Women’s basketball: Optimism high for Aggies
Prepared for the upcoming season, the USU women’s basketball team is bringing much more than just talent to the court.
This year’s team has five newcomers, including three freshmen and two transfers. Only two of the girls are from Utah, having players from six different countries, including Australia (Stacey Howard), Japan (Erika Guatavai), Canada( Zana Williams), Senegal (Banna Diop and Ndoumbe Diop) and other states in the United States.
USU head coach Reagan Pebley said she started preparing the girls at the beginning of summer.
“Every single returner took advantage of their time in Logan over the summer,” Pebley said. “Not only did we have all of them in summer school getting ahead academically, but they also prepared themselves as a group for fall conditioning. They set the standard of being prepared and even starting the game ahead instead of behind.”
She said setting the standard of good habits and expectations might be just what the team needed to keep the newcomers united and up to speed.
“Our newcomers all bring very specific and unique traits to our program,” Pebley said. “Chelsea Burns stretches out the defense with her 3-point shooting ability, while Banna Diop adds six to our improving inside game. Zana Williams brings creativity, ball handling and the ability to score, and Stacey Howard’s versatility and defensive presence are great assets and additions.”
Eight of the 10 players earned academic all-WAC honors in 2008, including Alice Coddington, Ndoumbe Diop, Jenny Gross, LeeAn Palo, Ana Pares, Taylor Richards and Lindsey Shipley.
Proving to be not only smart but also athletic, Pebley said these girls are ready to take on more than just the books.
“We expect that our team will continue on its mission to always put academics first, bring pride to Utah State University and continue to progress towards a WAC championship,” Pebley said. “We do these things together and with class, and we love to have fun in the process. We have brought each member of this program, student-athletes and staff, here to Utah State with this in mind.”
With nine letter winners, the Aggies added five newcomers as well as junior center/forward Lydia Whitehead (Nibly, Utah/Mountain Crest HS/Utah) who had to redshirt out last season. The remaining newcomers come from different countries bringing a new heat for Aggie competitors. The rookies are sophomore forward Stacey Howard (Queensland, Australia/Northeastern JC), freshman center Banna Diop (Dakar, Senegal/Oak Hill Academy/ Chipola College), freshman guard/forward Chesea Burns (Carlsbad, Calif./La Jolla Country Day), junior guard Tahara Williams ( Chicago, ILL./Mt. Notre Dame HS/Colgate) and freshman guard Zana Williams ( Vancouver, British Columbia/Kitsilano).
All in all, Pebley said things are looking pretty good for this team.
With 31 home games, including two home exhibition contests, Pebley said the team will give spectators a chance to see its flare.
“We are thrilled to have so many home games this season,” she said. “With seven in the nonconference portion and eight in WAC play, Aggie fans will have an opportunity to see us in action more than they ever have.”
-c.child@aggiemail.usu.edu