TicketsOct. 28, 2006
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CINCINNATI - The Bearcats women's basketball team showed vast improvements Saturday at the Lindner Center practice gym in their second scrimmage of the 2006-07 campaign. The University of Cincinnati opens Friday, Nov. 3 with an exhibition match up against DT3.
"The communication is much better this time around," said UC head coach Laurie Pirtle. "We are fast-breaking better and we're playing more consistently."
The starting lineups and key players are emerging for Pirtle and her coaching staff.
"We're now starting to play our first five together," said Pirtle. "Treasure (Humphries), Shelly (Bellman), MJ (Michelle Jones), Angel (Morgan), Jill (Stephens) and Emy (Ogide) are all at the top.
"We're feeling really good about Treasure and Carla (Jacobs) at the point," she added. "With Carla getting time at the point we can open up Treasure at the 2-guard. Steph (Stevens) is getting more confidence and will also play the point."
With six more days until the exhibition game, chemistry is key to success and the Bearcats are starting to gel as a team.
"There is a time to acclimate when developing team chemistry," said Pirtle. "The players care about each other and have created a family. We just need to work on our leadership and they need to demand what they want on the floor."
Pirtle is especially impressed by the progression of the Bearcats' defense.
"We are so much better defensively than we were last year at the same time," she said. "They are denying, going to help side and providing on-ball pressure."
Highlights:
Senior Treasure Humphries was impressive in the open floor, nabbing three steals and scoring three baskets on fast breaks. She also had two offensive rebounds and shot 75 percent from the floor. "Treasure elevated to another level," said Pirtle.
Sophomore Michelle Jones was powerful in the paint and on the boards. She grabbed four rebounds, shot 60 percent from the floor and sank both free throws she attempted. "Michelle has such a strong finish," said Pirtle.
Sophomore Jill Stephens is making her mark at the post. "Jill is doing a great job talking and getting it done in the high post."
Sophomores Shelly Bellman and Angel Morgan and freshman Carla Jacobs dished out two assists each. "Angel and Shank (Bellman) create initiative in our offense. They are aggressive to the defense and create opportunities."
UC opens the season Friday, Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. against DT3 in an exhibition match.