Women take three over January

While the women's basketball team is still experiencing some growing pains, the young squad showed some promise over the past month.

The Lady Crimson won 3 games over Winter Term, including a 55-37 victory at home against Anderson College on Dec. 26, a 65-39 drubbing of Thiel College at home on Jan. 10, and a 87-81 overtime road win at Earlham College on Jan. 17. They also lost 8 games during the break.

Opening the Spring semester, the Lady Crimson had a heartbreaking 62-61 loss at Allegheny College on Wednesday.

"[Winter Term] was like a roller coaster. We would get a burst of momentum, but we wouldn't carry it into the next practice or game," sophomore Katy Durham-Hammer said.

The women's basketball team began the month with their victory against Anderson. Sophomore Ikeya Hillman led the Lady Crimson with 20 points, shooting two of three from the three-point range. They finished up their homestand against Kenyon College on Jan. 2, coming close to a victory with a 64-61 loss. Hillman continued to light up the score board with another 20 point effort.

After promising efforts against Kenyon and Anderson the Lady Crimson dropped two road games, one apiece to Ohio Wesleyan University and Case Western Reserve University. Oberlin found its way back home, and regained their composure with the home crowd behind them. They thumped Thiel on Jan. 10, 65-39, led by first-year Regina Respert's 16 points, and sophomore Monica Bush's 10 rebounds.

"Regina has been our most consistent player, then Bush," head coach Ann Gilbert said.

Oberlin lapsed back into its losing ways on Jan. 14, with a 70-45 loss to Denison University. The Lady Crimson bounced back quickly, and fought Earlham into overtime, squeaking out the six point victory. Respert again led Oberlin with 16 points, and tied Bush with 11 rebounds in the game.

Durham-Hammer said, "We definitely have the tools, but it is a question of if we have the right tools at the right time."

Oberlin dropped their next five games leading into the Spring semester. Consecutive losses against Ohio Wesleyan, Wittenberg University, Kenyon, and the College of Wooster put a damper on the otherwise successful month. Bush scored 25 against Ohio Wesleyan to go along with her eight rebounds. Bush said, "Towards the end, I was a little more satisfied with my play. My play got a little more solid."

Respert continued to grab the attention of opposing defenses, with 23, 19, and 31 point efforts.

Respert could not do it all alone, though. The team is deficient in several areas, including the point guard position. Oberlin continues to have turnover problems, and opposing teams constantly press the Lady Crimson, challenging their weak ball handling. "We do not execute the press break well with our young ball handlers," said Gilbert.

The Lady Crimson squandered an opportunity to get an easy road victory on Wednesday, when they blew a 15 point second half lead to Allegheny. Porous defense and inexperience all contributed to Oberlin blowing the game. When asked how she felt about the contest, Gilbert said, "I feel sick right now."

Oberlin hurt themselves by shooting only 44 percent from the free throw line, as well as being out rebounded 50-42. Respert poured in 22 points and dished out 7 assists in the losing effort.

The team also saw some personnel changes over the past month. Junior Nicole James decided to leave the Lady Crimson, and concentrate on her success with the track team. Gilbert harbored no ill will for James, but said, "Nicole will be missed by the team."

Gilbert also added a fourth assistant coach in Keith Scofield. Gilbert was already aided by Athletic Director Don Hunsinger and Bill Baker. Scofield volunteered to help the team out, and is not being compensated for his work.

"He has a lot of good things to say, and he has worked out pretty well," said Bush.

Scofield brings an up-tempo style of basketball to the team. The fast paced game exploits the offensive talents of Respert. Respert's recent offensive explosion could be attributed to Scofield's new offensive scheme.

The Lady Crimson have five games left on the season. They hope to avenge an early season home loss to Wilberforce College on the road this Saturday. Durham-Hammer said, "They came into our kitchen and made it their home."

Oberlin has a solid foundation to build on, with Respert's and Hillman's potent scoring touch, Bush's strong board work, and consistent bench play. They need to limit turnovers, and play consistently going into these last games, in order for the season to be a success. Gilbert said, "Our athletes have to become students of the game, we need to execute."

Look Long: Lady Crimson aim high in practice, as they set their sights on their three Winter Term victories. (photo by Matt Green)