[ UH ATHLETICS ]
UH's Abele named
first-team All-WACThe Rainbow Wahine’s Janevia Taylor
receives a spot on the conference's
freshman squad
Rainbow Wahine basketball players Jade Abele and Janevia Taylor couldn't be more contrasting in their personalities and playing styles. Abele grew up in gyms all over Australia, while Taylor learned the game playing street ball in Southern California. But Abele and Taylor had one thing in common yesterday as both received All-Western Athletic Conference recognition.
Abele was voted to the All-WAC first team, while Taylor earned a spot on the WAC freshman squad.
The 6-foot-2 Abele was third in the conference in scoring with 14.2 points per game. Abele also led Hawaii in rebounding (six per game) and assists (59). The junior forward was the first Wahine named to the first team in three years. Former Wahine Crystal Lee (2001) was the last player to earn the distinction.
"I definitely didn't expect it. I had a really good preseason, but the second half of the season has been such a team effort," said Abele, who had fresh bruises on her arms and legs from Saturday's game against Fresno State. "Nevie and Pam (Tambini) have done a great job. Gricey (Brittany Grice) has had some great games. It's been such a team effort."
Taylor was equally appreciative of Abele's performance this season.
"Jade works so hard," said Taylor. "Some games I look at her and go, 'How does she do it?' She gets beat up but she keeps coming. Jade is a hard worker.
"It's good to have someone that's going to keep pushing and not give up."
Taylor could have easily been describing herself. The 5-5 freshman didn't have an easy time adjusting to a more structured offense. But once Taylor figured it out, she was the Wahine's smoothest ballhandler and an offensive threat. The rookie started all of Hawaii's WAC games at the point and averaged 10.9 points a game in WAC play. Taylor also led the team with 41 steals.
"I'm shocked actually, but it's a real good feeling," Taylor said. "I've changed from the beginning of the season. I've improved a lot."
Hawaii coach Vince Goo agrees.
"She's grown to be a good leader. She understands what offenses need to be run," said Goo, who wasn't allowed to vote for his own players. "She understands the other four people on the floor and what their strengths are. She's also an outstanding defensive player. It's not just the offensive end that makes her as good as she is.
"Knowing that she's just a freshman and has three more years, I think she's going to have an outstanding career. She's learned a lot and learned quickly."
Louisiana Tech's Amisha Carter (Player of the Year) and Kurt Budke (Coach of the Year) took home the top honors. Tulsa freshman Jillian Robbins was named the Newcomer of the Year and one of two freshmen on the first team along with Rice's Lauren Neaves.
All-Western Athletic Conference
First team
Jade Abele, Hawaii, F, 6-1 Jr.; Amisha Carter, Louisiana Tech, F, 6-2 Sr.; Trina Frierson, LTU, F, 6-2 Sr.; Lauren Neaves, Rice, F, 6-2 Fr.; Jillian Robbins, Tulsa, F, 6-1 Fr.Second Team
Lindsey Maynard, Rice, G, 5-10 Sr.; Amber Obaze, LTU, G 5-9 Sr.; Erica Smith-Taylor, LTU, G, 5-10 Jr.; Cricket Williams, SJSU, G, 5-7 Jr.; Vaida Zagurskyte, UTEP, G, 5-9 Jr.Player of the Year: Amisha Carter, LTU
Coach of the Year: Kurt Budke, LTU
Newcomer of the Year: Jillian Robbins, TUAll-Defensive Team
Amisha Carter, LTU, F, 6-2 Sr.; Amber Obaze, LTU G 5-9 Sr.; Lauren Neaves, Rice, F, 6-2 Fr.; Jillian Robbins, Tulsa, F, 6-1 Fr.; Erica Smith-Taylor, LTU, G, 5-10 Jr.All-Freshman Team
Michelle Hessing, Boise State, C, 6-2 Fr.; Lauren Neaves, Rice, F 6-2 Fr.; Charnette Phelps, UTEP, F, 6-1 Fr.; Jillian Robbins, Tulsa, F, 6-1 Fr.; Janevia Taylor, Hawaii, G, 5-5 Fr.