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Southern Conference overview

Veteran College of Charleston team in good shape

Special to CNNSI.com

Longtime College of Charleston coach John Kresse has all of his starters back. Jonathan Daniel/Allsport

Order of Finish North Division 1. UNC-Greensboro 2. Davidson 3. Appalachian State 4. Virginia Military 5. East Tennessee State 6. Western Carolina South Division 1. College of Charleston 2. Georgia Southern 3. Chattanooga 4. Furman 5. Wofford 6. The Citadel

Top storylines

Coach John Kresse returns five starters at the College of Charleston, which will be favored to win the South Division and the league tournament. The power in the North will be up for grabs among UNC Greensboro, Davidson and Appalachian State.

This is a season in the conference where winning on the road will be tough because all the teams are so evenly matched -- with the exception being College of Charleston.

New coaches in the league will be Houston Fancher at Appalachian State and Steve Shurina at Western Carolina.

Players to Watch

Top Three Players

Ian Chadwick, G, Wofford • A 6-4 senior Chadwick (16.8 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 1.5 apg) is a two-time All-SoCon selection. He has 226 career three-pointers and is on pace to shatter the league's all-time record of 245 set by Western Carolina's Anquell McCollum from 1992-96. Jeff Bolton, G, College of Charleston • A 6-3 junior, Bolton (15.8 ppg, 4.5 rpg) turned in an impressive season as a sophomore and was voted first team All-SoCon. Jody Lumpkin, C, College of Charleston • A 6-8 senior, Lumpkin (15.1 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 3.1 bpg) is a dominating player who was voted first team All-SoCon.

Top Newcomer

Neil Ashby, F, Chattanooga • A 6-8 junior transfer, Ashby is a leaper who is ready to test his skills in the league. He averaged 2.2 points and 2.1 rebounds in limited playing time two years ago at Alabama.

Coaches

Hot Coach

John Kresse, College of Charleston • The veteran coach is 517-127 in 21 years as the Courgars' head man.

Coach on the Hot Seat

Henry Dickerson, Chattanooga • Since taking over for Mack McCarthy, Dickerson has a 39-46 record with the Mocs. That won't cut it in Chattanooga.

Mark Your Calendar

Nov. 20, College of Charleston at Chattanooga • An early game that will determine just how good these teams are. Jan. 6, Davidson at UNC-Greensboro • This one will set the tone in the North Division. Jan. 8, Appalachian State at UNC-Greensboro • The North Division could be decided in a three-day period.

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