Women’s basketball returns with experience

Consistency will be key as the women’s basketball team heads into the 2009-2010 season.  The Lions, who have been picked to finish second in the West Coast Conference Preseason Coaches Poll, ended last season with an 18-12 overall record.  Interestingly, the team was also picked to finish second in the WCC last season, a prediction that did not come true.  Due to a late season slump, the Lions concluded WCC play with a 7-7 record, landing them in fourth place. 

Inexperience was the team’s Achilles heel last season, and was largely to blame for their downslide.  “We have to understand that the season is a marathon,” said Head Coach Julie Wilhoit. “Last season, we started off strong, but tapered off at the end of the year.  And that was largely due to us having a young team.”  Such will not be the same this season, as the Lions return 10 players and four starters from last year’s team. 

Instead, experience will serve as one of the team’s biggest assets.  Among the athletes that are ready to lead the Lions are senior Lisa Helmers, junior Renahy Young and sophomore Alex Cowling.  Helmers, who is now in her second season as the team’s captain, started all 30 games for the Lions last year.  Her experience and three-point range will be vital to the team’s success.  “Being a strong leader for this team is one of the biggest ways I can contribute,” said Helmers.  “Being a shooter and making my shots is another way that I can really help the team.” 

Wilhoit looks to Helmers for her strong leadership, and will rely on her to be an extension of the coaching staff while on the court.  “Her leadership and work ethic is second to none,” said Wilhoit.  “The team is supporting her leadership, and she gets people to achieve beyond what they think they can.” 

Young led the team in scoring last season, averaging 14.7 points – a statistic that aided her in earning First Team All-Conference honors.  This year, Young looks to improve on last season’s success.  “I want to be named [WCC] Player of the Year.”

Cowling, who was named the WCC Newcomer of the Year as a freshman, was the second leading scorer for the Lions last season, averaging 13.4 points per game.  Cowling’s natural ability to score will yet again impact the team’s success.  “I want to be a big contributor this year, and scoring is one of the biggest ways I can contribute,” said Cowling.

In addition to scoring, Wilhoit looks for Cowling to become a vocal leader on the team.  “Her personality is infectious, and her drive rubs off on the rest of the team,” said Wilhoit.  Both Young and Cowling have both been named to the WCC Preseason All-Conference Team. 

Freshman forward Camille Buckley also looks to impact the team this year.  “I want to bring a lot of energy to the team, and help us win,” said Buckley. Wilhoit has high praise for the freshman, and expects her to make an immediate contribution.  “Camille is one of the best freshman I’ve ever coached,” said Wilhoit.  “She’s explosive and powerful and is going to get a lot of big rebounds for us.” 

The 2009-2010 season promises to be an exciting season for the women’s basketball team, as the Lions look to exceed their preseason expectations.  The team will rely largely on their experience in their attempt to not only win a WCC Championship, but also to earn a bid in this season’s NCAA Tournament. 

The Lions will begin their season with an exhibition game at home tomorrow against The Master’s College. They will then kick off their regular season with a game against Southern Methodist University on Nov. 13.