Provo » Brigham Young women's basketball coach Jeff Judkins says his team filled with several quality newcomers and a player who missed all of last year with a knee injury is better than others think, after the Cougars were picked to finish sixth by Mountain West Conference coaches and media members.

BYU's first chance to prove that comes Friday afternoon (3:30 p.m.), when the Cougars play host to nearby Utah Valley University at the Marriott Center.

"I think this team could surprise some people," Judkins said at last month's media day.

At least, it appears that the team can score points this year, a problem that hampered them most of the 2008-09 season when they went 18-11 overall, 8-8 in league and tied for fifth. They beat Chadron State of Nebraska 107-55 in their final exhibition game last Saturday.

"We're shooting the ball well, which is going to be huge," Judkins said. "We need to do a better job rebounding."

Three starters, all juniors, are back for the Cougars, as Mindy Nielson (10.4 ppg), point guard Jazmine Foreman (6.8 ppg) and forward Keilani Moeaki (5.3 ppg) return.

But Judkins' hopes are high because point guard Haley Hall is back after having her last three seasons cut short by season-ending ACL injuries. Hall was 1-for-5 in just 12 minutes against Chadron State, but Judkins said she will be a "difference-maker" if she returns to form.

Freshman Alexis

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Kaufusi also had to miss last season with a knee injury, but she quickly showed her ability Saturday with a 16-point, six-rebound performance. Judkins said the former Timpview High star runs the floor like former Utah Jazz great Karl Malone.

Kim Parker, a freshman from Heber City's Wasatch High, is another newcomer expected to have an impact.

In addition to two conference games against the University of Utah, the Cougars will also play at Southern Utah, at Weber State and at Utah State.

drew@sltrib.com

Utah Valley at BYU

Friday, 3:30 p.m.