Led by Wheeler, Piedmont women's hoops flying high

DEMOREST -- The Piedmont College women's basketball team is finally getting some national exposure.

After starting the season 7-0, including most recently a 57-45 win over then-No. 12 Greensboro College, Piedmont earned its spot in the newest top-25 poll for D3Hoops.com.

Piedmont is now one of only three teams in the NCAA Division III that still hasn't suffered a loss, and the other two unbeaten teams are not in the top 25. The Lady Lions are currently ranked No. 24.

The Lady Lions are paced in nearly every facet of the game by senior standout Sada Wheeler, an East Hall High graduate that is currently among the nation's leaders in scoring, rebounding and blocked shots.

Wheeler averages 17.7 points, 15.6 rebounds and 5.7 blocks per contest. All are team-highs. The Great South Athletic Conference has also recognized her efforts, naming her conference player of the week for each of the first three weeks of the season.

Head coach Jamie Purdy, who is in the midst of her seventh season, has had much success, including over 100 wins, three GSAC titles and a trio of trips to the NCAA Division III National Tournament. The 7-0 start is the best under Purdy, however, and the Lady Lions are also 2-0 in conference play.

Piedmont travels to California on Friday to face Claremont McKenna College at 7:30 p.m. The Lady Lions will also face Pomona College at 4 p.m. Sunday in California before ending the trip against the University of La Verne in La Verne, Calif., on Dec. 19.