LAKE CHARLES – After just one season under head coach Brooks Donald Williams at McNeese, Iota’s Ashlyn and Caitlyn Baggett have to decided to step away from basketball - at least for the time being.

The twins notified Williams that they no longer wanted to be on the team Monday afternoon but both will remain at McNeese State as students.

“They are going to finish school, they love McNeese,” said the twins’ father and head Iota girls’ basketball coach Stan Baggett. “They just want to concentrate on academics. That’s basically it.”

Williams was undoubtedly sad to hear the news, especially after both Baggett’s contributed so much to the team during their freshman season.

Ashlyn was McNeese’s second-leading scorer this season, averaging 10.7 points per game. Caitlyn averaged 8.4 points and led the Cowgirls with 2.5 assists per contest.

“Am I disappointed? Of course,” said Williams. “They were fun to watch and fun to coach. We’d love for them to stay and help us build something special.”

However, Williams wasn’t caught completely by surprise by the twins’ decision.

“It’s something I think they’ve been thinking about for some time,” said Williams. “It’s something that’s been on their hearts and minds. I really believe they are great young ladies and strong students. They want to focus on school and see what life is like without basketball.

“McNeese appreciates the contributions they gave, and we wish them the best in the future.”