By JOHN BOHNENKAMP

Western Illinois’ men’s basketball team won 21 games and reached the Ohio Valley Conference tournament semifinals last season.

But even with just three players returning from that team, the Leathernecks are still considered a title contender in the conference this season.

Western Illinois was picked second in the OVC preseason poll, released Wednesday.

WIU’s women’s team, featuring reigning freshman of the year Raegan McCowan, was picked sixth in the women’s poll.

McCowan, who ranked third in scoring among freshmen in NCAA Division I play, was one of two Leathernecks picked as players to watch this season. She was joined by guard Addi Brownfield on the women’s list.

Ryan Myers, a second-team all-conference selection last season, was one of two Leathernecks picked as players to watch on the men’s side. He was joined by guard Sean Smith, one of 10 newcomers on the roster.

Little Rock received 20 first-place votes to be picked as the favorite for the men’s title. SIUE, which received the other two first-place votes, was picked third behind Western Illinois.

Southern Indiana received 20 first-place votes to be picked as the women’s favorite. UT-Martin, which received the other two votes, was picked second, with Eastern Illinois third.

Photo: Western Illinois forward Raegan McCowan was picked as a player to watch in the Ohio Valley Conference in the preseason poll. (Photo courtesy of WIU Athletic Communications)