Women's 2005-06 Basketball Preview
Following the most storied season in PLNU women’s basketball, the restructured 2005-06 squad is presented with an opportunity to write its own history—and its one you’ll want to hear about. The consensus surrounding the team is positive, from the returnees to the newcomers, to the top-notch staff of Bill Westphal, head coach and Alan Nakamura, assistant coach.
Four teams were predicted to finish above the Sea Lions this season in the GSAC Coaches’ Poll. Perennial rivals, Vanguard and The Master’s College were no surprise as picks to contend with PLNU for the league title, but recent recruiting and the maturation of their squads has added Azusa Pacific and California Baptist to the mix.
Point Loma will begin the regular season at California Baptist. The Lancers, 15-18 overall last year, took eighth in the conference, but have since restocked the team with seven new prospects, attempting to add height to a team that didn’t have a player over 5-10 in 2004-05. Their most dangerous acquisition however, looks like guard Jessica Fisiikava, a junior college transfer who made a name for herself by once hitting nine three-pointers in a game.
From there it’s on to The Master’s and yes, the Mustangs still have Grace Tappe. The spunky guard—a handful for any defense, is poised to break the TMC’s assists record and is likely to lead the team in steals this season as well. Other returnees that are familiar faces against PLNU include guard Jessica Seylor forward Courtney Jackson.
Vanguard, who has held the GSAC title on lockdown for the past three years, finally graduated point guard Lisa Faulkner, the 2005 NAIA Co-Player of the Year and three-point specialist Lacey Mills. However, they still retain the services of All-American Kelly Schmidt and Honorable Mention Rachael Besse.
The Sea Lions will also have to expect some of the toughest competition to come out of Azusa Pacific in the last four years. The Cougars hoped they have added to their inside game with the addition of the twin towers--two sisters who stand at about 6’3’’ apiece. The team also returns All-GSAC player Lindsey West, a relentless scorer and rebounder.
In addition to a guaranteed tough match-up nearly every night in regular season play, the Sea Lions’ schedule, includes a two-game trip to Minnesota. In December, the team will also host Baker University of Kansas, Missouri’s Central Methodist University and the Surf and Slam Tournament with a bracket of teams from the mid west and east coast.
With the departure of five seniors from last year’s team, returnees will find themselves in more integral roles, especially Mica DeHoog, senior—an All-American and All-GSAC selection. DeHoog’s height and reach not only make her a formidable scorer (14.9 ppg) but a key defensive player as well. After smashing the school record for blocks in a season with 89, she needs only 38 more to break the career blocks record.
Help in the paint will come from Aloura Ulmer, junior and Angela Manjarrez, sophomore who both saw limited time last year, but have good size and scoring capabilities. Ulmer was extremely handy in several defensive situations last year with 18 steals and 16 blocks. She also showed she can score with eight or more points in four games. Meanwhile, Manjarrez has added a mid-range shot that that will give her room to maneuver against opponents away from the hoop.
Guard Brittney Dove was impressive in several games last season and earned Westphal’s praise as the “Freshman of the Year.” Often used when the team was in a pinch, Dove will fill even bigger gaps this season at the guard position. The Sea Lions are also counting on a break out season for Andi Honer, who showed that she can play big or small depending on the need. A tremendous passer and shooter, Honer helps the more she gets in involved in a game.
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Returning point guards Erica Dotson, junior and Kati Hilbelink, sophomore didn’t a ton of minutes last season, but were reliable bench players who will need to transfer that consistency into their increased playing time. The two combined for 111 points in 2004-05.
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The 2005-06 season will finally bring around the opportunity to see Kerra Wodarski in action after the Sea Lions signed the Pepperdine transfer last year. Wodarski is a tall guard with NCAA experience and a spot on the WCC All-Freshman team on her resume.
Other new guards include Bonnie Zabinsky (Valley Center HS), Crystal Richter (Hamilton HS) and Brandie Shaw. Zabinsky was an all-CIF selection and has skills to shoot and crash the boards. Richter, also a member of PLNU’s tennis team hopes to hone her athletic talent indoors after three years away from the game. Shaw seems to be the biggest scorer. The transfer averaged 12 ppg with Kalamazoo Valley CC, but 29 ppg at Ottawa Hills HS.
Jacalyn Marossy (Shasta HS) and Jaclyn Weslowski (Mountain View HS) will pump up the forward position. Marossy averaged doubles figures as team captain and MVP last year, much like Weslowski who set a new school record for points (1,191) and rebounds (839) at her former school.
As the Sea Lions prepare to focus all of their heart and determination towards this new season they will have all the success of past teams to guide them. By carrying over old traditions and establishing new ones, Point Loma hopes they created another great year of competition.