. . . A New Beginning

A new era begins as first year Head Coach Nikki Sullivan takes over the reins of the RedHawk Women’s Basketball program for the 2004-2005 season.  Sullivan takes over a squad that posted a 6-25 record the previous season, but with seven returning players and five new additions the team looks to have an impressive year with experience leading the way.  It promises to be one of the most exciting seasons in school history.

Playing a quicker, more up-tempo style of play, the team looks to bring an excitement that has been sorely missing over the previous seasons.  With the return of seven players, including sharp shooter, Jennifer Moss, and the return of Austin Peay transfer, Jessica Ezell, off injured reserve, the expectations are high for this year’s squad.  The addition of five new players, two junior college transfers and three true freshman, adds athleticism and depth to the team.  Playing a tough non-conference schedule, including three NCAA Division II schools, will help prepare the team for the very tough and competitive TranSouth Conference schedule. 

With only the lone senior, Jennifer Moss, the team will be young, but very deep with all players looking to contribute in the up-tempo style of play.  Moss is one of the top 3-point shooters in the league, and was the second leading scorer on last season’s squad averaging close to 15 points per game and shooting a blistering 35% from behind the arc.  She looks to continue her deadly shooting from the outside this season as well, while leading the team to a championship caliber season.  After coming off foot surgery, Jessica Ezell will look to make an immediate impact at the small forward position.  She has the ability to take her defender off the dribble, post up, as well as knock down the open jumper.  Her potential is immeasurable now that she is healthy and her offensive skills will make her a deadly weapon. 

At the point position, newcomer, Shawra Ricks, will lead the offensive attack, along with returning player, Jennifer Villarin.  Both will fight for playing time, as the style of play is considerably different and quicker than years past.   Ricks, a transfer from Wallace State Community College, brings athleticism to our uptempo style of play, as well as a defensive intensity to the team.  Villarin is able to knock down the open three, but has the vision and leadership to make good decisions while running the offense. 

Along with Moss at the guard position, Cortney Knight brings another 3-point threat to the offensive attack.  Last season, Knight shot 41% while playing in all 30 games.  Also at the guard position, Keisha Durrah brings athleticism and quickness, and because of her ability to penetrate and rebound will be valuable in the quicker style of play.  Newcomer, Tami Dotson, adds more depth at the position, as well as athleticism and the ability to run the floor. 

Together with Ezell, Slovakian, Jana Bachrata, will see considerable playing time at the wing spot.  With lightening quickness, the leftie has the ability to outrun anyone, as well as take her defender off the dribble.  Danielle Dyer will bring experience and depth to the spot while also sharing playing time in the post.  She can hit the open three-pointer and play with her back to the basket, making her hard to defend. 

In the post, Wallace State transfer, Wyeshia Edwards, will look to make an immediate and dominating impact as she leads the way in the paint.  Although she is only six feet tall, her aggressive style of play and ability to rebound will help make her one of the top players in the league.  Playing alongside Edwards, freshmen, Nikki Hughes and Cari Pope, both bring versatility and an unusual maturity for freshmen to the post position.  Both players bring an intense work ethic to the floor, and both are able to post up on the block, as well as knock down the open three-pointer. 

With seasoned veterans returning, along with five fresh, new faces the sky is the limit!  The 2004-2005 Women’s Basketball team can go as far as they want to go.