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 Schedule/Results | Roster | Stats | News | Archives Western picked fourth in GNAC Coaches Poll
Oct. 29, 2008
SPOKANE, Wash. -
2008-09 GNAC Coaches Poll 2007-08 Records Pts 1. Alaska Anchorage (8) 30-5 15-3 86 2. Seattle Pacific (1) 29-1 18-0 67 3. Northwest Nazarene 19-9 12-6 65 4. Western Washington 9-21 6-12 55 5. Saint Martin's 17-11 10-8 40 6. Montana State Billings 11-16 8-10 37 7. Central Washington 13-13 5-13 25 8. Western Oregon 8-19 4-14 22 9. Alaska Fairbanks 12-14 5-13 17In two seasons at Alaska Anchorage, Tim Moser has coached the Seawolves to 53 wins and two post-season appearances including a NCAA Division II Final Four. One thing Moser hasn't accomplished, however, is to win a Great Northwest Athletic Conference championship. He just might be able to cross that off his personnel "to do list" by this spring. At least, that is the expectation of most of the coaches in the GNAC who have made the Seawolves a near unanimous selection to win the 2008-09 championship. UAA is also ranked fifth in the pre-season Women's Division II Bulletin national poll. Anchorage, which returns six letter winners including All-American center Rebecca Kielpinski, is a near unanimous pick to dethrone defending champion Seattle Pacific this winter. UAA received eight of nine first-place votes in the annual GNAC Coaches poll and finished 19 points ahead of the Falcons, who received the other first-place vote, in the final tabulation. Kielpinski, who could set conference career records for scoring and rebounding this season and will be seeking her fourth consecutive GNAC rebounding crown, is the lone returning starter for the Seawolves. Moser, however, reloaded with a recruiting class that features three four-year transfers, two from Division I schools, and four outstanding JC players, all from powerhouse junior college programs. Seattle Pacific, however, won't go lightly. The Falcons, who have won five of the seven previous GNAC championships, return eight players off a team that won 29 straight games a year ago before losing to UAA in the regional final. However, center Kelsey Hill, who finished 11th in the GNAC in scoring (11.9) and seventh in rebounding (6.7) is the lone starter from that club. SPU barely edged Northwest Nazarene, which returns nine letter winners and four starters, for the runner-up slot in the poll. The Crusaders, who will be led by second-team all-conference point guard Mallory Whipple, are one of three teams along with Alaska Fairbanks and Montana State Billings with nine returning 2007-08 letter winners and one of three along with MSUB and Western Washington which welcome back four starters from a year ago. Western Washington, which won titles in 2002 and 2006 to temporarily halt the Falcon dynasty, finished fourth in the balloting. The Vikings hope to bounce back from an injury-riddled season in which they posted their first losing season since 1992-93 and failed to qualify for the regionals for the first time since joining the NCAA ranks. Not only does Western Washington return eight letter winners and four starters from that team, but they get back two key performers from their 2006-07 team including second team GNAC all-star Liz McCarrell. Saint Martin's edged Montana State Billings for fifth place in the balloting. The Saints, who qualified for the NCAAs a year ago, return two starters including GNAC free throw champion Jamey Gelhar (90.0), who earned honorable mention all-star honors. MSUB will be led by the most experienced backcourt in the conference, 2007-08 GNAC scoring and three-point champion Alira Carpenter (20.0 ppg & 2.96 treys per contest) and Shantell Marquis, who led the conference in steals (3.22) and ranked second to Whipple in assists (4.22). Carpenter, along with Kielpinski, is the lone returning first team all-star in the conference, while Marquess was an honorable mention selection. Central Washington, which will try to bounce back from a 5-13 conference record; Western Oregon, which finished 10th a year ago, and Alaska Fairbanks under new coach Daryl Smith, round out the GNAC Coaches' rankings. Alaska Anchorage will get an early test of its No. 5 national ranking when it opens its season Friday in the Disney East Coast Tip-Off tournament in Orlando, Fla. against Columbus State. Other opening weekend games feature Western Oregon against Portland State on Saturday and Central Washington and Eastern Washington on Sunday in exhibition games. Western Washington faces its Alumni in another exhibition contest Saturday. AROUND THE GNAC: Kielpinski will be seeking her third consecutive GNAC Player-of-the-Year award. She is the only female basketball player in GNAC history to win more than one. . .Six of the GNAC's top nine scorers from last year including Carpenter (1st, 20.0), Sheena Brown of Alaska Fairbanks (2nd, 17.3), Amanda Dunbar of Western Washington (4th, 14.1), WWU's Claire Pallansch (6th, 12.7), Kielpinski (7th, 12.7) and Northwest Nazarene's Jennifer Williams (9th, 12.4) return. . .Eight of the Top 10 rebounders - Kielpinski (1st, 8.9), Central Washington's Shaina Afoa (2nd, 8.3), Kristin Hein of Northwest Nazarene (3rd, 7.6), Pallansch (4th, 7.4), Hill (7th, 6.7), Western Washington's Gabby Wade (8th,. 6.5), Williams (6.5) and Katie Torland of Western Oregon (10th, 6.4) - also are back. . .While Kielpinski with 1,387 points long ago passed the 1,000 point career scoring mark, Brown (945) and Hill (875) should reach that milestone early in the season. . .Dunbar was the GNAC Freshman-of-the-Year award winner last season. TEAM PROFILES
ALASKA ANCHORAGE SEAWOLVESOUTLOOK Though All-American Rebecca Kielpinski is the lone returning starter, Alaska Anchorage coach Tim Moser (53-14, 2 years) had another outstanding recruiting year and appears to have the athletes to make another deep run into the playoffs. Kielpinski (6-2, Sr., Mandan, ND) needs just 310 points and 193 rebounds to become the GNAC's all-time scoring and rebounding leader. She currently ranks eighth in GNAC history in scoring (1,387) and fourth in rebounding (891). Kielpinski, who will be gunning for her fourth consecutive conference rebounding title, also ranks fourth in GNAC history with 183 career blocks. Last year, she finished seventh in scoring (12.7) and first in both rebounding (8.9) and blocks (1.97) in leading the Seawolves to a school-record 30 victories and to a national semifinal berth. Four other players from last year's Final Four team also return including forward Dasha Basova (6-3, Sr., Moscow, Russia) and guards Elisha Harris (5-7, Sr., West Jordan, Utah), Danielle Dekel (5-10, Sr., Kibbutz Ein Sehmer, Israel) and Nikki Aden (5-8, So., Portland, OR - West Linn). Another guard, Tristan Burnett (5-9, Jr., Oregon City, OR) returns from UAA's 2006-07 team. Basova averaged 6.3 points and was the team's No. 2 three-point shooter, making 40 of 122. Harris, who started five games, contributed 4.6 points and 2.4 rebounds, and Dekel, who made 12 starts, chipped in with 3.3 points. She ranked second on the team in assists with 90. Aden played in 32 games, scoring a total of 78 points. Among the top additions for Moser, who has players on his roster from eight different states and four foreign countries, are forwards Brittany Collins (5-10, Jr., Santa Barbara, CA - Bishop Alemany) and Nicci Miller (5-9, Jr., Denver, CO - Hinkley) and guard Kiki Taylor (5-5, Jr., Colorado Springs, CO - Harrison). Collins earned all-conference honors last season at Santa Barbara CC, averaging 11.4 points and 9.4 rebounds and shooting a league-best 57.4 percent from the field. Miller averaged 11.2 points and ranked second in the league on a Central Arizona team that posted a 29-2 record in 2006-07. As a high school senior in Denver, she averaged 30 points per game. Taylor was a starter for national powerhouse Western Nebraska in 2005-06 and 2006-07 leading them to a 58-6 record. As a sophomore, she averaged 10 points, 3.1 assists and 2.4 rebounds and shot 47.8 percent from the floor. She also ranked third in the region in steals, averaging 2.4. "Kiki is a dynamic talent and the true point guard that we've been missing," Moser said. "She is strong and athletic and helped lead one of the most efficient offenses in the JC ranks. "She's also a proven defensive stopper and a huge reason Western Nebraska led its region in scoring defense both of her seasons." Other new players for the Seawolves include three four-year transfers, including two from Division I schools. Center Viki Wohlers (6-4, So., Wolfenbüttel, Germany) played in six games last season at Oregon State, while guard Jackie Thiel (5-4, Sr., Plainview, TX) played 28 games at Florida Gulf Coast, scoring 39 points and pulling in 21 rebounds. Guard Leah Stepovich (5-7, Sr., Fairbanks, AK - Monroe HS, Casper, WY) played in 26 games, starting three at former GNAC member Seattle University. She contributed 4.7 points and two rebounds per game to the Redhawk offense. Guard Tamar Gruwell (5-8, Jr., Fairfield, CA - Vacaville) from Sierra College and five freshmen complete the UAA recruiting class. Gruwell was a second team all-state selection at Sierra averaging 17.9 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.3 steals. She shot 44.9 percent from the field, 42.8 percent from the arc and 95.8 from the free throw line missing only three of 72 for a team that won 27 of 34 games. She was featured in Sports Illustrated's `Faces in the Crowd' column after making 12 of 15 three-pointers and scoring 45 points against Modesto. SEATTLE PACIFIC FALCONS
Head Coach: Julie van Beek, Northwest Nazarene '89 (73-16, 3 years; Overall, 235-135, 12 years) Assistant: Michelle Skyles, Aubree Chesnut 2007-08 Record: 29-1 Conference: 18-0, 1st Returning Letter Winners: 8 (7 from 2007-08) Returning Starters: Kelsey Hill (C, 6-2, Sr., 11.9 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 1.1 apg, 1.1 bpg, 2nd team Daktronics, 2nd team GNAC) Other Returnees: Daesha Henderson (G, 5-8, Jr., 7.7 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 1.8 apg); Megan Hoisington (F, 5-11, Jr., 5.9 ppg, 4.7 rpg); Kelsey Burns (F, 5-11, Sr., 4.9 ppg, 2.0 rpg); Melissa Reich (C, 6-2, So., 3.9 ppg, 4.4 rpg); Maddie Maloney (G, 5-10, So., 2.8 ppg, 1.2 rpg); Lexie Schaar (C, 6-4, Jr., 1.9 ppg, 1.8 rpg); Lisa Cannon (F, 6-0, So., 0.9 ppg, 0.9 rpg in 2006-07)OUTLOOK Seattle Pacific has won five of the previous seven Great Northwest Athletic Conference women's basketball titles, including two in a row under Julie van Beek. But the Falcons return only one starter from last year's 29-1 team. However SPU does have a total of eight letter winners (one from the 2006-07 season) and also has a former starter at Alaska Fairbanks - forward Caitlyn Rohrbach (6-0, So., Edmonds, WA - Meadowdale) - available on its roster. The lone returning starter is center Kelsey Hill (6-2, Sr., Portland, OR - Portland Christian), who averaged 11.9 points and 6.7 rebounds in earning second team all-conference honors last season. Hill enters the season needing just 125 points to join the 1,000 career-point club. She also ranks 23rd in GNAC history in rebounds with 603. Last year, Hill finished 11th in the conference in scoring, fourth in field goal percentage (52.8) and seventh in rebounding. Among the other letter winners, guard Daesha Henderson (5-8, Jr., Snohomish, WA - Snohomish) and forward Kelsey Burns (5-11, Sr., Seattle, WA - Kennedy) logged the most minutes. Henderson averaged 7.7 points and also had 53 assists and 43 steals. Burns, who played previously at the University of Arizona, contributed 4.9 points and 2.0 rebounds. Henderson could wind up taking up the point guard role from now-graduated Beth Christensen, a two-time All-GNAC player and an honorable mention member of two All-America teams last season. "Beth was an amazing point guard, and she led us for three years," van Beek said. "Daesha Henderson is very experienced and she will do very well. Daesha is a combo player and Beth was a true point guard. Daesha is good at both spots. She's very good on the wing, very fast." Also back are center Melissa Reich (6-2, So., Bothell, WA - Bellevue Christian), guard Maddie Maloney (5-10, So., Issaquah, WA - Skyline) and center Lexie Schaar (6-4, Jr., Crookston, MN - Crookston), along with forward Lisa Cannon (6-0, So., Lewiston, ID - Lewiston), who redshirted after earning a letter two years ago. Reich scored 3.9 points per game and ranked fourth on the team in rebounding (4.4) despite playing just 14 minutes per contest. Maloney scored 79 points in 28 contests and 333 minutes, while Schaar saw action in only 14 games, scoring 27 points in 78 minutes. Cannon played in just 16 minutes in seven games two years ago. Rohrbach, who was one of UAF's top scorers (10.7) and rebounders (6.0) two years ago as a freshman, is one of four new players for the Falcons. Also new to the squad are guards Jordan Harazin (5-7, Fr., Colfax, WA), McKayla Gorman (5-7, Fr., Parker, CO - Chaparral) and Nyesha Sims (5-8, Fr., Portland, OR - Jefferson). Van Beek is counting on some production from those freshmen as the season progresses. "The freshmen will definitely contribute," she said. "We'll see more consistently their contribution in January than in the early games." Van Beek (73-16, 3 years; Overall, 235-135, 12 years) expects the Falcons to be in the GNAC title hunt, although they won't start out as the favorite. That role goes to Alaska Anchorage, which ended SPU's 2007-08 run with a 50-44 victory in the regional title game. "Even though we lost a lot (of experience), with our success in the past and the returners we have, we should be right there," van Beek said. "It's going to be a tight race, that's for sure." NORTHWEST NAZARENE CRUSADERS
Head Coach: Kelli Lindley, Washington State '96 (128-95, 8 years) Assistants: Ryan McCarthy, Jessica Metz, Carey Cook 2007-08 Record: 19-9 Conference: 12-6, 3rd Returning Letter Winners: 9 Returning Starters: Mallory Whipple (G, 5-7, Sr., 7.0 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 4.9 apg, 2.5 spg, 2nd team GNAC); Jennifer Williams (P, 6-2, Jr., 12.4 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 2.2 apg, 1.1 spg, HM GNAC); Lindsay Brady (G, 5-8, Jr., 8.3 ppg, 3.6 rpg); Brittney Roggenkamp (G, 5-11, Jr., 7.3 ppg, 2.6 rpg) Other Returnees: Kristin Hein (P, 5-11, Jr., 9.8 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 1.2 spg, 0.8 bpg); Janee Olds (G, 5-8, Jr., 9.0 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2.2 apg, 1.8 spg, 35-96 3-pointers); Beth Johnson (P, 6-2, So., 3.9 ppg, 2.0 rpg); Krista Oliver (G, 5-9, Jr., 1.8 ppg, 0.8 rpg); Heather Craig (P, 6-3, So., 0.3 ppg, 0.9 rpg)OUTLOOK With four starters back including a senior point guard, Northwest Nazarene women's basketball coach Kelli Lindley brings a high level of expectation into her ninth season in Nampa. The Crusaders, who have qualified for the NCAA West Regional in three of the last six seasons, have nine letter winners back from a team that won 19 of 28 games and finished third in the GNAC with a 12-6 record. "We have the rare luxury of having experienced players at each position and that is exciting, " Lindley, who is 128-95 in eight previous seasons, said. Among the veterans is GNAC second-team point guard Mallory Whipple (5-7, Sr., Redmond, OR), who ranked second in assists (4.89) and fourth in steals (3.46) last year in the conference. She also averaged seven points and 2.6 rebounds. "Mallory comes into her senior year with confidence, leading the team with the attitude that we have been to the national tournament and we know what it takes to win and earn that bid to the regional," Lindley said. Whipple will lead a group of junior forwards that include Lindsay Brady (5-8, Jr., Boise, ID - Bishop Kelly), who contributed 8.3 points and 3.6 rebounds per game, Janee Olds (5-8, Jr., Coos Bay, OR - North Bend), who scored 9.0 points per game, and Brittney Roggenkamp (5-11, Jr., LaCenter, WA) who scored at a 7.3 points per game clip. "Lindsay, Janee and Brittney have shown serious off-season improvement and are going to provide us with a great rotation at the wing," Lindley added. "That depth will enable us to continue our style of pushing the ball, especially in transition, with our goal to once again lead the conference in scoring." The Crusaders averaged 73.5 points per game last year to lead the GNAC and were also second in rebounding margin at plus 6.4 per game. The experience continues in the paint with juniors Jennifer Williams (6-2, Jr.., Boise, ID - Centennial) and Kristen Hein (5-11, Jr., Tualatin, OR) joined by sophomores Beth Johnson (6-2, So., Kent, WA - Kentwood) and Heather Craig (6-3, So., Fairbanks, AK). Williams returned from back surgery last year to earn GNAC honorable mention honors. She led the Crusaders and ranked ninth in the GNAC in scoring (12.4) and also ranked eighth in rebounding, averaging 6 ½ per game. Hein, who will not be available until late December due to ankle surgery, averaged 9.8 points and a team-best 7.6 rebounds, ranking third in the conference in the latter category. The late off-season injury to Hein opens a door for freshman post Brianna King (6-0, Fr., Redmond, OR). "Brianna has been a real early-season surprise...she has good skill and even better instincts," Lindley added. With depth at each position, the only unknown factor will be at the point as a pair of rookies in redshirt freshman Falissa Smith (5-6, Tigard, OR - Southridge) and true freshman Julianne Bazzi (5-6, Silverton, OR) will back Whipple. Smith returns after ACL surgery one year ago and Bazzi comes to the Crusaders after earning Co-Player-of-the-Year honors in the Oregon 5A Mid-Willamette Conference at Silverton High School. WESTERN WASHINGTON VIKINGS
Head Coach: Carmen Dolfo, Western Washington '86 (356-143, 17 years) Assistants: Jennifer Childress, Krystal Robinson, Elyse Hartman 2007-08 Record: 9-21 Conference: 6-12, 7th Returning Letter Winners: 10 (8 from 2007-08) Returning Starters: Claire Pallansch (C, 6-1, Sr., 12.8 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 1.4 bpg, 2nd team GNAC); Amanda Dunbar (G, 5-9, So., 14.1 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 2.0 apg, 49-147 3- pointers, GNAC Freshman-of-the-Year, HM GNAC); India Soo (G, 5-6, Sr., 6.4 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 3.1 apg); Gabby Wade (F, 5-9, Jr., 4.3 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 1.4 spg); Liz McCarrell (F, 5-11, Sr., 10.9 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.0 apg in 2006-07, 2nd team GNAC in 2006-07) Other Returnees: Marelle Moehrle (G, 5-9, So., 6.8 ppg,3.2 rpg, 43-119 3- pointers); Willow Cabe (F, 6-1, Jr., 7.2 ppg, 5.3 rpg in 2006-07); Lauren Hefflin (C, 6-2, So., 2.4 ppg, 2.2 rpg); Tara Holgate (C, 6-4, Jr., 6.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg)OUTLOOK A "normal" season would be a nice change for Western Washington. Last year was anything but for the Vikings as an injury epidemic took away their top two returning scorers before mid-November, and by the end of the year, some nine players had missed either all or part of the season, taking away a total of over 100 games. It wasn't a surprise, then, that the Vikings slipped to 9-21 overall and 8-10 in the GNAC, missing the NCAA Division II National Tournament for the first time since becoming a full NCAA member and having their first losing season since 1992-93. WWU, however, should once again return to the upper-division of the GNAC as head coach Carmen Dolfo (356-143, 17 years) returns a GNAC-best 10 letter winners, eight from a year ago. Back after a year's absence are two forwards - Liz McCarrell (5-11, Sr., Ferndale, WA) and Willow Cabe (6-1, Jr., McCleary, WA - Elma). McCarrell was a second-team all-GNAC pick in 2006-07, averaging 10.9 points and 3.8 rebounds, before missing last season with a foot injury suffered in pre-season drills. Cabe took a year off from school after averaging 7.2 points and 5.3 rebounds in 2006-07. The Vikings did finish strong, going 5-5 over the last 10 games. Two players who averaged double figures are key returnees - forward Claire Pallansch (6-1, Sr., Redmond, WA) and guard Amanda Dunbar (5-9, So., Marysville/Marysville-Pilchuck). Pallansch was a second-team GNAC all-star, contributing 12.7 points a game and leading Western in rebounds (7.4) and blocked shots (1.4). She ranked fourth in the conference in rebounds, fifth in blocked shots and sixth in scoring. Dunbar was the GNAC Freshman of the Year, ranking fourth in the conference in scoring at 14.1 points, and also led Western in free throw percentage (80.3, 110-of-137). She averaged 19.3 points over the last six games. Two other starters also return. Guard India Soo (5-6, Sr., Kamuela, HI - Kamehameha) has started most of the last two seasons at the point, last year averaging 6.4 points and 3.1 assists. Forward Gabby Wade (5-9, Jr., Lacey, WA - River Ridge), who started 18 of the last 19 games, averaged 4.3 points and 6.5 rebounds, leading the team in offensive rebounds (85). Center Tara Holgate (6-4, Jr., Everett, WA - Snohomish County Christian), guard Marelle Moehrle (5-9, So., Lynnwood, WA - Meadowdale) and center Lauren Heflin (6-2, So., Ridgefield, WA) were all key reserves last year. Holgate averaged 6.0 points and 5.0 rebounds, Moehrle netted 6.8 points and Hefflin had 2.4 points and 2.2 rebounds. Another top reserve from last season, guard Kristin Schramm (5-9, So., Chelan), is expected to redshirt. Western's returning depth is bolstered by a pair of transfers. Forward Jessica Summers (6-1, Sr., Blaine, WA) was a three-year starter at NCAA Division I Idaho, twice leading the Vandals in rebounding. She averaged 8.7 points and 7.7 rebounds as a junior prior to leaving the team at midseason. The other transfer is guard Megan Pinske (5-9, So., Coquitlam, B.C. - Port Moody), who has extensive international experience in the Canadian junior national team program, including in the Under-21 World Championships in 2007. Pinske, who previously played at UBC, is recovering from summer knee surgery but should be ready by the opening of the season.
SAINT MARTIN'S SAINTSOUTLOOK Two of its top three scorers are among eight returning letter winners for Saint Martin's head coach Tim Healy (151-176, 12 years). Back from last year's team that finished 17-11 and qualified for the NCAA Division II regional playoffs, are forward Dara Zack and guard Jamey Gelhar (5-6, Jr., Brush Prairie, WA). Zack came off the bench for most of the season, making only 11 starts, but still managed to average 9.1 points and a team-best six rebounds. Gelhar, who won the GNAC free throw title converting on 90 percent (72-80), ranked third in scoring for the Saints, averaging 8.3 points per game. She also led the team in assists (2.1 per game) and contributed 4.2 rebounds per contest. Also returning from last year's starting lineup is forward Michelle Short (5-10, Sr., Wenatchee, WA - WVC). Short contributed 6.4 points per game and ranked second on the team in steals with 36. Four other players who all played in every game a year ago also return. They include forward Krissy Bassett (6-1, Jr., Washougal, WA), guards Megan Busch (5-8, Jr., Bellingham, WA - Sehome) and Roni Jo Mielke (5-6, So., Harrington, WA - Sprague-Harrington) and post player Katie Hawkins (6-0, So., Yakima, WA - West Valley). Bassett averaged 6.5 points and 3.4 rebounds for the 2007-08 Saints, while Busch chipped in with 3.9 points per game. Mielke contributed 3.4 points per game and Hawkins scored 27 points and had 76 rebounds. Also returning is Katee Nauert (5-5, Sr., Central Valley, WA - Mt. Spokane), who scored 10 points in 22 games in the 2005-06 season. One JC transfer and three freshmen are among the newcomers for the Saints. Danika Lawson (5-9, Jr., Edgewood, WA) previously played at North Idaho, while Emily Lashua (6-0, Vancouver, WA - Prairie), Megan Teade (5-11, Colfax, WA) and Kelsey Baker (5-11, Spokane, WA - Lewis & Clark) join the Saints from the prep ranks. Lawson averaged 11.1 points and shot 45 percent from the three-point line in earning honorable mention Scenic West all-league honors. "Danika is a hard-working, versatile and aggressive player who is coming from a successful JC program and we are ecstatic about her signing," Healy said. "She is athletic, fast and has a superior basketball IQ." Lashua was a first team all-region pick at Prairie and was the MVP in the Roundball Classic. "What I like most about Emily is her versatility. She can play with her back to the basket as well as knock down an open three." Teade, who averaged 11 points and 7.1 rebounds, contributed to seven high school league championships at Colfax, including four in volleyball and three in basketball and was a three-time all-state volleyball performer. Baker was a two-year starter and played on three 4A State championship teams at Lewis and Clark in Spokane. MONTANA STATE BILLINGS YELLOWJACKETS
Head Coach: Kevin Woodin, Carroll '87 (72-42, 4 years) Assistants: Natalie Visger, Lexie Halvorson, Lisa Jellum, Shawn O'Brien 2007-08 Record: 11-16 Conference: 8-10, 5th Returning Letter Winners: 9 Returning Starters: Alira Carpenter (G, 5-8, Sr., 20.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 1.1 spg, 80-194 3-pointers, 2nd team Daktronics, 1st team GNAC); Shantell Marquis (G, 5-10, Jr., 9.3 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 4.2 apg, 3.2 spg, HM GNAC); Jen Smith (F, 5-10, Sr., 5.5 ppg, 6.0 rpg); Jetton Meadors (G, 5-8, Sr., 4.0 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 2.2 apg) Other Returnees: Kayla McPherson (F, 5-11, Sr., 8.1 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 35-116 3-pointers); Kayla Ryan (F, 6-1, So., 6.5 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 0.7 bpg); Rachel Hansen (G, 5-9, Jr., 1.4 ppg, 1.3 rpg); Quinn Halverson (G, 5-4, So1.0 ppg, 0.3 rpg); Mandy Jacobs (F, 5-10, So., 0.8 ppg, 0.8 rpg).OUTLOOK Led by GNAC scoring champion Alira Carpenter, Montana State Billings returns virtually its entire 2007-08 team intact this winter. Of the top eight scorers off a squad that posted an 11-16 record and tied for fifth in the GNAC with an 8-10 record, only Dani Henderson is missing. Henderson ranked second in both scoring (10.7 ppg) and rebounding (5.6). Carpenter (5-8, Sr., Lewiston, MT - Fergus County), along with Rebecca Kielpinski of UAA, is one of just two returning first team all-stars. Carpenter led the GNAC with a 20.0 average and was also the GNAC's top three-point shooter, making 80 of 194. She ranked third in three-point percentage at 41.2 percent. Also back from last year's starting lineup for coach Kevin Woodin (72-42, 4 years) are guards Shantell Marquis and Jetton Meadors, and forward Jen Smith. Marquis (5-10, Jr., Cascade, MT - C.M. Russell) scored 9.3 points per game a year ago, while also leading the Yellowjackets in steals (87) and assists (114) in earning honorable mention all-star honors. She was also the GNAC steal leader. She set a GNAC single-game record with 10 steals in a contest against Northwest Nazarene and ranked third in the conference in assists. Meadors (5-8, Sr., Billings, MT - Senior), who made 18 starts, contributed four points per game and was the team's No. 2 assist-maker with 55. Smith (5-10, Sr., Belgrade, MT) led MSUB in rebounds, pulling down six per game and also scoring 5 ½ points per contest. Five other players also return for Woodin, including forwards Kayla McPherson, Kayla Ryan and Mandy Jacobs and guards Rachel Hansen and Quinn Halverson. McPherson (5-11, Sr., Glendive, MT - Dawson County) was the team's fourth-leading scorer, averaging 8.1 points, and its second-leading three-point shooter, making 35 of 116. Ryan (6-1, So., Big Timber, MT - Sweet Grass County) made eight starts and shot a team-best 50.4 percent from the field (64-127), while averaging 6 ½ points and 5.3 rebounds. She also led the team in blocks with 20. Jacobs (5-10, So., Shepherd, MT) saw limited duty, playing 136 minutes and scoring 20 points in 24 contests. Hansen (5-9, Jr., Lolo, MT - Big Sky) started three of 27 games and scored 39 points. Halverson (5-4, So., Shepherd, MT) made 15 appears and scored 15 points. Three freshmen are the only newcomers to the squad, including Laura Jo Kipp (6-0, Browning, MT), who graduated from high school in 2002. Kipp averaged 17 points, 11 rebounds and six assists in her final year of high school. Also new to the squad are Melissa Porter (6-3, Fr., Redmond, UT), who was a three-time all-state player at North Sevier High School and Kalli Stanhope (5-6, Fr., Glendive, MT) from Dawson County High School.
CENTRAL WASHINGTON WILDCATSOUTLOOK Shaina Afoa is the lone returning starter and one of a GNAC-low five returning letter winners for Central Washington, which hopes to rebound from its worst season in the seven-year history of the conference. The Wildcats finished 5-13 in the conference - its previous worst record was 7-9 two years ago - and ended up in a tie for eighth place with Alaska Fairbanks. Afoa (6-1, Jr., Anchorage, AK - Dimond) averaged 7.8 points and a team-high 8.3 rebounds a year ago, ranking second in the conference in the latter category. She also ranked second in the GNAC in blocks, averaging 1.8 per game. While Afoa is the lone starter, she isn't the top returning scorer for the Wildcats as guard Jenn Jacobs (5-9, So., Bremerton, WA) came off the bench to produce 8 ½ points per game. Also back are center Hilary Tanneberg (6-2, Sr., Issaquah, WA - Liberty), forward LeeAnna Busch (6-2, Jr., Bellingham, WA - Sehome) and guard Tanna Radtke (5-6, Sr., Redmond, WA - Bellevue CC). Tanneberg played in 20 games last season and produced 3.8 points and 4.5 rebounds per contest. Busch made 21 appearances and had 47 points and 33 rebounds and Radtke played in 24 games, scoring 36 points and earning 30 assists. Four transfers, including three from four-year schools, are among the new players this season for CWU coach Jeff Whitney (179-114, 11 years). Guard Amanda Murdoch (5-8, Jr., Bozeman, MT) played in 19 games last season as Division I Eastern Washington, averaging two points per game. "She will be an impact player for us," Whitney said. "She can shoot and penetrate to the basket and is sound defensively." Point guard Stephanie Wenke (5-6, Sr., Anacortes, WA) was a starter at Hope International where she averaged 8.7 points, three rebounds and 2.6 assists. "We were very lucky to get a quality point guard of Stephanie's caliber so late in the recruiting process," Whitney said. "Her leadership skills and court vision are excellent and she has the ability to penetrate and finish. She makes everyone around her better." Nicole Jordan (6-0, Jr., Marysville, WA - Marysville-Pilchuck), who previously played at Everett CC, averaged 14.7 points in three games at Hawaii Pacific before being sidelined by a medical issue. "She is a very athletic forward with very solid offensive skills who can play inside-out," Whitney added. Other players who are expected to contribute this season include guard Stayza Albrecht (5-7, Jr., Vacaville, CA), who previously played at Portland CC, redshirt forward C'Era WalkingChild (6-0, Fr., Seattle, WA - Kennedy) and freshman guard Sophie Russell (5-10, Olympia, WA - River Ridge). Albrecht, who can play either guard position, averaged 11.9 points and led the NWAACC South Region in three-pointers made with 44 during the 2006-07 season. She shot 36.1 percent and also averaged 2.00 assists and 2.07 steals per game. WESTERN OREGON WOLVES
Head Coach: Greg Bruce, Purdue '72 (11-43, 2 years; Overall, 304-180, 17 years) Assistants: Nichole Schutte, Kyle Bruce 2007-08 Record: 8-19 Conference: 4-14, 10th Returning Letter Winners: 8 Returning Starters: Katie Torland (G-F, 5-10, Jr., 11.8 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 1.2 spg); Whitney Chase (F, 5-11, So., 7.0 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.4 spg); Sara Zahler (G, 5-9, So., 5.9 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.2 apg) Other Key Returnees: Shayla Corder (G-F, 5-10, Jr., 5.6 ppg, 2.2 rpg); Danielle Wells (F, 5-9, So., 3.0 ppg, 1.4 rpg); Danielle Bellando (5-9, So., 0.8 ppg, 1.0 rpg); Jessica Goss (G, 5-8, Sr., 1.1 ppg, 1.0 rpg); Danielle Albus (G, 5-8, So., 3.2 ppg, 0.8 rpg)OUTLOOK Guard Katie Torland (5-10, Jr., Burns, OR) is among eight returning letter winners back for Greg Bruce (11-43, 2 years; Overall, 304-180, 17 years), who starts his third season in Monmouth with his most experienced group of players. Torland, who ranked second on the team in both scoring (11.9) and rebounding (6.4) last season, is one of three returning starters for the Wolves. Also back for the Wolves are guard Sara Zahler (5-9, So., Newberg, OR) and forward Whitney Chase (5-11, So., Beavercreek, OR - Oregon City). Zahler contributed 5.9 points and 3.9 rebounds last season, while Chase averaged seven points, 4 ½ rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.4 steals. Also back are three other players that appeared in 20 or more games and two that played in five contests apiece. Two of the five made starts, including guard/forward Shayla Corder (5-10, Jr., Winchester, OR - Roseburg) and forward Danielle Wells (5-9, So., Tigard, OR - Southridge). Corder, who started seven games, averaging 5.6 points and also had 60 rebounds, 24 assists and 19 steals. Wells played in 20 games, starting two, and netted 60 points and 28 rebounds. Guard Jessica Goss (5-8, Sr., Arlington, WA - Granite Falls) is back after making 24 appearances and scoring 27 points, while guard Danielle Albus (5-8, So., Aumsville, OR - Cascade) and forward Danielle Bellando (5-9, So., Eugene, OR - Willamette) each return after playing in five contests in 2007-08. Bolstering this year's WOU squad are seven newcomers, including four transfers. Kelly Hughes (5-8, Sr., Vancouver, WA - Columbia River) joins the Wolves after playing 42 games the past two seasons at Sacramento State where she contributed 58 points, 28 assists and 16 steals. Hughes, who led the state of Washington in scoring as a prep senior (23.8 ppg), will be a key addition. "She has the ability to help us in so many different ways," Bruce said. "She played in a very up-temp offensive system in high school, which fits perfectly with what we are doing in our transition game." Another transfer is Samantha Nordstrom (5-8, Jr., Redmond, WA), who averaged 9.6 points and 3.6 rebounds last season at Hawaii Hilo. Bruce signed two players from the JC ranks - A.J. Hawk (6-1, Jr., Ontario, OR) from Walla Walla CC and Alissa Brasel (6-1, Jr., Pasco, WA) from Edmonds CC. Hawk was a two-year starter at Walla Walla, averaging eight points and 6.2 rebounds per game in her sophomore season. Brasel played two seasons at Edmonds, averaging 16.1 points and 11.2 rebounds in 2003-04 and 18.6 points and 12.1 rebounds in 2004-05 before sitting out the past three seasons. She was a second team NWAACC all-star in her freshman year and earned second team honors in her sophomore season. "Alissa gives us another option in the low post," Bruce said. "She can run the floor, has an assortment of low post moves and knows how to get to the free throw line." Three freshmen - Erika Wilson (5-7, Kirkland, WA - Lake Washington), Colby Patton (5-8, Joseph, OR) and Lindsey Shearer (5-9, Oregon City, OR) complete the 2008-09 recruiting class.
ALASKA FAIRBANKS NANOOKSOUTLOOK Darryl Smith is the "new kid on the block" so to speak as he takes over for Lynne Andrew at Alaska Fairbanks. However, neither Smith nor his team begin the 2008-09 season without experience. The new UAF mentor is starting his 14th season as a head coach at the four-year college level - eight at Metro State and five at Division I Wichita State - and has had only two losing seasons compiling a record of 234-132. Of the remaining eight GNAC coaches, only Greg Bruce of Western Oregon (304) and Julie Van Beek at Seattle Pacific (235) have won more games. Smith inherits a team that returns nine players from 2007-08, a number only matched by Montana State Billings and Northwest Nazarene. Western Washington has 10 back, but just eight off of last year's team. Two starters return off last year's squad that finished 12-14, including honorable mention all-league guard Sheena Brown (5-8, Sr., Fairbanks, AK - Lathrop). Brown was the GNAC's second leading scorer last season averaging 17.3 points per game and also averaged four rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.2 steals per game. Also returning in the UAF back court is three-year starter Cristina Bruketta (5-9, Jr., Ellensburg, WA - Kittitas), who averaged 9 ½ points and 3 ½ rebounds. Bruketta led the Nanooks in three-pointers with 51. Several other players saw significant action in 2007-08 including center Nicole Bozek, forward Amondo Francis and guards Megan Thigpen and Caitlin Hamsley. Bozek (6-2, So., Mukilteo, WA - Kamiak) averaged 5.8 points and 4.1 rebounds and Francis chipped in with 3.6 points and 1.8 rebounds. Both played in all 26 UAF contests. Thigpen also made 26 appearances and netted 44 points and 38 points, while Hamley scored 17 points in 17 games. Also earning letters were Nada Erhardt (5-8, Sr., Surrey, BC), Grace Milliken (5-10, So., Healey, AK) and Jessie Craig (5-11, So., Fairbanks, AK), who played in 14, five and two games, respectively. Smith wasn't hired until July and subsequently didn't have a whole lot of time to recruit but was able to add three transfers to the roster, including forward Jessica Harrison (6-2, Jr., Las Vegas, NV), who played in 12 games in two seasons at the University of Nevada. He also acquired two players from a Foothill Conference championship San Bernardino Valley team - guards Ronisha Edwards (5-9, Jr., Riverside, CA) and La-Quita Jordan (5-5, Jr., Riverside, CA). Edwards averaged 10 points, 10 rebounds and three steals a year ago, while Jordan averaged 10 points and 3.4 assists in earning honorable mention all-league honors. |
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Western Washington Women's Basketball |
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