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The 2008-09 University of North Alabama
women’s basketball team will feature a pair of standout returning
starters surrounded by some experienced veterans and a wealth of
talented newcomers. After going 13-15 last season, the Lions return
six lettermen, including starters Jameica York and Amber Rutherford,
with the hopes of putting together a deep post-season run.
Following a
long post-season drought, head coach Terry Fowler has guided the
team to a pair of trips to the Gulf South Conference tournament in
his first two seasons at the helm of the program. The two trips,
however, ended with first-round exits, giving this year’s team a
worth goal to set its sights on.
“Our players
know how far this program has comer over the last few seasons,” said
Fowler. “We have risen to become a contender each year. Our next
step is to become a consistent winner in this conference. ”
Fowler said the
key to reaching those goals this season will be on the defensive
side of the court.
“We are looking
to improve on defense,” he said. “A lot of our newcomers come from
teams where they were the primary scorers. A lot will be riding on
how fast they grasp our defensive philosophy.”
 Rutherford,
a first team All-GSC selection the last two years, returns for her
senior season. The Hatton, Ala., native has led the nation in free
throw percentage the last two years, hitting 268-of-284 attempts.
Fowler said he expects another solid season, even with a change in
position on the floor.
“Amber will be
moved to the No. 4 spot this year,” Fowler said. “We feel really
good about her ability to hit open jump shots outside the paint. We
will also be looking for it to create some mismatches with smaller
forwards guarding her on the perimeter. She will still have the
option to post up, which will allow her to continue to get to the
free throw line.”
Rutherford will
be joined in the starting lineup by York, who missed some time last
season due to injury. The junior from Mobile, Ala., slowly returned
to form, posting her best game in the GSC conference tournament.
Fowler said her play at the point will be an important factor for
the team this season.
“Jameica is
really the key to our offense,” he said. “We are looking to have the
production we had from her during her freshman year. She gets
everything going for us. She is tough to guard and finds the open
player. She finished the season strong last year, and we need her to
pick up where she left off.”
The rest of the
UNA backcourt includes two returnees and four newcomers. Sophomores
Kierra McCleary and Ashley Moore return for their second season.
Both have shown promise in the pre-season.
“Kierra shot
the ball a lot better than we expected last season,” said Fowler.
“We are looking for her to be more aggressive at the two spot. With
Ashley, you know what you’re going to get. She is a steady player
who hits open shots.”
 Rounding
out the list of guards for the Lions will be newcomers Dana Jackson,
Jessi Smith, Lacy Lewis and Tanna Benford. Fowler said he will count
on his new players to have an immediate impact. “The quicker they
can come along, the better,” he said. “We are expecting big things
from our freshmen and transfers.”
Benford comes
to UNA with some college experience already under her belt. The 5-8
junior played two seasons at Northwest Shoals Community College.
“Tanna is a very smart, offensive-minded player who is battle
tested,” added Fowler.
Jackson, Smith
and Lewis will each be looking for playing time as true freshmen.
“Dana is a true scorer,” Fowler said. “She is tough and has a good
head for the game. Jessi is also a good shooter with a high
basketball I.Q. She has played well in the pre-season and has been a
pleasant surprise. Lacy will give us some much-needed help on the
perimeter. We will be counting on her to hit some three-pointers.”
Fowler also
added that he is excited about the potential from his group of post
players. The solid play of the forwards and centers was one of the
main reasons Rutherford was moved to the No. 4 spot. “We wanted to
get the best players on the floor at the same time,” he said. “Now,
we continue to have a strong post game and keep Amber on the floor
at another position.”
After spending last season in a backup role, Brianna Abrams will be
put in position for more playing time at center.
“Brianna had her best game of the year in the conference tournament
last year,” said Fowler. “She needs more minutes this season so she
can pick up where she left off.”
 The
rest of the front court includes second-year player Sequoyah Cliff
and freshman Kristin White and transfer Jennifer Williams.
“Sequoyah is
recovering from ACL surgery last season, but has shown little ill
effects,” Fowler said. “She is so far ahead from where she was at
this time last year. At 6-1, Kristin is big, but she is a skill
player. She has a great feel for the game and just gets things done.
Jennifer brings another low post presence for us. She was a big-time
scorer in high school and college. She has long arms and is a good
rebounder.”
The 2008-09
schedule will again feature tough competition. The Lions will have
15 home dates, including nine different non-conferences foes before
GSC play opens.
“We have a good
mix of regional teams on the schedule this year,” Fowler said. “A
lot of teams we play had good records a year ago. We are also
thrilled to have 15 home games. Flowers Hall has always been good to
us in the past.
The Lions will
open the season with a pair of games on Nov. 15 and 16 at the
Valdosta State Tip-Off Classic. UNA opens play against 2007-08 NCAA
regional participant Tampa before facing Puerto Rico-Cayay the
following day.
Overall, the
Lions will face four teams that advanced to the NCAA Tournament last
season, including GSC East foes West Georgia and Valdosta State and
GSC West standout Arkansas Tech.
UNA’s home
opener will be Saturday, Nov. 22, against Wesley. |
