LAKE WALES, Fla. - The Warner University Women's Basketball team returns home to host the 2025 Warner Classic at the Turner Athletic Center, welcoming Truett McConnell University and Culver-Stockton College to Lake Wales for a pair of non-conference matchups.

The Royals enter the Classic looking to rebound after a hard-fought 64–60 road loss to Florida National on December 12 and will look to take advantage of home court during the midweek and weekend contests.

GAME 1, Wednesday, December 17th: Warner vs. Truett McConnell (3–8, 2-5 Appalachian Athletic Conference)

Warner opens the Classic on Wednesday against the Bears of Truett McConnell. The Bears bring a physical style of play and disciplined defensive approach, while the Royals will look to establish tempo early and generate scoring opportunities through ball movement and defensive pressure.

GAME 2, Saturday December 20th: Warner vs. Culver-Stockton (6–6, 2-4 Heart of America Athletic Conference)

The Classic continues Saturday as the Royals face the Wildcats of Culver-Stockton. Culver-Stockton enters the matchup with balance and experience across its lineup, presenting a strong test on both ends of the floor. Warner's ability to control the glass and capitalize from the perimeter will be key in the weekend showdown.

With two quality opponents visiting Lake Wales, the 2025 Warner Classic presents the Royals with an opportunity to showcase growth and depth in front of their home crowd as they close out the pre-holiday stretch.

Players to Watch – Warner Royals

Aleyna Sherman - Junior Guard: Sherman continues to anchor the Royals' lineup, coming off a strong all-around performance against Florida National with 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists. She leads Warner in scoring (11.9 ppg), assists (22), and steals (17) on the season, impacting the game in every phase.

Julia Gilbert  - Senior Guard/Forward: Gilbert enters the Classic with momentum, recording two consecutive double-digit scoring games. She leads the Royals in three-pointers made (22), shooting 36.7% from beyond the arc, and ranks second on the team in rebounding at 6.5 per game. Her versatility and perimeter shooting will be crucial during the Classic.
 

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Truett McConnell Bears

Brinkley Kate Reed: Reed headlines the Bears' offensive attack and enters the Warner Classic in top form. She is coming off a 10-point performance against SUN Conference opponent College of Coastal Georgia and has now recorded six straight double-digit scoring games, including a 30-point outing earlier this season against Union Commonwealth. Reed leads Truett McConnell in all major shooting categories, averaging 14.5 points per game, shooting 40.3% from the field, 30.6% from three-point range (15 made), and 85% from the free-throw line (34-of-40).

Ava Queen: Queen anchors the Bears' interior defense, leading the team with 14 blocked shots on the season. Her rim protection and defensive presence make her a key factor in limiting opponents' scoring in the paint.

Destinee Lovejoy: Lovejoy leads Truett McConnell on the glass and in transition defense, averaging 7.3 rebounds per game while totaling 19 steals this season. Her activity and physicality play a major role in the Bears' defensive identity.
 

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Culver-Stockton Wildcats

Avery Oetting: Oetting is the Wildcats' go-to scorer and most versatile threat. She leads Culver-Stockton with 16.0 points per game, knocking down 33 three-pointers at a 47.8% clip, and is highly efficient at the free-throw line, shooting 88.5% (23-of-26). Oetting also leads the Wildcats in rebounds (63 total, 5.3 per game) and steals (21), making her a complete two-way presence.

Paige Henson: Henson provides a steady presence on the boards, totaling 52 rebounds on the season while averaging 4.3 per game. Her rebounding ability supports Culver-Stockton's defensive efforts and second-chance control.

Mismora Nambara: Nambara leads the Wildcats' perimeter defense with 17 steals, using quick hands and anticipation to disrupt opposing offenses.

Haley Webb: Webb adds rim protection for Culver-Stockton, leading the team with five blocked shots on the season and helping anchor the Wildcats defensively inside.
 

WARNER	STATS	TRUETT MCCONNELL	CULVER STOCKTON
57.0	SCORING	52.1	71.4
203-571 (35.6%)	FIELD GOALS-ATT (PCT%)	195-560 (34.8%)	317-745 (42.6%)
48-152 (31.6%)	3 POINT FG-ATT (PCT%)	49-194 (25.3%)	95-257 (37%)
116-186 (62.4%)	FREE THROWS-ATT (PCT%)	134-207 (64.7%)	128-165 (77.6%)
423 (42.3)	REBOUNDS (per game)	337 (30.6)	413 (34.4)
95 (9.5)	ASSISTS (per game)	99 (9.0)	168 (14.0)
78 (7.8)	STEALS (per game)	88 (8.0)	127 (10.6)
11 (1.1)	BLOCKS (per game)	26 (2.4)	19 (1.6)

Series History vs. Truett McConnell University

• This meeting. marks the 3rd meeting in program history. The series in tied (1-1) with the Royals securing the most victory.
• The first meeting took place in 2019 in Lake Wales, Florida.
• The most recent meeting took place in the 2024-25 season in Cleveland, GA where the Royals won 65-52. Click here for the Box Score.

Series History vs. Culver Stockton College

• This meeting marks the first in program history between the Royals and Wildcats.

See the Warner Classic Tournament Schedule by clicking here.

Watch Live on Urban Edge Network: https://urbanedgenetwork.net/?school=sun-conference
Follow Live Stats on warnerroyals.com: https://warnerroyals.com/sidearmstats/wbball/summary
 

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