Augusta, Ga.- The college basketball season is just around the corner and the intensity level has picked up with the Augusta University women on the court starting full, team practices. Coach Celeste Stewart has several new faces on this year's team but has liked how things have gone here early on. 

Stewart knows it's time to ramp the energy level up and the team is responding.

"We're learning to put the pieces together," said Stewart. "The intensity is going to continue to elevate and each practice is about putting ourselves in game mode." 



This year's Jaguars have just three seniors, with two of them being transfers in Nadiyah Byard and Camerah Langston. Stewart said they have accepted the leadership role and that goes back to what she was looking for when recruiting them. 

The Jags do have several returning players including Peach Belt Conference Freshman of the Year Quinasia Abercrombie. Overall, Stewart sees they understand the game more and know expectations are high with the program.

"They understand what it's going to take for us to get to the next level and play the type of basketball we want to play. So they continue to show that through practice," said Stewart. 

She also likes what she's seen out of the newcomers. They aren't afraid to ask  questions about how things are done and that will go a long way in developing team chemistry. 

With the first games just a month away, putting solid practices together on a routine basis is important. So far, so good in that category.

"It's about stacking the days," said Stewart. "We've been talking a lot about that. We want to continue to get better, getting the chemistry and I think with time, that happens. We always have to continue to make sure we bring that intensity in practice." 

The Jaguars open the season on Nov. 14 with a home game against North Greenville. Then on the Nov. 15, AU hosts Barton College. 

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