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Posting Up - Scoreboard - Top 25 - Features - Notables - Team of the Week - Live Audio |
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A look at the upcoming season 2000-01 season |
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Under first year coach Stephanie Flamini (West Chester '94), the Braves will have a new look and a positive outlook on the future of Chowan women's basketball. While the Braves suffered last season, losing 14 games, at least six of those losses were by five points or less. Flamini hopes to breathe life back into the program by giving the offense a new look and a new attitude. Led by All-American candidate Lachelle Waller, the Braves will be sure to compete with every team on their schedule. "I think that this team has the ability to compete at the same level as most of the teams on our schedule. We are certainly going to take it one game at a time and see what we can build on." Flamini will put much of this year's coming tasks in the shoulders of a pack of seniors sure to handle the load. That "pack" is led by senior center Lachelle Waller (6-0). Last season Waller finished second in the nation in rebounds per game (15.8) and first on the team in scoring per game (13.3). As well as providing an offensive attack for the Braves, Waller is no slacker in the paint. Last season Waller was nationally ranked in the top 20 in blocks per game (2.6). Another senior is point guard Alisha Harvey (5-4). Flamini is looking for Harvey to set the tone on the court for the Braves. She is an aggressive player who can spot up outside or penetrate the lane for the layup or the dish. Last season Harvey was third on the team in scoring (9.6) and first in assists per game (3.4). A solid defender, Harvey led the Braves in steals per game with 2.0. Rounding out the pack is senior forward Josette Beasley (5-5). Beasley turned her game up a notch in the second part of the season to finish 4th on the team in scoring (8.7) and second on the team in rebounds per game (6.6). Beasley has the ability to post up down low and has worked on her moves to the basket in the off-season. Look for Beasley to contribute more on offense this season. The lone junior on the squad is Megan Brenegan (5-7). Brenegan is the Braves most consistent player. While not ranking in the team's top statistical standings, Brenegan brings hard work and tenacity to the guard position. Last season Brenegan led the team in free throw percentage hitting over 75% of her shots from the stripe. A crew of sophomores return to the court for the Braves this season. Last season each of these girls gained some valuable playing time. Sherea Mullins (5-6), Shauntae Cruse (5-7), and Amanda Murray (5-6) will be counted on to use that experience in game situations this season. "I expect these girls to contribute in many different ways. They all are capable of scoring points and playing tough defense", stated Flamini. The team will field three newcomers, all threein the post position. Becki Waselich (5-10) is a strong post player and is very quick for her size. Flamini looks for Waselich to contribute off the bench this season. Krysten Perkins (6-0) is a physical post player who can hit shots around the goal as well as bang around inside the paint. Not a freshman, but new to the program this season, sophomore Ashley Winslow (6-0) will make some noise in the paint this season. She will give depth to the position and has the ability to out work her opponents. For the Braves to have a successful and productive season the Braves have to prove themselves against a slew of tough competitors. The Braves have the likes of Christopher Newport, Swarthmore, Greensboro and Savannah College of Art and Design on the schedule again this season. "Our schedule is tough. We start out in a very competitive tournament and it just continues on from then. How we react to the competition will be the deciding factor in the success of the team", Flamani stated. With the leadership of three veteran players and the work ethic of the young players, the Braves will have an exciting season. "With the leadership of the three seniors and the enthusiasm of the young players, we have a great chance to have a very productive season. One of our goals is to have a winning season and as long as we understand what it takes to meet that goal, then it becomes realistic for us."
Hendrix
Jessica Atkinson (sr.) and Mollie Scarbrough (jr.) return as one of the top post duos in the nation. Each averaged 11 points and 7 rebounds per game. Last but not least Maggie Harrington (so.) returns as one of the nation's top three-point shooters at 42% from behind the arc and averaged 12 points per game. With four starters returning and each having averaged double figures the Warriors will have plenty of firepower heading into the season. Deidre Wyrick (so.) should lead a host of other returners along with some promising newcomers in rounding out a strong team for the 2000-2001 season. McMurry Coach Sam Nichols comes into the 2000-01 season with the most talent and enthusiasm he has ever had in his five years of coaching at McMurry. He says, "We want to build on last year's season and the success' from the years before. One of our goals is to make the NCAA Division III tournament and win in the tournament." Last year, McM went 24-5 and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. His team tied Hardin-Simmons for the ASC West crown. So, McM has a lot to build on heading into the 2000-01 campaign. In the past five years, Coach Nichols has slowly gained respect for his program. Now, for the second year in a row, McMurry is the favorite to win the ASC West. Coach Nichols likes what he sees returning in the 2000-01 season. He says, "For us to go further than we did last year, the players need to be hungrier than last year and not be complacent. We will have to improve our team chemistry and each player will have to utilize their strengths to be better than last year." A lot of the team that went to the Sweet 16 is returning and has big game experience. They also know what it takes to win the game. Coach Nichols noted that this would be the best perimeter shooting team he has ever had. For the Lady Indians to win the ASC and go deeper into the NCAA tournament, they have to improve their offensive post play and to be tougher overall. With the loss of Ogonna Merritt (13.1 ppg/3.5 rpg/4.8 spg) and Dedra Brittain (8.2 ppg/4.0 rpg), the offensive guard position will be a key position to fill. One of the spots that McMurry will have to also improve on is getting the ball to the post better from the perimeter players. The Lady Indians will have big shoes to fill after losing first-team All-ASC and ASC defensive "Player of the Year" in Ogonna Merritt and honorable-mention All-ASC Dedra Brittain. The core of the starting lineup will return with senior forward Nisha Washington (5.8 ppg/5.8 rpg), forward junior Tamika Thurman (6.1 ppg/4.9 rpg), and senior guard Talitha Belcher (7.4 ppg/5.3 rpg), who was honorable-mention All-ASC last year. Thurman and Belcher started all 29 games while Washington started 28 games last year. Senior Lilly Ogunbanjo (9.8 ppg/4.4 rpg), who was a second-team All-ASC selection a year ago, will step into the starting lineup in the guard spot with senior Amanda Bradshaw (6.4 ppg/3.4 rpg) filling the center spot. Last year, both Ogunbanjo and Bradshaw played in all 29 games and provided key relief off the bench. With Ogunbanjo and Bradshaw moving into the starting lineup, the Lady Indians will have to look to the bench for new players to come in to play. Junior Holly Potts (6.3 ppg/1.3 rpg) and newcomer sophomore Jennifer Romisch (3.0 ppg/1.4 rpg), a transfer from Midland College, will be the top outside shooters for McMurry. Junior newcomer Tammy Sansom (9.5 ppg/2.2 rpg/4.4 apg), a transfer from Western Oklahoma State College, will also be one of the key players to come off the bench and will give relief to point guard Talitha Belcher. Junior forward Nicole Harlmon (4.2 ppg/4.2 rpg), sophomore center Corissa Thompson (3.3 ppg/1.9 rpg), and sophomore center/forward Whitney Giles (1.1 ppg/2.0 rpg) will also add depth to the bench. This year, there will only be one true freshman on the team, Antasia Reagor from Waxahachie High School. She will play both the guard and forward positions. While at Waxahachie H.S., she averaged 12 ppg and 3.5 rpg. There are also a number of other new transfers that will see playing time for the Lady Indians. They are junior Tiffany Donehoo, redshirt freshman Dee Harris, and senior Sabrina Griffin. Donehoo (C/F) played for McLennan C.C. where she averaged 10 ppg and six rebounds per game. Harris (G/F), coming off a medical redshirt, only played in three games last year. She last played at Abilene H.S. where she averaged 12 ppg, four rebounds per game, and two steals per game. Griffin (F), who has never played collegiate basketball, is a standout athlete for McMurry who wanted to play for Coach Nichols. She is a three-time All-ASC selection and an All-American in track. The 2000-01 season can only bring what McMurry wants it to bring. The players know where they want to go and what it takes to get there. After having a taste of the NCAA tournament and getting a piece of the ASC West crown, McM will have to be the toughest they have ever been in their 25 years of basketball. To surpass the success that happened last year, the Lady Indians will have to create their own success in the upcoming season. Randolph-Macon Arguably the top player returning this year for the Yellow Jackets is junior guard/forward Meredith Roberts (Vienna, Va./James Madison). A two-year starter, she was third on the team last year in both scoring (8.7 ppg) and rebounding (6.2 rpg). She also led the team in steals, with 41 (1.6 spg), and was second in assists, with 74 (3.0 apg). Roberts is a very versatile player, who can help Randolph-Macon at either the guard or forward position. Another returning starter is junior guard Megan Mariani (Winters, Calif./Winters). She led the Yellow Jackets in assists last year, with 76 (3.0 apg), and also came up with 24 steals (1.0 spg) and scored 3.6 points per game. Mariani will be looking to step up her production this season. Sophomore guard Allison King (Cary, N.C./Cary) is coming off a freshman campaign in which she averaged 7.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 1.0 assists per contest. She is hoping to make a greater impact in her second season. Junior center Allison Blakeley (Great Falls, Va./Paul VI) checked in at 5.6 points and 3.3 rebounds per game last season. With two years of experience under her belt, she will be looking to help the Yellow Jackets in the frontcourt. Randolph-Macon is traditionally known for its post players, and LaHaye is hoping this year is no exception. Returning after taking a semester off is sophomore forward/center Cristin Ethridge (Clarksville, Md./River Hill). LaHaye has been happy with her focus and determination in preseason, and is expecting big things from her. Another sophomore who will be looking to step up this season is guard Lindsay Carroll (Salem, Va./Salem). She played in 15 games last season, averaging 2.3 points and 1.5 assists, and will compete for increased playing time in her second campaign. Two other returning players
are junior guard Lindsay Thomas (Mathews, Three freshmen have a
chance to make an immediate impact on the Yellow Rhodes "I'm really looking forward to this year's team," says second-year head coach Sara Chase. "I believe we have a great group of young ladies who are looking to turn this program around. They have shown great loyalty this summer by working extremely hard and improving their games and well as gaining strength." Leading the pack of returnees is 6-0 junior swing Kerry Wingo (Vestavia Hills, Birmingham, Ala.), 5-9 senior guard Sara Miles (Franklin Road, Nashville), and 5-10 sophomore point guard Rosemary Boner (Tucker, Stone Mt., Ga.). Last year Wingo led the team in scoring with 12 ppg and averaged 5 boards. "Wingo brings a great deal to our team and with out her I believe we might be lost" states Chase. "She is an incredible competitor and a great teammate. Her leadership by example both on and off the court is invaluable. She strives to be the best she possible can and helps pull others through the 'rough times'." Sara Miles has brought her "A-game" back to school after working extremely hard over the summer. Miles, who was hampered by a concussion and hamstring problems, averaged 6 ppg and 3 boards in last year's campaign. Coach Chase praises Miles' work ethic: "Sara made a huge commitment to improve her game over the summer and I believe she set the standard for future players. Nobody works harder then Sara whether it is playing pick-up or in practice. She has great leadership skills and will use that ability even more to help guide this year's team." Point guard Rosemary Boner introduced herself to the conference last year by becoming the individual record holder in the SCAC for most steals in a season (100) and second in steals averaged with 4.3 a game (which was also good enough for 10th in the nation). She also averaged 4 ppg and was second on the team in rebounding with 5.3 boards. "Her ability to read the floor is amazing, both offensively and defensively," says Chase. "She sees so much, sometimes even more than I do! She worked hard this summer on her shooting and on her strength. She has a good grasp of the game and is learning more and more everyday about what I want from her and the team." Two returning starters who are really looking to step up are 6-1 junior post Jo Winfrey (Searcy, Ark.) and 5-8 sophomore Anna Kizer (Orange, Chapel Hill, N.C.). Jo averaged 6 ppg and 4 rebounds last season. "I really believe Jo has made a new commitment to basketball," says Chase. "She is working hard on just playing and not getting caught up in whether she makes or misses a shot. I think her level of leadership is going to increase this season as well as her consistency of play. When Jo just goes out and plays hard, she is amazing.. I think we'll see a lot of that this season." Last season Kizer averaged 9 ppg and 4 boards. "Anna came back to school in great shape and has continued to work hard," remarks Chase. "She had a typical freshman campaign last season as she had moments of brilliance and then tried to do too much. I think she's grown a lot as a player and a person and will be able to have those 'moments of brilliance' a lot more often while cutting down on mistakes. When she just goes out and works hard and doesn't try and force things - she's an extremely fun player to watch." Also returning for the Lynx in the post is 6-0 junior Jackie Ehrentraut (Bartlett, Tenn.) and 5-10 senior Hannah Miller (Decatur, Decatur, Ga.). Jackie averaged 7 ppg and 4 rebounds last season. "I expect great things out of Jackie this season" Chase expresses. "I believe Jackie has the potential to be one of the best post players in the conference. It all depends on her willingness to work hard and do the little things. I think Jackie also realizes how good she can be." Just as Miller was starting to get in the swing of things last year her season was cut short by a car accident that left her with a broken wrist and ankle. "Hannah is excited to start her senior year -- hopefully injury-free," said Chase. "Since she's been here she's been hampered by injuries. We've decided that she's hurt about everything she can and there's nothing left. When she's healthy Hannah is a force to be reckoned with in the paint. Even though she only stands 5-10 she is incredibly strong and holds her own in the post." Other returning guards include 5-4 senior Katie Johns (Kincaid, Houston) and Kathy Llewellyn (Hutchinson, Memphis). "Katie saw limited action in games last year but did an incredible job defending Rosemary in practice," says Chase. "Katie had a hard job last year with Rosemary coming in and taking over the point. I was very impressed with Katie because she worked very hard in practice, was a great leader on the bench and never complained once about her role." Kathy Llewellyn is known to the team as the "Zone Buster." Her ability to knock down the three is one of the best on the team. "As soon as teams go into a zone, I try to get Kathy in the game. She did a nice job last year breaking down zones with her shooting. Kathy has also shown a lot of determination to improve her game -- she was up at 5 a.m. all summer working on her ball handling, dribbling and conditioning." The rookies of this year's team are 5-6 junior guard Jessie Hunt (Ruston High, Ruston, La.) and 5-9 and first-year players 5-11 forward Ashley Arnold (Millburn, Millburn, N.J.), 5-5 point guard Lora Filsinger (Bolton, Bartlett, Tenn.), 5-10 swing Erin Fleischer (Wellesley, Wellesley, Mass.), 5-10 guard Brandi Sorensen (Millington, Millington, Tenn.) and 5-7 guard Leah Speaker (Columbus North, Columbus, Ind.). "I believe we have some very talented newcomers. They all come from very successful high school programs where they were standout players." Sewanee "Our schedule the past two years has helped make us better," Coach Richard Barron said. "We have played several NCAA Division I teams and the NCAA Division III national champions on their home courts." The 2000-2001 schedule won’t break that trend and looks to again be one of the most demanding in all of Div. III. Sewanee has big shoes to fill after the graduation of 2000 SCAC Player of the Year and All-American Jen Bulkeley ‘00. "Graduating one of the top 10 players in the nation isn’t easy," observes Barron. "In Jen, we lose a three year captain but these seniors and this team are ready to step up." With four returning starters and a strong recruiting class, Barron has reason to be excited. The four returning starters are led by All-American shooting guard Michelle Chambers ’02 and include point guard Kayla Goodwin ’02, wing Melinda Jones ’01, and forward Corie Byers ’01. Returning guard/forward Suzanne Smith ’01 started in 10 games last season and was an Honorable Mention All-SCAC selection. Sewanee looks for another outstanding year from Chambers (17.8 ppg, 4.0 apg). She was a First Team All-SCAC selection after leading the conference in scoring (43rd in the nation) and was twice named SCAC Player of the Week. Chambers, who was 4th in the league in assists, was also second in the SCAC in three pointers made (2.7) ranking her 12th in the nation. There are three seniors for the Tigers: co-captains Melinda Jones and Suzanne Smith, and senior Corie Byers. Smith was third on the team in scoring last year putting up 12.8 ppg and she finished 4th in the nation with 3.0 three point field goals made per game. Jones and Byers both made significant contributions last year. Two of the best athletes on the team, they averaged 7.6 ppg and 5.7 ppg respectively. Expect these seniors to have their best year in 2000-2001. "Our expectations are very high for our three seniors," notes Barron. "For three years they have been apart of successful teams and each year we have improved. After coming so close to their goals last year, I expect them to be even more focused and determined in their final season." Kayla Goodwin (5.0 apg, 2.7 spg) will return to head up the team at the point guard spot. The junior led the conference (24th in the nation) in assists and was tied for second with classmate Chambers in steals. She finished as Sewanee’s fourth leading scorer at 8.0 ppg. Mindy Bassett ’02 (6.0 ppg, 3.0 apg) made significant contributions at the point and wing positions. Bassett really turned it on late in the season with some excellent performances. Look for Bassett to see increased time at the three-guard spot. Post Jennifer Dick ’02 (5.8 ppg, 5.8rpg) will be counted on to help fill the shoes of Bulkeley. Sewanee is counting on a breakout season from the six-foot junior who was the team’s second leading rebounder for the second straight season. Tonya Willett ’01 (1.8ppg, 2.2 rpg) saw limited action behind Bulkeley but will be counted on more heavily this year to bolster Sewanee’s front line. Two sophomores return to the team with a season under their belts, which could result in more significant roles on the court. Rachel Short ’03 (1.6 ppg, 1.5 rpg) had an outstanding performance in a win at Southwestern. With the addition of the freshmen posts, Short will be given more opportunities at the 3 position this year. Manry Porter ’03 (1.1 ppg, .06 apg) will challenge for playing time at the 1 and 2 guard spots. All-State wing player Heather Davidson ‘04 leads a strong class of freshmen. The highly recruited small forward could challenge for a starting position early and should help add some scoring punch to the position. 6’2" post Katie Henderson ’04 will also be counted on early. Henderson brings a defensive presence to the paint that the Tigers need. Look for Henderson to make significant contributions quickly. Sarah Harder ’04, an Honorable Mention All-State selection, is a versatile guard who will add depth to an already formidable backcourt. McCauley Williams ’04 will provide Sewanee with another good-sized post player. "We are obviously returning a great deal of talent this year," observes Barron. "There is no question that this is the most talented and deepest team we have had in Sewanee. Everyone in our program shares the vision of winning a national championship and we believe have all the pieces in place." Sewanee will find out early if they do in fact have all the pieces. The Tigers open their season with the annual Sewanee Tip-Off Classic. The Tigers will first face Roanoke from Virginia who finished last season 21-7. The other game first-round game features Maryville (20-6) and Thomas More (13-12). Dec. 30, Sewanee will travel to St. Louis to face the three time defending national champion Washington University. Feb. 6, the Tigers play host to NCAA Div. I David Lipscomb. The rest of the Tigers non-conference schedule includes Emory twice and a game at Maryville (Tenn.). The SCAC will be even tougher in 2000-2001. DePauw, Hendrix, and Trinity still look to be Sewanee’s closest competitors for the conference championship and accompanying automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. However, the dramatic improvement of Centre along with the dominance of young players in the conference last year will make this a very close race. Sewanee starts its conference schedule at home Dec. 1 against DePauw. Although this game is very early in the season, it will likely be a crucial game for both teams. The Tigers will look to continue with the high-octane style of play with which they have been so successful. The Tigers led the nation in scoring at 86.0 ppg in the 1999-2000 campaign and rarely found themselves in "shot-clock" situations. "This style of play is far more controlled than it appears," explains Barron. "There is method to the madness. We are going to wear down our opponents over the course of 40 minutes." The team does hit dry spells but they are capable of going on amazing runs in just a short period of time. Hit just one of those runs and the game might be over. "We like to use our depth, to try to give as many people a chance to play as possible. Playing this style requires great conditioning and work ethic and a tremendous amount of practice at game speed. But the results are great fun to watch." The question on everyone’s mind is "how do you replace one of the top 10 players in the nation (Bulkeley)?" Although not surprised by the question, Barron isn’t worried. "If anyone knows how good Jen was it is me," replies Barron. "But I also know better than anyone the enormous potential of our returning players and new freshmen. Jen left this team in very capable hands and I have tremendous confidence in our players, our staff, and our philosophy." |
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