The previous two seasons the Flyers advanced to the Great Lakes Valley Conference Semifinals only to lose late in the game to the eventual conference champion. Both years it was easy to make a case for Lewis as one of the best eight teams in the region at the end of the season. However both years early season non-conference in-region losses hampered Lewis' NCAA hopes. So for the 2010-11 squad the goal is to both finish strong and start strong, and leave no doubt as to their place as one of the best teams in the region.
"We've talked a lot about the importance of the non-conference schedule," Carlsen said. "We want to put ourselves in a position to be ranked when those first region rankings come out. We have a veteran group so there's no reason we shouldn't go out and play quality games out of the gate to find out where we're at."
The veteran group Carlsen refers to starts with forward Jenny Turpel and point guard Kady Currin. Both have been in the starting lineup since their freshman year. While known more for her ability to distribute than score, Currin can hurt opposing defense who forget about her. She ranks fourth in school history in 3-point percentage (40.0 percent) and last season drained 45.3 percent (34-of-75) of her attempts.
"Kady has a great understanding of our system and how to distribute the basketball, especially in key situations," Carlsen said. "Being voted by her teammates as a team captain shows the confidence they have in her ability to lead."
Currin has been finding Turpel down on the block for three years. Turpel is a two-time Daktronics All-Region performer and enters the season seventh all-time in scoring at Lewis with 1,359 points. Another 500-point season for Turpel would put her second all-time in scoring at Lewis. The forward from Johnsburg, Ill. has improved her rebounding, scoring and free-throw percentage each year.
"Jen has a great supporting cast this year, she has improved her consistency from outside the paint and become a great, well rounded player" Carlsen said. "Much of what we do will still be centered around her because she is our go to player. But my hope she won't have to work as hard this year because we will have more options and teams can't solely key on her."
Opposing defenses have keyed in on senior Kelly Monaco for three seasons. She ranks sixth all-time in 3-pointers with 136. The 71 she made in 2008-09 tied for second all-time in a single season. Carlsen believes Monaco will return to 2008-09 form this year.
"With the way Kelly has been shooting in practice, I don't know if there is another outside shooter in the league better than her," Carlsen said. "Opponents better know where she's at because if she gets a look, it's going up, and right now, it's going in."
Forward Carol Kruckman rounds out Lewis' four-member senior class.
"I know Carol is going to be in the right place at the right time and always work hard," Carlsen said. "Her hard work has put herself in position to help us this year. She's the one of the strongest on the team and can be physical on the low block."
Kruckman and Turpel make up a deep frontcourt for Lewis. Redshirt junior Devon Carbaugh returns with two years of experience in the starting lineup.
"Dev does all the little things that sometimes don't show up in the box score," Carlsen said. "She has tremendous respect from her teammates as indicated by being voted a captain. This year I'd like to see her be more consistent shooting from the outside. If she can do that she could keep things open in the middle a little more for our low post players."
Junior Lory Shaw was a major contributor last season for Lewis. The 6-2 forward played in every game for Lewis, averaging 15.5 minutes a game, but saw more time down the stretch. She averaged 22.7 minutes a game in Lewis' three GLVC Tournament contests, scoring eight points per game.
"In my mind, Lory is a starter," Carlsen said. "I think she will pick right up from the success she found late last year and be a force in the middle for us."
Another Flyer looking to build off the success she had last year is guard Labrenthia Murdock. The 5-9 guard started the final 18 games last year and showed impressive quickness with the ball.
"Labrenthia is tough to guard one-on-one off the dribble," Carlsen said. "I believe her outside shooting has improved and I think she has a better understanding of what I want from her this year."
The Flyers have two transfers in the backcourt this year. Sophomore Rachel Woodruff redshirted last season after arriving for the second semester. Junior Madeline Kish comes to Lewis after two seasons at Eastern Illinois.
"Rachel's a very skilled player and will be a quality guard off the bench," Carlsen said. "Madeline can shoot the three and has a good understanding of the college game."
The duo provides depth in the backcourt while redshirt freshman Lauren Mead and sophomore Sam Rinehart will see time in the frontcourt. The increased depth combined with an experienced nucleus means expectations are high in Romeoville.
"The core of this team was here last year and they know that the last month didn't keep us out of the tournament, it was the first month," Carlsen said. "Our approach isn't a ton different entering the year, but the seniors have a very clear picture of what it will take to put themselves in the best position to play in March."
Lewis opens the regular season on Nov. 12 at Saginaw Valley State. The contest is one of four non-conference in-region games to start the year.
No comments:
Post a Comment