shoot for the stars."

MTSU, which opens conference play Tuesday at unbeaten Rice, has played a tough non-conference schedule. That includes a 67-49 win over No. 25 Louisville. The Lady Raiders' two losses to Mercer and Texas Tech are by a combined six points.

"I'm proud of this team and our non-conference schedule," Insell said. "We've played probably one of the top-10 non-conference schedules in the country."

MTSU has four players averaging in double figures, including Malashka (15.4) and Gregory (12.4). And the Lady Raiders have battled through a knee injury to fifth-year starter Whittington, who was eased back into action against Houston.

Sophomore point guard Courtney Blakely saw her minutes increased during that time, adding to the team's depth and versatility.

"They can play, no matter what spot," Wheeler said. "It's hard for other teams to (defend) when you can not only do this, but (also) this. It opens up a lot of variables for players."

"That's really helpful for us, just because you're moving everybody around," said Gregory, a sophomore shooting guard from Lafayette. "Different people are on different nights. Whoever is one is who we're looking for every time. Having everybody moving around, it allows us to see different looks."

With the experience, talent, depth and momentum from last year's postseason run, the NCAA Tournament was an obvious goal and expectation for the Lady Raiders, who made it in 2020-21.

"Our kids know how to handle success," Insell said. "They're pretty intelligent. They know what's going on. They practice hard every day, not just go through the motions. From the time we start practice, we're going wide open. That's how you handle success."

This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: MTSU basketball: Transfer Savannah Wheeler boosts Lady Raiders