Matt Maresca was riding high during his senior year in 2004 when he lead Warren Central High School to the state championship. The 6-foot-7 forward fell back to Earth on Oct. 30, 2004. During practice, Maresca went up for a shot and landed on the floor, breaking his right arm just above his wrist.

Players transfer teams throughout the country so often, it’s almost routine in college basketball. Western has picked up on the trend during the last couple of seasons. In the three-year Darrin Horn era, the Toppers have signed forward Elgrace Wilborn and guards Benson Callier, Joemal Campbell and Butch Jointer.

Western’s transfers over the last few seasons have all left the Hill in search of a team that fit their preferences. These players have transferred to schools from coast to coast even if it meant playing two sports. Sophomore forward Ryan Lambert jettisoned from Western after his freshman season two years ago for Duquesne in Pittsburgh.

Watching her teammates practice from the sidelines on Oct. 18, sophomore forward Cacie Pope looked down at her heavily wrapped ankle and smiled. Although the injury kept her out of practice, this was only a mild tendon sprain in her left foot.

It all seems to be falling into place for the Lady Topper basketball team. Check the stats: three returning starters, two preseason All-Americans, the Sun Belt Preseason Player of the Year and its first top-25 preseason ranking in nine years. Factor in its selection to win a fourth consecutive Sun Belt East Division championship, and it’s hard to argue against success for coach Mary Taylor Cowles’ squad.

Whenever a basketball team has a strength, they’ll usually exploit it. Whether it’s perimeter shooting or a strong inside game, a team can be thankful if they have a dominant force in either. This season’s Lady Toppers can exploit both. Senior guard Tiffany Porter-Talbert and sophomore forward Crystal Kelly both return to this year’s team showered in preseason accolades.