TicketsOct. 21, 2006
CINCINNATI - The Bearcats women's basketball team opened the 2006-07 with a pre-season intrasquad scrimmage today at Fifth Third Arena, giving the fans a peak at what is to come in head coach Laurie Pirtle's 21st season. The University of Cincinnati staged a 40-minute controlled scrimmage with a running clock. The scrimmage made clear that UC has plenty of promise in its underclassmen, and the upperclassmen continue to be leaders on the court.
After nine practices, this first scrimmage helped UC prepare for game-like situations, opening up the floor, but also gave Pirtle and her coaching staff the chance to stop play and instruct, getting the best of both worlds.
"We saw glimpses of what we've been working on, but we need to be more consistent," said Pirtle. "Today was a good stepping stone to our all-out scrimmage. This is more wide open than practice, but we also gave the girls tips to think about the next two days before practice on Monday."
The Bearcats played with the same tenacity Pirtle brings to coaching; with intensity and enthusiasm.
"I like what we're doing. We're at a point that is very realistic of our expectations," said Pirtle. "Last year at this time we didn't have a semblance of people working together. We are way ahead of where we were last year. What really impresses me is what this team is willing to do to become the best."
Freshmen Stephanie Stevens and Carla Jacobs both worked the point and impressed Pirtle. According to Pirtle, she has 121 guard combinations with six players who are interchangeable.
"The freshmen have really come a long way," she said. "They know their spots on the floor and their assist/turnover ratio has been very good in practice. Not only that, our guards have to be good rebounders, on-the ball `D' and be a good communicator."
The Bearcats also found out what they need to work on most.
"We continuously want to improve and it's a never-ending process from game to game," said Pirtle. "We didn't run the floor as hard as we could and we were a little chaotic on defense."
The highlights:
Junior Emy Ogide, who averaged 2.6 ppg last season, converted all her field goal attempts and was a force on the boards. "Emy is really skilled. She is our most improved player," said Pirtle.
Sophomore Angel Morgan, who averaged 10.3 minutes a game as a freshman, started the scrimmage. "She is by far a better player than this time last year," said Pirtle.
Sophomore Jill Stephens had four offensive rebounds. "Jill is much more physical," said Pirtle.
Sophomore Michelle Jones blocked a shot and was also a force on the boards with five rebounds.
Stevens hit both of her three-point field goal attempts and both of her free throw attempts.
Sophomore Shelly Bellman was active on defense, registering five steals.
Sophomore Kahla Roudebush shot 50 percent from behind the arc and 67 percent overall.
Jacobs shot 50 percent from the field.
The Bearcats play their exhibition opener at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3 against DT3 at Fifth Third Arena.