Tuesday, March 17, 1998

Wahine wish list
a tall order to fill

The UH women's
basketball team wants to recruit a
dominant post player

By Al Chase
Star-Bulletin

The No. 1 recruiting priority for the University of Hawaii women's basketball coaching staff is to sign a post player or two or three for the 1998-99 season.

The inability to sign a post player who can dominate the middle and clear the boards has become a major frustration for the Wahine coaches.

"We've been trying to get one for three years now," UH head coach Vince Goo said. "We need someone to come in and be an impact player on defense, someone who will alter shots.

"She doesn't have to be a big scorer. Raylene Howard, Kylie Page and BJ Itoman will carry the load offensively. But, we can't have Kylie constantly going up against 6-2 and 6-3 people like we had Brandi (Ashby) going against big, heavy people this year."

There are three scholarships available for next season. Goo is more than willing to award all three to post players, especially to one or two who can help immediately.

Sarah Petersen is the only returning center. The 6-2 sophomore-to-be saw limited action (just 108 minutes in 18 games) last season and probably needs another year to challenge for a starting position.

Aina Kohlert, a 6-1 power forward from Lahainaluna High School, was the only recruit to sign early.

There is depth at power forward with 5-11 Hedy Liu and 6-1 redshirt freshman Lydia Afualo returning.

The same is true at the other forward or wing position where Page should be playing. Howard also can play the position but might be considered for the shooting guard spot next season.

Another perimeter player is 5-10 Crystal Lee, who played just 74 minutes this season.

Nani Cockett's production won't be replaced at the shooting guard position.

Kyla Evers, a 5-8 junior next season, played well against Arkansas when Cockett sat for eight minutes with two fouls. Evers and backup point guard Maj Forsberg had the most playing time off the bench this past season.

Forsberg may gain another year of eligibility. A decision is expected later this semester on whether a season of competition in her native Denmark counts against her collegiate eligibility. She either will be a junior or senior.

Itoman returns for her senior season at point guard. She is the Wahine floor general and will play a lot of minutes once again.

Redshirt freshmen guards Karena Greeny and Ki'i Spencer-Vasconcellos will be in the mix.

"The redshirts will have to work awfully hard in the spring and summer (to land a starting job)," Goo said.

The look of the 1998-99 Wahine won't be known until the results are in on the post player search.

If it is successful, then the returnees can concentrate on the positions best suited to their abilities, otherwise Hawaii may have to disguise shortcomings for another season.

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1997-98 Wahine Basketball Schedule

http://uhathletics.hawaii.edu