Appalachian State
October 18, 2007 - BOONE, N.C. - One week into preseason practices, head coach Adrienne Shuler's squad has been improving rapidly, as five freshmen quickly become acquainted with the program. With a November 13 matchup with N.C. State looming, the Appalachin State women's basketball team has been working hard at the Holmes Center.
"From the first team huddle on the first day of practice, we told our new players that they are no longer freshmen, but Division I athletes," said Shuler. "We've gotten better everyday, and the young players have really set the tone and come to practice focused everyday."
Freshman Taylor Lake has been working on her defense at the post, continually being guided and helped along by senior Courtney Cunningham.
"Whitney Randolph has been off to a great start, while Cunningham, Brittany Mixon, and GiGi Thomas have been great leaders so far."
While Shuler expects to see one or two freshmen starting several games this season, the upperclassmen will be counted upon to set the tone and pace for the squad.
New coach Allison Gregory, along with Britt King and Lindsay Smith have been instrumental in pushing the team daily, and ensuring that the team's eight freshmen and sophomores are continuing to learn and progress at each practice.
College of Charleston
The College of Charleston women’s maroon and white teams played to a 24-24 draw in 15 minutes of action at the annual Maroon Madness.
Leading the White team was Jill Furstenburg with 12 points. She went eight-for-11 from the field, which included a two-for-four effort from behind the three-point line. Megan King followed in scoring with four.
Nikki Williams and Tonia Gerty paced the Maroon team with six points apiece. Leading in rebounds for the Maroon team was Brooke Kotcella with four. For the White team it was Jayme Warner and Furstenburg with three rebounds apiece to lead.
Charleston opens its season Wed., Nov. 14th at Coastal Carolina.
Elon
10/24/2007 ELON, N.C. - With one week of preseason practices under its belt, the Phoenix women’s basketball squad has begun to develop a sense of team identity and unity.
“Having depth on our roster makes for a more intense, competitive early practice sessions,” said head coach Brenda Paul. “The experience that our returners bring has made for a very smooth transition for our freshmen.”
Offensive drills and position work highlighted Wednesday morning’s practice in Alumni Gym as the Phoenix worked on basic offensive set-ups.
Paul and assistant coach Audrey Ramsey have spent significant time working with the Phoenix post players thus far and have seen consistent improvements in both the power and small forwards.
With four players vying for time at the small forward position, the coaching staff has seen intense competition as the athletes step up to battle for the spot. Senior Nicole Allison (Durham, N.C./Northern Durham) and freshman Jess Luedtke (Highlands Ranch, Colo/Thunder Ridge) have both showed early promise at the small forward position.
“Nicole has really stepped up her game in our early practices,” commented Paul. “She’s been looking for offense, getting rebounds and being extremely productive. Jess stands out for us as well. She has such a well-coached background and that gives her an edge coming in as a freshman.”
Elon will be led at the power forward position by junior Kitara McMoore (Virginia Beach, Va./First Colonial) who led the Southern Conference in scoring (14.0 ppg) and rebounding (9.1 rpg) in 2005-06 before sitting out last season with an ACL injury. Sophomores Amber Wall (Gibsonville, N.C./Eastern Guilford) and Urysla Cotton (New Hill, N.C./Apex) will serve as experienced forwards as well after seeing significant playing time during their freshmen campaigns.
“KT (Kitara) continues to make daily improvements as the gets back into form,” added Paul. “And Urysla and Amber have demonstrated more confidence and explosive physical play.”
The Phoenix will open play Nov. 9, taking on Campbell on the opening day of the ISES Cancer Awareness Tip-Off. For ticket information, please call (336) 278-6750.
Western Carolina
Oct. 23, 2007 WOMEN'S BASKETBALL PRACTICE PHOTO GALLERY
HEAD COACH Kellie Harper QUOTES:
Can you comment on the first week of practice and what you have seen?
"I have been pleased with our intensity over the first week of practice. Every single player on our team is working hard to make this a successful season. We have a ways to go, in terms of our execution on both ends of the court, but our players are willing and eager to learn. There have been times in practice that I would have enjoyed being a spectator because they are just fun to watch."
You have a wealth of veterans on the team, nine returning players in all. What have you noticed about them in practice so far?
"After last season, our upperclassmen understand what it takes to be successful. They have been wonderful examples and leaders for our young players. I like the consistency they are showing each day in practice."
Can you comment on the freshman Kendra Carroll and Emily Clarke?
"Our freshmen are also working hard and fitting in well with the older players. Emily Clarke is picking things up very quickly and is very solid in every aspect of the game. Her classmate, Kendra Carroll has demonstrated consistent ability to score from the perimeter."
Who has stood out in practice so far?
"I have been excited about the progress of Heather Swayne, Kristen Feemster, and Kendra Eaton. These girls have improved their individual game with their aggressiveness (Heather), shooting (Kristen), and mobility (Kendra)."
CATAMOUNT MADNES: Catamount Madness is schedule to take place on Wednesday, November 7th, from 6-8:30 pm, in the Ramsey Center. Games and contests for students and fans alike is planned for the event. Some prizes include MP3 players, grocery cards, huge cash prizes, and more. The Catamount cheerleaders will also offer education on new chants and cheers. Some highlights include a costume contest among our coaches, dance & cheer team performances, street ball scrimmages from both the men's and women's basketball teams, and a slam-dunk contest. There will be cool giveaways and other prizes as well.
EXHIBITION GAME WITH CARSON-NEWMAN: Western Carolina women's basketball is just 19 days away from its first game of the season - an exhibition with Carson-Newman College. The Catamounts will face the Eagles at 7 p.m. November 1 in the Ramsey Center. Lady Catamount junior Brooke Johnson spent two seasons at Carson-Newman before transferring to Western Carolina.
ON THE RADIO: Western Carolina women's basketball's November 9 game against Detroit and the Lady Catamount's clash with Clemson on November 11 will both be broadcast on the Catamount Sports Network. There will be two ways to listen to WCU women's basketball - on the flagship station Power 90.5 and online at www.catamountsports.com.
COACHES LUNCHEON: Head Coach Kellie Harper will make her first appearance at the coaches' luncheon on October 31. Each week, the Catamount Coaches' Luncheon events will take place at the newly remodeled Cats' Den, located in Brown Cafeteria on the WCU campus. The Cats' Den is a leisure space for students and the WCU community which is decorated with Catamount sports memorabilia and photos of past Western legends. There is an open invitation to everyone in the surrounding communities, but an RSVP is requested by the Friday prior to the next event to allow proper preparations to be made. The cost of the luncheon is $7.00 per person. The series will continue through mid-November before reconvening in January amidst basketball season. For more information about the Catamount Head Coaches' Luncheons, please contact Kim Jamison in the Western Carolina Athletics Department at (828) 227-7338 or via E-mail at kjamison@email.wcu.edu.