Women's Basketball Season Preview
2007-2008 Season Outlook
The University of Charleston Golden Eagles have been known by opponents to be a transition team. It has been a staple of the team’s offense to fastbreak, yet this season the outlook is a bit different: the Eagles are really going to run!
The difference this season is in the speed of the inside players. The two returning juniors, Jihan Williams and Jen DeMeyer, are so fleet of foot that they compete with the guards during conditioning sprints. Chelsea Joseph, a 6’2” sophomore center not only can run the floor but has the vision and handles of a point guard. The addition of two very athletic and fast freshmen post players, Tarenna Dixon from Morgantown, WV and Moneka Slaughter, a 6’1” terror from Barberstown, OH, creates one of the quickest front courts in the NCAA II ranks.
While the post players will be bringing speed and athleticism to the Golden Eagles, they will also bring a power to the boards that the Eagles have not seen in the past six seasons. Their strength and jumping ability will increase both offensive put-backs and the ability of the guards to depart early on the fastbreak.
With the graduation of three seniors in 2007, the Golden Eagles lost 44% of their offense, 47% of their assists, and 40% of their steals, the Eagles have much to replace. Emily Jones, the lone senior on the team, will lead the way with her outstanding three point shooting (46%) and quiet but effective leadership. A solid player for the past three seasons, she is expected to hit her 1,000th career point early in the season.
With both the point guards from the 2006-07 season having graduatedCourtney Thomas, the 2nd all-time UC scorer with 1,836 points, and Erica McElroy, the 3rd all-time UC assist (508) leader—the Eagles will be looking to youth to fill their shoes. Veronica Carman, a junior, has played significant minutes in her past two seasons and has spent incredible hours improving her game. She is a solid defensive player, a quality three point shooter, and a mentally tough leader. The other athlete to see playing time at the point guard position is Ali Tobias, a passer with tremendous court vision from Riverside, OH.
Two speedy freshman bring two very different aspects to the off guard positions. Lindsey Kentner, a dynamic workaholic from Wapakoneta, OH is a shooting guard with 3 point range and a quick release. Tiana Beatty, a graduate of Capitol High School, has the ability to get to the rack or stop and elevate for a jumper. Both are tremendous rebounders.
The improvements of the sophomore class are so profound it is as if they are different athletes. Katy Arick, a 5’11” small forward, has gained mental toughness and physical strength. Diandra Bremond, a shooting guard, has not only a quick release but the ability to pen and pitch. Meridian Mayer, another two guard, is physically strong and has an increased confidence level which is clearly seen in her ability to shoot the “j” or take the three. Jalyssa Jackson, a small forward, spent the off season improving her passing, ball handling and shooting. Chelsea Joseph, a center, returned with better shooting form and confidence.
In the 2007-08, the Golden Eagles will present difficulties both in the paint and in the perimeter. The depth, the talent, the speed, and the positive energy of this group of players are immense. Their excitement for the game transcends beyond the walls and the floor of the court.
The University of Charleston Golden Eagles have been known by opponents to be a transition team. It has been a staple of the team’s offense to fastbreak, yet this season the outlook is a bit different: the Eagles are really going to run!
The difference this season is in the speed of the inside players. The two returning juniors, Jihan Williams and Jen DeMeyer, are so fleet of foot that they compete with the guards during conditioning sprints. Chelsea Joseph, a 6’2” sophomore center not only can run the floor but has the vision and handles of a point guard. The addition of two very athletic and fast freshmen post players, Tarenna Dixon from Morgantown, WV and Moneka Slaughter, a 6’1” terror from Barberstown, OH, creates one of the quickest front courts in the NCAA II ranks.
While the post players will be bringing speed and athleticism to the Golden Eagles, they will also bring a power to the boards that the Eagles have not seen in the past six seasons. Their strength and jumping ability will increase both offensive put-backs and the ability of the guards to depart early on the fastbreak.
With the graduation of three seniors in 2007, the Golden Eagles lost 44% of their offense, 47% of their assists, and 40% of their steals, the Eagles have much to replace. Emily Jones, the lone senior on the team, will lead the way with her outstanding three point shooting (46%) and quiet but effective leadership. A solid player for the past three seasons, she is expected to hit her 1,000th career point early in the season.
With both the point guards from the 2006-07 season having graduatedCourtney Thomas, the 2nd all-time UC scorer with 1,836 points, and Erica McElroy, the 3rd all-time UC assist (508) leader—the Eagles will be looking to youth to fill their shoes. Veronica Carman, a junior, has played significant minutes in her past two seasons and has spent incredible hours improving her game. She is a solid defensive player, a quality three point shooter, and a mentally tough leader. The other athlete to see playing time at the point guard position is Ali Tobias, a passer with tremendous court vision from Riverside, OH.
Two speedy freshman bring two very different aspects to the off guard positions. Lindsey Kentner, a dynamic workaholic from Wapakoneta, OH is a shooting guard with 3 point range and a quick release. Tiana Beatty, a graduate of Capitol High School, has the ability to get to the rack or stop and elevate for a jumper. Both are tremendous rebounders.
The improvements of the sophomore class are so profound it is as if they are different athletes. Katy Arick, a 5’11” small forward, has gained mental toughness and physical strength. Diandra Bremond, a shooting guard, has not only a quick release but the ability to pen and pitch. Meridian Mayer, another two guard, is physically strong and has an increased confidence level which is clearly seen in her ability to shoot the “j” or take the three. Jalyssa Jackson, a small forward, spent the off season improving her passing, ball handling and shooting. Chelsea Joseph, a center, returned with better shooting form and confidence.
In the 2007-08, the Golden Eagles will present difficulties both in the paint and in the perimeter. The depth, the talent, the speed, and the positive energy of this group of players are immense. Their excitement for the game transcends beyond the walls and the floor of the court.