11-06-2011, 07:08 PM
The women played two exhibition games this week, beating UCSD 105-56 and Vanguard 100-54. It's a very different team this year, following the graduation of stalwarts Jeanette Pohlen and Kayla Pedersen and with six freshmen coming in. Here are some first impressions.
The freshmen are supposed to bring speed, and they do. They also bring outside shooting. Bonnie Samuelson made five threes in each of the games, with a very quick release and deadly shot. Taylor Greenfield also shot some threes. Both Amber Orrange and Jasmine Camp got time at point guard, which is an especially challenging position to fill as a freshman, and they both showed a lot of talent and potential. Erica Payne was feisty, fearless and determined. She could be our next Jillian Harmon. Alex Green, who is recovering from ACL surgery, did not get a lot of time, but looked capable and confident when she was in.
We expect the returners to improve over the summer and many looked like they had. Sara James got a lot of playing time and looked stronger and more confident. Lindy was more decisive and got some good outside shots. Joslyn used her big body effectively and seemed to be showing more leadership on the floor. Sarah Boothe got a lot of attention from the refs, and fouled out in the first game, but seemed at full strength, made some good plays under the basket and rebounded. Toni did not play much and was held out for a wrist injury (minor, I hope) in the second game. She was much more vocal on the floor, something she's been working on. She is such a thrilling player when she's on and unhurt, I am keeping my fingers crossed for her. The sisters were great, and continued their pattern of putbacks. They started both games, but were rotated out in favor of letting the coaches see others. Mikaela Ruef did not play in either game as she is recovering from plantar fascitis.
Tara has a lot of options with this team and it will be interesting and fun to see what she does with them. The real games start Friday in Texas.
The freshmen are supposed to bring speed, and they do. They also bring outside shooting. Bonnie Samuelson made five threes in each of the games, with a very quick release and deadly shot. Taylor Greenfield also shot some threes. Both Amber Orrange and Jasmine Camp got time at point guard, which is an especially challenging position to fill as a freshman, and they both showed a lot of talent and potential. Erica Payne was feisty, fearless and determined. She could be our next Jillian Harmon. Alex Green, who is recovering from ACL surgery, did not get a lot of time, but looked capable and confident when she was in.
We expect the returners to improve over the summer and many looked like they had. Sara James got a lot of playing time and looked stronger and more confident. Lindy was more decisive and got some good outside shots. Joslyn used her big body effectively and seemed to be showing more leadership on the floor. Sarah Boothe got a lot of attention from the refs, and fouled out in the first game, but seemed at full strength, made some good plays under the basket and rebounded. Toni did not play much and was held out for a wrist injury (minor, I hope) in the second game. She was much more vocal on the floor, something she's been working on. She is such a thrilling player when she's on and unhurt, I am keeping my fingers crossed for her. The sisters were great, and continued their pattern of putbacks. They started both games, but were rotated out in favor of letting the coaches see others. Mikaela Ruef did not play in either game as she is recovering from plantar fascitis.
Tara has a lot of options with this team and it will be interesting and fun to see what she does with them. The real games start Friday in Texas.
