Published: November 10, 2007 11:18 pm         

Sycamore women looking to keep last year’s second-half tear going

TERRE HAUTE — Whether it was a move to playing more man-to-man defense or a renewed toughness and desire, the Indiana State women’s basketball team finished the regular season on an absolute tear last season.

The Sycamores were the hottest team in the Missouri Valley Conference, heading into the conference tournament on a seven-game winning streak. But one bad half ended the season prematurely in a first-round loss to Creighton.

Except for Rachel Maenpaa, that entire team is back and ready to pick up where it left off in the second half of the MVC slate last winter, beginning with today’s home and season opener against Arkansas Pine-Bluff.

In ISU’s only exhibition game, the Sycamores allowed 50 second-half points to the University of Indianapolis.

“Our defense had been playing pretty well up to that point [in a scrimmage and practice],” Wiedie said. “That’s why I was a little disappointed with our play defensively in that second half.”

“It’s been a bright spot for us all through the preseason,” Wiedie added. “I think they realize that’s not them. It’s not how they’ve been playing. We’ll try to improve and get better [today].”

ISU’s senior point guard Angela Phillips assured that defense is the Sycamores’ focus this season.

“I know our defense didn’t look good last week, but our defense has gotten a lot better. That’s something we’re going to take pride in,” Angela Phillips said.

After averaging 9.6 points and 5.3 assists last year, the speedy point guard is the conductor to ISU’s high-scoring offensive attack which averaged 77.6 points last season.

Phillips has many options to distribute to, and she’s not the only playmaker. Annie Bankhead added a 3.1 assist average last season. Kelsey Luna (46.2 percent 3-point shooting) and Leah Phillips (42.2 percent) were among the nation’s best in 3-pointers made and percentage but only two of many weapons for the Sycamores. Laura Rudolphi had a breakout season with averages of 14.3 points and 7.0 rebounds last year.

“We’ve got such a balanced attack offensively,” Angela Phillips said. “We’ve got so many great scorers. That’s what’s great about my job. It’s so much fun to push the ball with a team like this because you’ve got great scorers everywhere.”

Wiedie expects another outstanding season for Rudolphi, who is also ISU’s all-time leader in blocked shots, having averaged more than one per game the past two seasons.

“Rudy needs to be more of a presence offensively and defensively,” Wiedie said. “She just needs to try to dominate more. She’s so talented with so much athletic ability. She can score pretty much any time she touches the ball, a good shot blocker, she just needs to be more of a presence. If we can get that consistently inside to go with our perimeter, we’re going to be in pretty good shape.”

Rudolphi is looking forward to a strong season, with the team goals coming before any personal ambitions.

“I’m glad that coach thinks I can go out and [dominate], but we all know it’s a team effort. It takes a lot for my guards to look for me game in and game out,” Rudolphi said.

ISU’s post depth should be strong this season, with 6-foot-1 sophomore Maria Olsthoorn backing up Rudolphi. Junior Kara Schilli is the starter at the other post position.

Schilli’s athleticism is an integral part of Indiana State’s full-court press, and so is the Sycamores’ depth in the backcourt.

Bankhead, who suffered a sprained ankle during a scrimmage against Bellarmine, is important to ISU’s fullcourt attack and a vocal leader on the team. Bankhead, who was second to Luna on the team in steals last season, will lead ISU’s bench that could easily go 12 deep during any given game.

“I enjoy being that spark plug. I feel like our bench can really bring a spark. I love that role, especially on the defensive end,” said Bankhead after icing her ankle after Friday’s practice. “It’s still a little sore after practice. It feels good when I’m playing. I just have to keep it iced after practice.”

Wiedie said Bankhead and Angela Phillips are key to the Sycamores’ fortunes because of their speed, energy and leadership abilities.

“Those two provide a lot of energy, not just vocally but also with their play, because of how hard they play, how quick they are,” Wiedie said. “So we kind of feed off those two more than any of the other players.”

True freshman Kelsey Cooley will provide another option in the post along with sophomore Laurence Rivest, and the Sycamores will also try to blend in the sharp-shooting redshirt freshman Heather Seyfred. Fifth-year senior Anne Thatcher has also never lost the shooting touch that helped her connect for 79 free throws in her freshman and sophomore seasons combined.

“Thatcher’s been playing really well. She’s in pretty decent shape. She’s worked hard this summer,” Wiedie said. “Seyfred’s going to get minutes, even though she’s only a freshman. Cooley plays with a lot of confidence. She’s going to get a lot of minutes.”

The non-conference schedule that has been lauded as the most ambitious in the program’s history gets tough right away, with No. 23 Vanderbilt visiting Hulman Center on Wednesday. ISU will also play host to No. 17 Michigan State on Dec. 8, while visiting Marquette on Dec. 15.

ISU has played — and beat — upper-tier schools before such as Indiana and Illinois. But Vanderbilt and Michigan State are programs that have been consistently in the Top 25 in recent seasons. Vanderbilt was last season’s Southeastern Conference Tournament champion.

“If we can come out and have some good showings, it can only help us in the long run when we get to postseason play,” Rudolphi said.

Those games are understandably going to be highly anticipated by fans and players alike.

“I think anytime you get a chance to play against teams that are ranked nationally, that’s something you get excited about. You don’t get the opportunity very often, especially at home,” Wiedie said. “I think every game’s important, but the kids are familiar with the teams in the SEC and the Big Ten so they’re a little bit more jacked up for those games.”



Missouri Valley Conference capsules

Bradley Braves

Last year’s record — 12-19, 7-11 MVC

Coach (career record, record at school) — Paula Buscher (127-152 overall, 84-114 in eighth year at Bradley)

Expected contributors (all stats MVC only) — G Devyn Flanagan (Sr., 9.8 ppg, 5.2 rpg), F Kelly Krumwiede (Jr., 4.4 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 59.5

3P%), F Monica Rogers (Jr., transfer), G Skye Johnson (So., RS), G Aseer Itiavkase (Jr., transfer).

If it all goes right — Both talented shooters, Flanagan and Krumwiede pick up their scoring and a large group of newcomers lead a resurgence. Rogers, a transfer from Hampton averaged 10.8 points and 8.2 rebounds two seasons ago for Hampton. The six newcomers are able to give the Braves a fresh start and begin to peak toward the end of the season.

If it all goes wrong — Bradley’s six newcomers go through some tough times and are likely to be inconsistent during their first run through the MVC schedule.

One more thing you should know — The 6-1 transfer, Rogers, led the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference with nine double-doubles in 2005-06 and shot over 50 percent from the floor that season.

Preseason Valley projection — 10th.

ISU plays Bradley — Jan. 10 in Hulman Center; Feb. 7 at Bradley.

A word from Buscher — “I think we’ve got some players that are going to be very exciting to watch.”



Creighton Bluejays

Last year’s record — 13-19, 8-10 MVC

Coach (career record, record at school) — Jim Flanery (88-68, sixth season at Creighton)

Expected contributors (all stats MVC only) — G Ally Thrall (Sr., 10.0 ppg, 3.2 apg), G Chevelle Herring (Jr., 8.1 ppg), F/G Megan Neuvirth (So., 9.0 ppg, 7.3 rpg), F Sam Schuett (So., 9.4 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 43.4 3P%), F Sara Cain (Sr., 10.7 ppg, 4.9 rpg), C Kristina Voss (Jr., 7.4 ppg), G Michelle Kaus (Jr., 5.7 ppg)

If it all goes right — The Bluejays build on their run to last year’s conference tournament championship game. With all five starters back and a senior point guard, athletic sophomores Sam Schuett and Megan Neuvirth build on outstanding freshman campaigns. The Bluejays’ depth in the post and at guard allows Flanery to force the tempo more this season.

If it all goes wrong — Schuett and Neuvirth are unable to build on their freshman seasons. Turnovers plague the Bluejays as they did last season (523 turnovers to 397 assists).

Preseason Valley projection — Sixth.

ISU plays Creighton — Jan. 31 at Creighton; March 2 in Hulman Center (ESPNU).

A word from Flanery — “This year we’ll actually have a senior day, which will be kind of cool. We have two seniors this year. There’s a greater retention in practice this year. There’s a greater competitive balance in practice so I think we can do better than our 0-7 start last year.”



Drake Bulldogs

Last year’s record — 14-19, 5-13 MVC

Coach (career record, record at school) — Amy Stephens (258-104 overall, 61-61 in fifth year at Drake)

Expected contributors (all stats MVC only) — G Jordan Plummer (So., injured), G Lindsay Whorton (Sr., 14.9 ppg, 31.5 3P%), F Brandy Dahir (Sr., 17.9 ppg, 5.3 rpg), F Jill Martin (RS/Sr., injured), F Monique Jones (So., 8.8 ppg, 5.4 rpg), G Lauren Dybing (Jr., 4.8 ppg), G Kaniesha Agee (So., 3.2 ppg), G Ashleigh Brady (Jr., 5.0 ppg).

If it all goes right — Fifth-year senior Jill Martin is the same player she was prior to back surgery last winter, which means she might be the most versatile scorer in the conference. Pair her with seniors Brandy Dahir and Lindsay Whorton and the Bulldogs’ have the most unguardable front line in the MVC.

If it all goes wrong — Martin is not the same player she was before back surgery and the Bulldogs’ potential for a great season is inhibited.

Preseason Valley projection — First.

ISU plays Creighton — Feb. 2 at Drake; Feb. 29 in Hulman Center.

A word from Stephens (as told to the Des Moines Register on her seniors) — “They’ve been through the program, they’ve been through the ups and downs and they know what it takes to be a champion. Their leadership and their guidance for our younger kids and in practice and in all the things they do is just critical.”



Evansville Purple Aces

Last year’s record — 19-12, 11-7 MVC

Coach (career record, record at school) — Tricia Cullop 102-98 in her seventh season at UE

Expected contributors (all stats MVC only) — G/F Rebekah Parker (Sr., 14.2 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 3.8 apg, 2.2 spg), G Courtney Felke (Sr., 10.6 ppg, 37.1 3P%), C Shannon Novosel (Jr., 7.4 ppg, 5.2 rpg), F Robyn Jennings (Jr., 10.3 ppg, 5.6 rpg), G Ashley Austin (Jr., 6.2 ppg), G Tal Milchan (Sr., 1.3 ppg)

If it all goes right — Parker, perhaps the best all-around talent, wills the Purple Aces into contention. Novosel and Jennings continue to improve upon last season and are solid forces in the paint.

If it all goes wrong — Novosel and Jennings are unable to control the paint against more talented post players possessed by teams such as Drake, Illinois State, Indiana State and Creighton. No one steps into the role of graduated guard Ashli Senf, who gave the Purple Aces an explosive scoring option last season.

Preseason Valley projection — Fourth.

ISU plays Evansville — Jan. 5 at Evansville; March 6 in Hulman Center.

A word from Cullop — “This is an exciting bunch. We have all five starters back but we can look around the league and see we’re not the only ones… I’m so excited for the parity in this league.”



Illinois State Redbirds

Last year’s record — 22-11, 13-5 MVC

Coach (career record, record at school) — Robin Pingeton (257-134, 63-58 in fourth year at Illinois State

Expected contributors (all stats MVC only) — G Kristi Cirone (Jr., 19.3 ppg, 5.1 apg, 3.8 rpg, 1.9 spg), F Lashawn Johnson (Sr., 7.9 ppg, 8.2 rpg), G Maggie Krick (So., 5.7 ppg, 34.4 3P%), F Kenyatta Shelton (So., 6.7 ppg, 5.2 rpg), C Nicolle Lewis (So., 13.1 ppg, 5.1 rpg), G Tiffany Hudson (Sr., 6.3 ppg, 2.4 rpg), G Ashley Sandstead (Jr., 1.4 ppg), G Sha’la Jackson (Fr.), F Taylor Lawless (Fr.), F/G Danielle Calef (Fr.)

If it all goes right — Cirone’s scoring, playmaking and defense make the Redbirds contenders. Shelton, an athletic, talented forward, emerges as a force on the boards and on the offensive end. The linebacker-sized Johnson and the 6-foot-6 Lewis give Illinois State as much size as any team in the league.

If it all goes wrong — Cirone will draw the attention of the opponent’s defense, but her teammates are unable to become consistent scoring threats.

Preseason Valley projection — Second.

ISU plays Illinois State — Jan. 19 at Illinois State; Feb. 15 in Hulman Center (Fox Sports Midwest).

A word from Pingeton — “It seems this year more than any other year, it’s so much balance from 1-10. I think the league is up for grabs. We’ve got a lot of veteran kids in this league, just blue-collar kids that love to play.”



Indiana State Sycamores

Last year’s record — 19-11, 12-6 MVC

Coach (career record, record at school) — Jim Wiedie (127-77 in eighth year at ISU)

Expected contributors (all stats MVC only) — G Angela Phillips (Sr., 9.2 ppg, 5.0 apg), C Laura Rudolphi (14.9 ppg, 7.1 rpg), G Kelsey Luna (So., 10.3 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 1.7 spg, 45.7 3P%), G Leah Phillips (Jr., 9.6 ppg, 43.0 3P%), G Annie Bankhead (Jr., 6.7 ppg, 2.7 apg), F Maria Olsthoorn (So., 5.1 ppg, 2.8 rpg), F Kara Schilli (Jr., 3.7 ppg, 3.3 rpg).

If it all goes right — The Sycamores are able to replace Rachel Maenpaa’s 7.1 rebounds per game and continue the strong rebounding and defense it began to play when going 8-1 during the second half of the conference season last year. The Sycamores have too many offensive weapons for teams to slow them, and the Sycamores get hot again and capitalize in the conference tournament on a neutral court.

If it all goes wrong — Too many defensive lapses and second-chance points cost ISU enough games to keep them from winning a third regular-season conference title under coach Jim Wiedie.

Preseason Valley projection — Third.

A word from Wiedie — “It might be the most parity we’ve had in a long time. It’s going to make for an interesting season and on into the conference tournament. A lot of teams have a lot of players back so that’s going to make it interesting.”



Missouri State Bears

Last year’s record — 7-21, 3-15 MVC

Coach (career record, record at school) — Nyla Milleson (185-36 in seven years at Drury, first year at MSU)

Expected contributors (all stats MVC only) — G Tahnee Balerio (Sr., 18.9 ppg, 5.0 apg), C Breton Wyett (Jr., 11.3 ppg, 5.1 rpg), F Tiff Terwelp (Sr., 9.3 ppg, 7.0 rpg), G Roxanne Stiles (So., 6.9 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 35.6 3P%), C Ashley Lord (So., 2.8 ppg, 3.6 rpg), G Melissa Busby (So., 6.6 ppg, 32.8 3P%)

If it all goes right — A new coach re-energizes the Bears. Balerio provides enough firepower from the outside, without having to carry the team. Stiles adds more scoring punch as a sophomore. Wyett has the talent for a breakout season and Terwelp complements her to give the Bears a strong front line.

If it all goes wrong — Learning a new system under a first-year coach, the Bears have too much inconsistency to be among the contenders in an improved Valley.

Preseason Valley projection — Seventh

ISU plays Illinois State — Jan. 27 at Missouri State; Feb. 21 in Hulman Center

A word from Milleson — “I’m very honored to be a member of the Missouri Valley Conference. I’m very aware of the proud tradition this conference has … I’m excited about going to a neutral site tournament. I do know there’s some Lady Bear fans that are not.”



Northern Iowa Panthers

Last year’s record — 17-13, 11-7 MVC

Coach (career record, record at school) — Tanya Warren is in her first season as a head coach

Expected contributors (all stats MVC only) — F Megan Keefe (Sr., 7.3 ppg, 3.8 rpg) G Nicole Clausen (So., 3.2 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 11 steals), G Lindsey Swanson (So., 4.1 ppg), G Rachel Madrigal (Fr.), G Jacqui Kalin (Fr.), F Lizzie Boeck (Fr.), F Nelia Olson (Fr.), G Erin Brocka (Fr.), F/C Rachel Yeggy (Fr.), G/F Danielle Wubbens (So., 1.4 ppg)

If it all goes right — First-year coach Warren is able to integrate a large freshman class and climb its way toward the middle of the pack in the MVC standings.

If it all goes wrong — The Panthers struggle mightily with a young squad and battle to stay out of the MVC cellar.

Preseason Valley projection — Eighth.

ISU plays Northern Iowa — Jan. 12 in Hulman Center; Feb. 9 at Northern Iowa.

A word from Warren — “Each day we try to get better... I think anybody’s going to beat anybody on any given night.”



Southern Illinois Salukis

Last year’s record — 21-11, 16-2 MVC

Coach (career record, record at school) — Dana Eikenberg (72-127, 34-53 in fourth year at SIU)

Expected contributors (all stats MVC only) — G Jayme Sweere (Sr., 11.4 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 1.7 spg), G Erica Smith (Jr., 7.8 ppg, 6.2 rpg), G Erin Pauk (Sr., 5.2 ppg), F Jasmine Gibson (Jr., 8.6 ppg, 4.4 rpg), G Debbie Burris (Sr., 9.1 ppg), C Paris Campbell (Fr.), G Tanaeya Warden (Fr.), G Brenna Saline (Fr.)

If it all goes right — The Salukis’ hard-nosed defensive game continues to thrive despite the loss of key post Carlai Moore. The Salukis have to replace her consistent scoring and rebounding abilities as well.

If it all goes wrong — With the loss of their team leader and top scorer, the Salukis — already no offensive juggernaut last season — are unable to keep up with the most talented offensive teams in the league.

Preseason Valley projection — Fifth

ISU plays Southern Illinois — Jan. 3 at Southern Illinois; March 8 in Hulman Center.

A word from Eikenberg — “We will be a very different team. We return some starters, but starters that understand two things. One toughness and two competition. Without those two things, I don’t think we would have been able to do what we did [winning the regular-season title last year]. Jayme Sweere has the potential to do more than Carlai did.”



Wichita State Shockers

Last year’s record — 9-20, 4-14 MVC

Coach (career record, record at school) — Jane Albright (388-290 overall, 39-73 in fourth year at WSU)

Expected contributors (all stats MVC only) — F Kiki Stephens (Sr., 12.4 ppg, 4.9 rpg), G Taylor Steven (Sr., 5.6 ppg), F Daria Frazier (Jr., 6.2 ppg, 3.1 rpg), G Whitney Rice (Sr., 4.5 ppg), F Marcy Sudbeck (Jr., 6.9 ppg), G Shantel Pointer (Fr.), C Samantha Smith (Fr.), F Jadhon Kerr (Fr.)

If it all goes right — Cirone’s scoring, playmaking and defense make the Redbirds automatic contenders. Shelton, an athletic, talented forward, emerges as a force on the boards and on the offensive end. The linebacker-sized Johnson and the 6-foot-6 Lewis give Illinois State as much size as any team in the league.

If it all goes wrong — Cirone will draw the attention of the opponent’s defense, but her teammates are unable to become consistent scoring threats.

Preseason Valley projection — Ninth.

ISU plays Wichita State — Jan. 25 at Wichita State; Feb. 23 in Hulman Center.

A word from Albright — “We appreciate the conference leadership with getting a neutral floor conference tournament. Now it’s our job to fill the seats.”

— By Craig Pearson