University of Houston Athletics

Branch Earns Preseason All-Conference Honor
10/14/2019 7:03:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Cougars picked to finish fifth in The American
PHILADELPHIA – University of Houston senior forward Dorian Branch was named to the Preseason All-American Athletic Conference Second Team as Houston was picked to finish fifth in the conference, the league announced on Monday morning.
Houston looks to gain momentum as it heads into the 2019-20 season fresh off its second straight postseason appearance under sixth-year Head Coach Ronald Hughey.
After earning Second Team All-American Athletic Conference honors last season, Branch was selected as a Preseason Second Team selection by the coaches' around the league. The Texas native emerged as a leader for the Cougars midway through their 2018-19 campaign after she went from averaging 4.2 points per game to 10.8 points per game, ultimately earning Second Team All-American Athletic Conference honors at the conclusion of the season.
Branch proved to be threat from long range, leading The American in three-point field goal shooting percentage during conference play and was fourth in The American in made three-point field goals with 37 during conference play. As a junior, Branch scored doubles-figures in 17 games last season, including three 20-point scoring efforts.
As a team, Houston was tabbed fifth in the Preseason poll with 81 points. Houston was picked third in the 2018-19 Preseason Poll and concluded the season in fourth-place. This marks the second straight year that Houston has had a Second Team All-Conference selection.
Houston will open its season on Nov. 5 when the team travels to Atlanta, Ga. to match up against Georgia Tech.
PRESEASON POLL
1. UConn (11) 121
2. USF 107
T-3. UCF (1) 96
T-3. Cincinnati 96
5. Houston 81
6. Temple 68
7. Tulane 59
8. Memphis 42
9. Wichita State 37
10. Tulsa 33
11. ECU 31
12. SMU 21
Co-Preseason Players of the Year
Kay Kay Wright, UCF
Crystal Dangerfield, UConn
Preseason All-Conference
First Team
Kay Kay Wright, UCF
Crystal Dangerfield, UConn*
Megan Walker, UConn
Mia Davis, Temple*
Krystal Freeman, Tulane
Second Team
Antoinette Miller, Cincinnati
IImar'I Thomas, Cincinnati
Christyn Williams, UConn
Dorian Branch, Houston
Enna Pehadzic, USF
*denotes unanimous selection
SEASON TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Season packages start as low as $100 and include courtside, club and general admission seating. Houston's youngest alums (2014-19) are reminded that they are eligible for special Young Alumni pricing starting at $75.
Ticket packages can be purchased HERE. Season ticket renewals can be found HERE.
FOLLOW THE COUGARS!
Fans can receive daily information and in-game updates by following @UHCougarWBB on Twitter. Fans can also catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at facebook.com/UHCougarWBB.
--UHCougars.com--
Houston looks to gain momentum as it heads into the 2019-20 season fresh off its second straight postseason appearance under sixth-year Head Coach Ronald Hughey.
After earning Second Team All-American Athletic Conference honors last season, Branch was selected as a Preseason Second Team selection by the coaches' around the league. The Texas native emerged as a leader for the Cougars midway through their 2018-19 campaign after she went from averaging 4.2 points per game to 10.8 points per game, ultimately earning Second Team All-American Athletic Conference honors at the conclusion of the season.
Branch proved to be threat from long range, leading The American in three-point field goal shooting percentage during conference play and was fourth in The American in made three-point field goals with 37 during conference play. As a junior, Branch scored doubles-figures in 17 games last season, including three 20-point scoring efforts.
As a team, Houston was tabbed fifth in the Preseason poll with 81 points. Houston was picked third in the 2018-19 Preseason Poll and concluded the season in fourth-place. This marks the second straight year that Houston has had a Second Team All-Conference selection.
Houston will open its season on Nov. 5 when the team travels to Atlanta, Ga. to match up against Georgia Tech.
PRESEASON POLL
1. UConn (11) 121
2. USF 107
T-3. UCF (1) 96
T-3. Cincinnati 96
5. Houston 81
6. Temple 68
7. Tulane 59
8. Memphis 42
9. Wichita State 37
10. Tulsa 33
11. ECU 31
12. SMU 21
Co-Preseason Players of the Year
Kay Kay Wright, UCF
Crystal Dangerfield, UConn
Preseason All-Conference
First Team
Kay Kay Wright, UCF
Crystal Dangerfield, UConn*
Megan Walker, UConn
Mia Davis, Temple*
Krystal Freeman, Tulane
Second Team
Antoinette Miller, Cincinnati
IImar'I Thomas, Cincinnati
Christyn Williams, UConn
Dorian Branch, Houston
Enna Pehadzic, USF
*denotes unanimous selection
SEASON TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Season packages start as low as $100 and include courtside, club and general admission seating. Houston's youngest alums (2014-19) are reminded that they are eligible for special Young Alumni pricing starting at $75.
Ticket packages can be purchased HERE. Season ticket renewals can be found HERE.
FOLLOW THE COUGARS!
Fans can receive daily information and in-game updates by following @UHCougarWBB on Twitter. Fans can also catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at facebook.com/UHCougarWBB.
--UHCougars.com--
Players Mentioned
Postgame- Utah (Jan. 17, 2026)
Saturday, January 17
Postgame- Texas Tech (Jan. 13, 2026)
Tuesday, January 13
Postgame- BYU (Jan. 10, 2026)
Saturday, January 10
Postgame- Kansas State (Jan. 07, 2026)
Wednesday, January 07









