Friday, October 12, 2001
[ WAHINE BASKETBALL ]
Vince Goo, in his 15th year as the Hawaii women's basketball coach, has a young team, one that must develop its scoring talents to maintain the program's run of successful seasons. Wahine look for
right chemistryBy Al Chase
achase@starbulletin.comThe top three scorers from a year ago are gone. Replacing 42 points per game may mean a more balanced scoring attack or having a player or two step out of the shadows to contribute consistently.
The Wahine roster is 12 strong, with nine returnees, including redshirt freshman Jade Abele and three newcomers, freshmen Milia Macfarlane and Chelsea Wagner and junior college transfer Arijana Sijercic.
"No one has secured a position yet, but we sure have an idea of who should be playing at what position, if not all five, then four or three of them. If everyone did their homework over the summer, it should be pretty easy," Goo said.
Power forward is one position that is open, with Abele, Natasja Allen, Sijercic and Julia Washington contending for the starting job.
Christen Roper, sixth in the nation with 2.8 blocks per game last year, is expected to see the majority of playing time at center.
"She has to stay out of foul trouble, play smart," said Goo. "Condition-wise, she is running really well, stays right up with the wings. She went to the first-ever Pete Newell Big Girls Camp this summer."
The camp was held at Cal State Monterey Bay, where former Hawaii-Hilo athletic director Bill Trumbo is the athletic director.
"Bill called back after the camp and said Christen did really well. Her footwork, balance and overall body control have improved. She is our tallest and quickest post player," said Goo.
There also could be competition for one of the starting wing positions.
Senior Karena Greeny, Western Athletic Conference freshman of the year April Atuaia and sophomore Christa Brossman are in the mix for the 2 and 3 spots. Wagner at the 3 and Macfarlane at the 2 or possibly at point guard also should contribute.
The Wahine are solid at point guard with senior Jana Gabrielova and junior Michelle Gabriel.
"Michelle Gabriel put in a good summer with her workouts. Jana worked as a security guard at Weatherford College and played pick-up almost every day," Goo said.
There are about five weeks for coaches and players to develop team chemistry prior to the season-opening tournament Nov. 17-18. The players have started the process with two team dinners and other optional activities.
Team chemistry is just as important as replacing lost scoring punch or finding depth at the center position.
Notes: Goo's staff remains the same, with assistants Da Houl, Serenda Valdez and Jon Newlee. They have a combined 39 years of coaching experience at the college level. ... ESPN and the NCAA have reached an 11-year agreement for broadcasting rights to the women's basketball championship. ESPN will expand its coverage to all 63 games in the tournament.
UH Athletics
Ka Leo O Hawaii
