After spending the past three seasons rebuilding her program, Coach Ann Marie Gilbert looks to have the Lady Crimson in position to take a major step up in the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC). Four returning starters, playing in only their second season, and five first-year players are cause for the high expectations.
The Lady Crimson, who finished last season 4-21, were the last team selected in the conference to advance to the NCAC Post Season Tournament after a six year absence. This season they look not only to return, but to advance past the first round.
The Lady Crimson, in a recent NCAC coaches' poll, were picked to finish seventh overall in their conference. Still, this does not cause concern for Gilbert. "We are very excited and optimistic about the upcoming season," she said. "With our talent and depth we will continue to develop into a cohesive unit. We look to finish in the top half of our conference."
Adding to the team's positive outlook, forward sophomore Ikeya Hillman said, "I think we are going to go a long way."
As part of the rebuilding process for the Lady Crimson, Gilbert and the players implemented a "Family Unit" concept into the team dynamic last season. They also changed the uniforms and added a new nickname, "The Lady Crimson." The changes were due in part to a new team, a new image, and a new team dynamic.
The family unit is a concept used by the players to show their support for one another both on and off the court. It is a concept they use to demonstrate their support and affection for one another. They use their family unit to help each other with their game and are always giving each other tips for improving their play. Off the court, they support one another during times of crises. For them, there is no need to ask twice when they need help.
"We are functioning as a team should. We listen to one another. We help one another. We give and take from one another," first-year Regina Respert said.
Adding to the dynamic of the family unit, first-year team manger Chris Miller said, "They are working together as a unit, as a team, and as a family. They want to be and play as a family, and that is what I think is going to carry them over the top."
Returning co-captain sophomore Monica Bush, who was one of the top first-year in the conference last season, averaging double figures in both rebounds (10.9) and points (13.5) looks to a season of continuing dominance on the court. Hillman, who also earned all-conference honors in her rookie season, led the Yeowomen in scoring and was second in the NCAC with 16.0 points per game (ppg).
"I feel the biggest contribution I have to offer to my team, will be doing what I did last season and improving on that," said Bush. On the same note, Hillman said, "I think my contribution to my team will be playing in the spots coach wants me to, to step up and help the team as best I can."
Rounding out the front court will be sophomore Shakila Williams, who averaged 3.5 ppg and 4.0 rebounds per game (rpg) in 13 games. Expected to step into a starting role at the point guard position is first-year Regina Respert, who averaged 8.8 ppg and 4.6 assists per game (apg) as a senior after recovering from a knee injury. She received honorable mention All-State Honors in high school.
Returning in the back-court is junior Nicole James, who averaged 8.6 ppg and 5.0 rpg while playing in all 25 games. Filling in at point guard will be sophomores Chamia Peterson and Tiffany Davis. Peterson started 17 games last year and averaged 5.0 ppg and 1.5 apg.
Davis is one of the teams three co-captains. Sophomore co-captain Katy Durham-Hammer, a starter in 10 games last year, will fill in at the two-guard. Also looking to step in at the wing position is first-year Sarah McKeever, out of Ticonderago, NY, who has shown considerable improvement this year so far.
Another newcomer was completely unexpected. "The biggest surprise for our team this season has been the addition of Tomo Shimizu, a 5'10" forward from Nagoya, Japan. Tomo is a fierce competitor who has turned out to be one of the team's most consistent performers. She has a solid, all-around game, on both the offensive and defensive ends of the floor," Gilbert said.
Giving Gilbert tremendous depth at the forward and center positions are the additions of 5'11" first-year twin sensations Heather and Rachael Barbee. Heather scored 12 ppg as a senior and was a first-team All-Lorain County and All-Lorain County Conference selection. Rachael averaged 10 ppg and received second-team all-county and All-Conference Honors.
"I think we have great new players. The freshman are strong and they help to take a lot of stress off of the returning players. I think with the new team, we are going to be a lot of fun to watch this year," said Davis.
The Lady Crimson start their season tonight when they play host to the Lady Crimson Tournament in the main gym.
Not so fast: Lady Crimson players scrimmaged this week in preparation for the start of their season tonight in Philips Gym. (photo by Zach Fried)
Copyright © 1997, The Oberlin Review.
Volume 126, Number 10, November 21, 1997
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