OCT. 16, 2019 – BIG SKY OFFICE/MSU SPORTS INFORMATION – Despite not appearing on a Big Sky roster a season ago, Montana State’s Fallyn Freije has been selected as the Big Sky Preseason MVP and one of seven individuals honored with a selection to the preseason all-conference team.
The team was voted on by league coaches, sports information staff, and media members. Coaches could vote for their own players.
Freije is joined by teammate Oliana Squires on this year’s preseason squad. They represent the only teammates to be featured on this year’s team. Also joining Freije and Squires are Kylie Jimenez from Portland State, Kennedy Nicholas from Sacramento State, Estefania Ors from Idaho State, McKenzie Johnston from Montana, and Gina Marxen from Idaho.
Freije rejoins the Big Sky after sitting out the 2018-19 season following a transfer from North Dakota. During her time at UND, Freije averaged 13.2 points per game, while shooting 40.8 percent from the field and 30.9 percent from 3-point range. She was a Big Sky All-Conference Honorable Mention selection twice during her time in Grand Forks.
“Fallyn is no stranger to the conference,” MSU head coach Tricia Binford said in an MSU press release. “She’s a tremendous competitor and is a proven performer in the league.
“Fallyn made a smooth transition to our program, making an immediate impact. We look for her leadership skills both on and off the court to play a big role in the development of the team this season.”
Squires joins Freije and is back in the Bobcats’ backcourt after a 2018-19 season where she averaged 11.4 points per game, while shooting 37.1 percent from the field. The senior guard was selected as a Big Sky All-Conference Third Team member last season.
“Oliana came into her own last year,” Binford said. “We’re excited for her to take the next step both on the court and in a leadership role. She is certainly one of the most dynamic guards returning to the Big Sky Conference.”
Jimenez returns to help anchor a Portland State team that won the Big Sky Conference Tournament a season ago. Jimenez averaged 11.5 points and 4.7 assists on her way to an All-Big Sky Honorable Mention. The junior guard led the Big Sky a season ago in steals per game, averaging 2.6 per contest.
Nicholas returns to Sacramento State for her senior season after a breakout year in 2018-19 where she played in all of the Hornets’ games. Nicholas averaged 13 points and 11.1 rebounds per game. The senior forward’s rebounding average was at the top of the Big Sky and ranked her 17th in the nation. Nicholas was named a Big Sky All-Conference Honorable Mention for her play last year.
Ors was named All-Big Sky Honorable Mention last year, which marked the third straight year she has received postseason honors. Ors averaged 12.9 points and 4.1 rebounds per game for Idaho State last season. The senior guard shot an impressive 43.5 percent from the field and shot 41.1 percent from long range.
Johnston played in 29 games for the Lady Griz last season and led the team in scoring, averaging 12.6 points per game. The senior guard led the team in assists at 4.1 per game, which ranked sixth in the Big Sky. She also averaged 5.2 rebounds per game and shot 44.1 from the field. She played in all 40 minutes of 15 different games, including 12 total and seven straight in league play.
Marxen returns to Idaho after an outstanding debut that saw her named Big Sky Freshman of the Year. Marxen averaged 8.6 points, three rebounds and a team-leading four assists per game. She also led the team in steals.
The 2019-20 season gets underway Tuesday, November 5 with seven teams in action. The 2020 Big Sky Basketball Championships presented by My Place Hotels take place March 9-14 at CenturyLink Arena in Boise, Idaho. Tickets will go on sale next week.
2019-20 Big Sky women’s basketball preseason all-conference team
Fallyn Freije, Montana State
Kylie Jimenez, Portland State
Kennedy Nicholas, Sacramento State
Estefania Ors, Idaho State
Oliana Squires, Montana State
McKenzie Johnston, Montana
Gina Marxen, Idaho
