EVANSVILLE, Ind. - Seniors Macy Silvey and Jaiden Bryant have been named Ohio Valley Conference players to watch for the 2025-26 season. The OVC released their preseason poll Tuesday at the league's annual media day in Evansville.
 
Silvey is playing her fourth season at SIUE after finishing third in three-point field goals in 2024-25. She averaged 2.3 per game. She appeared in all 29 games for the Cougars shooting 35 percent from the field and 36 percent from three-point range.
 
"Macy's has been such a prominent local woman for our program the last three years," SIUE Coach Samantha Quigley Smith said. "Four-year players are unique to come by, and we are lucky to have Macy as ours. Her work ethic and confidence have continued to soar in this off-season and she will prove that she's the best shooter in the OVC."
 
Bryant will be playing her second season with SIUE after transferring from Missouri State. Last season she started 26 games for the team, being the rebounding leader for eight games. She also was second on the team in rebounds averaging 4.1 per game.
 
"An incredible journey woman and another local star to the immediate St. Louis area," coach Sam said. "Jaiden's defensive intensity will continue to shine this year; not only that but her leadership and veteran experiences are proving to be huge additions."
 
Head coach Sam Smith is also excited to announce three transfers joining her this season, Adebukola Akomolafe, Adriana Blazquez and Syanne Mohammed.
 
"With a mature transfer group like this, we are the most veteran our program has been in years," Smith stated. "With multiple grad transfers and high mid major additions, the experience is showing in their play."
 
Blazquez joins SIUE from Murray State where she appeared in 18 games as a freshman scoring four points and grabbing 11 rebounds.
 
"Adriana Blazquez who comes to us from an NCAA tournament program Murray State brings a wealth of experience from her freshman year, knows how to win, and comes in with a tenacious European style of play," Sam noted.
 
 Akomolafe comes from Virginia Commonwealth where she shot 47 percent from the field. "Bukola Akomolafe's athleticism and strength is something our team has been in high need of," Sam said.
 
"And lastly, Syanne Mohamed, a late summer addition and graduate transfer from the NAIA is a huge size addition for us who has a soft touch and great leadership to bring to the table," Sam Said.
 
Mohammed played at Goshen playing in 115 games averaging 9.6 points per game. In her last season (2024-25) she averaged 10.8 points per game.
 
This year the SIUE women's basketball team was picked to finish 10^th in the league tying with Morehead State with 33 points.
 
"Being an underdog is certainly the mentality this team has had since they came together in June," Sam said. "You can tell there is a hungry taste in their mouths, and they are ready with a 'Just watch us' mentality. The connection amongst one another is undeniable."
 
 
2025-26 OVC Women's Basketball Predicted Order of Finish
1. Lindenwood (6) - 179
2. Tennessee Tech (12) - 175
3. Western Illinois (4) - 166
4. Southern Indiana - 147
5. Eastern Illinois - 121
6. UT Martin - 117
7. Little Rock - 110
8. Tennessee State - 78
9. Southeast Missouri - 51
10. Morehead State - 33
        SIUE - 33


 2025 OVC Women's Basketball Watch List
Lalani Ellis, G, Jr. - Eastern Illinois
Meioshe Mason, C, R-Jr. - Eastern Illinois
Mya Skoff, G, Jr. - Lindenwood
Gracy Wernli, G, Jr. - Lindenwood
Mya Cotto, G, Jr. - Little Rock
Destinee Salgado, F, So. - Little Rock
Laura Toffali, G, Sr. - Morehead State
Marie Sepp, G, Sr. - Morehead State
Lexi McCully, G, Gr. - Southeast Missouri
Ainaya Williams, C, So. - Southeast Missouri
Macy Silvey, G, Sr. - SIUE
Jaiden Bryant, G, Sr. - SIUE
Ali Saunders, G, Sr. - Southern Indiana
Chloe Gannon, F/C, Jr. - Southern Indiana
Somah Kamara, G, So. - Tennessee State
Erin Martin, F, So. - Tennessee State
Chloe Larry, PG, So. - Tennessee Tech
Reagan Hurst, G, Gr. - Tennessee Tech
Norah Clark, F, Jr. - UT Martin
Addi Brownfield, G, Sr. – Western Illinois
Allie Meadows, G, Sr. – Western Illinois