Be sure to check out the women's basketball team as they host UC Santa Barbara on Friday, Nov. 11 at 7 p.m. Head Coach Joan Bonvicini will be purchasing pizza for all students in attendance at Friday's game. On Sunday, Nov. 13, the Redhawks will face UC Davis at 2 p.m. Both games will be played in the Connolly Center.
Entering the 2011-12 slate, the Seattle University women's basketball team brings together a strong core veteran group and introduces talented newcomers to the mix. Along with a solid combination of experience and basketball knowledge, the squad has the most depth it has ever had since head coach Joan Bonvicini took over in 2009. With the added depth, the team will be able to play a versatile game, with lineups that are quicker and smaller or are stronger with more inside post presence.
"The first thing is we're going to be taller inside. We're going to show at times a power game, but we'll definitely show a three-point shooting game too. The other thing we'll show is much more transition, up and down the court. I've always believed your defense makes your offense and we'll show different looks defensively too," said Bonvicini, who's entering her third season at the helm of the program.
Leading up to opening night, the Redhawks have put the hours in the gym improving their game and gelling as a program; a program that is made up of seven returning letterwinners and eight newcomers. In addition, senior Maggie McCarthy returns to action after missing last year due to injury, adding experience to the lineup.
"We've been working really hard on our offense, obviously it's all on fundamentals, and it's doing the little things right. It's the same thing defensively. I think we'll be a much improved team. I always have this quote, 'the season's a marathon, not a sprint'. I think it's to teach each day, learn and get better, but I do like the direction we're going," Bonvicini said.
The marathon mentality will allow the squad to continuously build upon each week's practice. As the team enters their final year as an independent, they are on a mission. They want to see postseason action, they want to continue to build on their progression over the past two seasons and they want to build the foundation of a Seattle U women's basketball legacy.
"We have tremendous leadership within the team and there's also a sense of urgency; they feel like this is their opportunity right now and to appreciate what you have and really bring it along. I also like how some of the freshmen and new players are showcasing their skills and standing out," commented Bonvicini.
A Look at the Returners:
Senior co-captain Elle Kerfoot (Surrey, B.C.) will called upon to pick up where she left last season, as she was voted the preseason College Sports Madness Independent Player of the Year and to the first team. The veteran point guard has elevated her game to a whole new level entering this season, adding Canadian Youth National Player to her resume. After playing overseas this past summer for Canada at the World University Games, she was able to submerge herself in a basketball-rich experience and expand her skill set. Last season Kerfoot was the team's offensive leader, averaging double figures throughout the year and providing a calming presence on the floor for the team. Again in 2011-12, she will be looked to score, set up plays and orchestrate the game plan.
"You start with Elle, a smart, heady, versatile and great three-point shooter, but I think more than anything a good defender and a good assists player. I think she will take off, start this year from where she left off (last season) and so I'm excited about that," explained Bonvicini.
Joining her is fellow point guard Daidra Brown (Seattle, Wash.), who's defensive prowess headlined her first season with the Redhawks in 2010-11. The junior returns with a year of DI basketball experience under her belt and is ready to continue her reign as one of the nation's leaders in steals. She will be called upon to add leadership on the floor and force opposing point guards to lose their focus and capitalize on turnovers. Entering the year, she was selected to the College Sports Madness Independent Second Team.
"Our other returning guard is Daidra, who was one of the leaders of the country in steals. I think she's much more experienced, stronger and smarter. I think you'll see Daidra at the two and possibly backup at the one for Elle. She has improved her shooting and she'll be a good guard," said Bonvicini.
Rounding out the trio of returning starters is sophomore guard Ashley Ward (Irvine, Calif.), who was named to the College Sports Madness Independent First Team. Ward will spend time at the two and three, and returns experienced after a solid rookie campaign, where she moved into the starting lineup in the final third of the year. She's is also the squad's second leading returning scorer, averaging 6.5 points per game in 2010-11.
"You'll see Ashley at a two or three position, and at times as a four. She is a very versatile and extremely smart player, who really started coming into her own the last third of the season. She has expanded her game and is able to go both from the high post and score, to shoot the jumper or to get it on the block, she's just very versatile," Bonvicini said.
In addition to the returning starters, the lineup is bolstered by an experienced group of veterans beginning with senior McCarthy. The guard, who missed last year due to injury, will add grit on the defensive end. She was the team's top rebounder in 2009-10 and will look to pick up in her final season at SU.
"Maggie is coming off an ACL (injury) and has done very well. She's someone who brings effort, hustle and good rebounding; she's a great utility player, that's how I'd describe her," Bonvicini commented.
College Sports Madness Second Team selection senior Amani Butler (Corona, Calif.) enters her final year sharper and faster. She'll add depth to the two position and will be looked to drive down the lane. Similar to McCarthy, she's versatile and can work the ball around the court and crash the boards.
"Amani is a hard worker, in better shape and I think she'll bring a real lift off the bench. She's a great rebounder and I think she'll be one to get people really going. Amani is another player who really gets to the free throw line, which is good," explained Bonvicini.
With senior Carley Butcher (Pitt Meadows, B.C.) ruled medically ineligible, the Redhawks post presence will be looked to be headlined by sophomore Kacie Sowell (Ventura, Calif.). Sowell saw action in all 30 games last year, starting four. She will be called on to use her size and experience to build upon her 3.8 rebounds per game in 2010-11.
"Kacie played really spot minutes a year ago and this year we've got to show our post game. I think Kacie has improved tremendously. She had a great postseason, has worked hard in the preseason and has improved her game. I think we'd pencil her in as a starter right now and I think she's going to gain confidence and a lot of game experience; I think she'll be really solid," said Bonvicini.
The final returner is sophomore Sylvia Shephard (Alta Loma, Calif.) who has seen her game improve tremendously since last season. She will be looked to add a spark off the bench and build upon her career-high 22-point performance on Dec. 17, 2010 at Sacramento State.
"Sylvia's a player who's really done a 180. I think we saw promise a year ago as a freshman, but she really didn't get enough playing time. Sylvia's stronger, smarter, a consistent hard worker, a good three-point shooter and strong. She can get to the basket or rebound, and hopefully we'll see her get a lot more minutes this year," commented Bonvicini.
Meet the Newcomers:
Leading the newcomers is senior transfer Talisa Rhea (Juneau, Alaska), who joined the squad last season but redshirted the season due to NCAA transfer rules. A three-time All-Pac 12 performer, Rhea adds veteran experience and leadership to the lineup. With a year of experience at SU, she understands the system and has been named a co-captain alongside Kerfoot.
"Talisa is a gamer and one of the most prolific three-point shooters in the country. She's versatile, has good size, can post people up and rebound - she can do it all; she's a smart player. She can help balance our play alongside Elle and Daidra," Bonvicini said.
Junior Brenda Adhiambo (Mombasa, Kenya) also joins the Redhawks this year, transferring from Lon Morris College. She will add size, aggressiveness and presence as the four position, and is coming off a great career at LMC, where she was a junior college All-American.
"Brenda is a great athlete and our first All-American. She's still learning our system, but has progressed very well. She is an outstanding rebounder, good scorer around the basket and has shown versatility at the high post," stated Bonvicini.
The Redhawks also welcome six true freshmen to the lineup, including local product Renee Dillard-Brown (Seattle, Wash.). The 6-1 forward is an athletic lefty, who will be looked to come in off the bench and provide a lift at the post. She was named College Sports Madness' Preseason Freshman of the Year, as well.
"Renee has shown a lot of promise. She's a versatile athlete, a lefty, hard worker and is still learning the college game. She will be a work in progress, but has had moments of brilliance. As long as she continues to work hard, she'll come off the bench and give us a big lift," explained Bonvicini.
The tallest player on the team this year is 6-7 Jessi Williamson (Tacoma, Wash.), who holds the Washington State high school record for blocks in a single game. She will be looked to add not only post presence, but elevate the Redhawks' rebounding game.
"Jessi is a player that has improved tremendously. She's 6-7, another lefty, a very good shot blocker and has been coached in how to score around the basket," said Bonvicini.
Up top, Jasmine Lemon (Renton, Wash.) is a small and quick point guard, who will look to absorb as much experience and knowledge from veterans Brown and Kerfoot. Fellow guard Makenna Clark (Auburn, Wash.), who joined the team this past fall as a walk-on, will also add speed and look to learn the collegiate game and come in as a spark off the bench.
"Jasmine is small, but quick and is definitely learning the college game and what it takes to be good. Along with Makenna, who joined our team this past fall, they both are going to need game and practice experience to transition into the collegiate game. Both are learning the pace of the game," Bonvicini commented.
Rounding out the newcomers are Monique Abbs (Phoenix, Ariz.) and Kim Flournoy (San Diego, Calif.). Both are currently inactive, with Flournoy redshirting the year due to a preseason injury.
Coach B's Thoughts:
"This season is going to be fun to watch. We'd like to see the Connolly Center and when we play at KeyArena charged-up, sold out and people excited. Not only are we going to win games, but it's going to be really fun and exciting to watch. That's the brand of basketball I bring; defensive minded but up-tempo. People are going to be excited to play for this program, want to play at Seattle U and they're going to want to watch our teams. We want to be fundamentally sound, great conditioned and fight to the end," concluded Bonvicini.