The UNM women’s basketball team is ready to begin another
successful year, though the mark from last year is set very high. A Sweet Sixteen NCAA appearance, Top 25
ranking, MWC Tournament Champions, Top 4 in attendance. The trouble with success is topping a
great year.
The newly transformed Lobos have five freshmen and two
red-shirts jumping into the fray this year. A successful year will hinge entirely
upon the contributions made by the new team members. When asked about the schedule, Coach
Flanagan was looking ahead to the USC game. This is the first game for our freshmen,
and I will get to see how they perform at full speed. USC will be a good test of our
team. For us to be successful, the
freshmen will have to contribute.
The Lobos return veteran point guard Mandi Moore, a
pre-season all conference first team selection, along with seniors Melissa
Forrest and Lauren McLeod. Melissa
has been working on her post-up moves this summer and expects to see some time
at the five and the four. Lauren is
looking ahead to law school after the season and to do a little class action
work on the floor as well.
Returning junior starter Lindsey Arndt comes back in the
best shape of her career.
Lindsey is looking to step it up after a stellar freshman year. Other returning players include
post Jana Francis, and long-range sniper Abbie Letz.
This new team is shaping-up to be quicker, faster, and
more skilled than any in the past.
Team speed is improved and Coach Flan expects to see more scoring in
transition along with the triangle offense.
When asked out to convince skeptics that women’s basketball game is a
real sport, the consensus answer was come to one game, watch the level of play
and enjoy the rowdy fan support.
Mandi Moore was a little put-off by the question. “What do we have to do to prove
ourselves?” Besides win the
conference, and go deeper into the tournament than any other UNM team… not much
Mandi. Mandi’s second half
performance in the Miami game could arguably be the best half of basketball by
any Lobo player, man or woman, in the history of the Pit. Mandi feels that the Mississippi State
game was a more balanced total game effort.
The Lobos have a tough OOC schedule facing Final Four
Texas in Austin, and always-tough Arizona and USC in the Pit. Texas features All American post Stacy
Stephens and guard Jamie Carey.
Arizona has center Shawntanice Polk, a sophomore that
measures 6’5” tall and came out of high school at 275 pounds. When asked about the prospect of facing
these centers, post Jenny Shetters was enthusiastic. “ I want to play the best, and I am
looking forward to those games. “
“I have never played anyone so much bigger than me” said 6’3” 165 pound
Shetters.
Last year, Jordan Adams played Stephens to a statistical draw in the Pit
as the Lobos beat then #18 Texas 77-70. Getting help at the post from
veteran Melissa Forest and freshman Wande Olude will be key to a victory in
Austin. Olude has already turned
heads with her physical strength, benching 160 pounds before she began weight
training.
Asked about red-shirting, Coach Flan said that he would
not red-shirt a player unless they volunteered to do so. The extra year does not mature a player
like it does a male athlete. By the
time they get to me, they are already pretty mature and developed. A player would have to look ahead and
make a decision before the first game.
That is only two and one half weeks after practice starts. If a player thinks they will not get
enough playing time, there is not much of a window to make the decision. As far as needing the extra year to
graduate, Coach snorted. Our
players don’t need another year.
All of the players were unanimous in their support of a Red Menace
section in the Pit for the women’s games.
I asked Lindsey if she would model a red wig. She is taking it under advisement. She does have a glamour image to
maintain.
The UNM women’s basketball team kicks-off the ’03-‘07
season Sunday October 19, 2003 at 6:00 PM at the Pit with The Lobo Howl. This preview will include a three-point
shooting contest, and intra squad scrimmage, and a chance for fans to play along
side the players. This is the
chance for people who think women’s basketball is not a real sport to come out
and get worked. Introductions and
an autograph session will follow.
The Lobos will also have an opportunity for first-time season ticket
buyers to select their seats at the Howl.
The team has set a new record for season tickets sales at almost
7,500. Come on down and join the
fun.