The basketball season is upon us, and with the women’s basketball team set to kick off the season on November 3rd against Northwestern, let’s rewind and see what the team has done to separate itself from last season.
Past into Present
Last season strayed far away from the scenario any player or coach on the team had hoped for. Much of the same sentiment would be stated by Coach Rechlicz in her media day conference “Last year we took a step back, and that’s not something I’m very used to, and we’re not going to get used to it.” Finishing eight and 24 on the season, four and 16 in conference play and furthermore with a five and 11 home record. But, a new season on the horizon sets the stage for new aspirations and goals on the season.
Changing the Attitude
Upon entering this season the team managed to retain 12 players from last year’s roster, a staggering number in this day and age of college athletics. But the question is after a season like last year, why? Coach Rechlicz stated the culture and loyalty as well a desire from the players to build something, an emphasis on relying on the leaders of the team.
Returning Players
On paper, a lot of the same can be said for the roster, 12 returning players to the team. Enough can’t be stated for continuity in the climate of college sports we are in, good or bad having a team that knows how to play with each other is important. As well, a lot of the returning players have played at the collegiate level, experience is no shortcoming for this team. This is especially true at the guard position, a real strength of the team, players like Tierney Madigan, Kendall Barnes, Madison Fitzgibbon, Rita Gomes, Valerie Cassidy-De Falco all fit the bill, experienced guards who are returners for the squad. Two players explicitly stated in this role, who joined Coach Rechlicz at media day were Jada Williams and Peyton Rechlicz.
Jada Williams, noted for her stubborn defense, averaged 3.7 points, 1.4 assists and 2.6 rebounds on 31% from the field and 32% from three.
Peyton Rechlicz, who was the only player to start every game for the Panthers last season, averaged 5.3 points, 1.3 assists and 2.9 rebounds on 37% from the field and 35% from three.
Other players expecting big roles with the team, such as center Cece McNair and Sophia Rampulla, with a less crowded front court the pair should see an uptick in time on the court and expanded roles as they served primarily off the bench last season.
As well Grace Lomen, a senior who started 25 of 31 games for the team last season. Averaging 6.8 points, 0.6 assists and 2.5 rebounds on 37% from the field and 36% from three.
A Panther from the Portal
Among a heavy returning roster, Coach Rechlicz got to be very selective in who she chose to add from the portal. Ultimately she would pry a player who she believes will change the entire dynamic of the team this upcoming season.
Jaeda Murphy, a junior guard incoming from Mississippi Valley State averaged 9.3 points per game, 3.6 assists and 4.0 rebounds on 39% shooting and 25% from three.
At media day, Coach Rechlicz spoke on Jaeda stating that as a very fast point guard she will allow them to a play a faster and more aggressive pace of basketball both offensively and defensively, something she says they lacked in years past.
Incoming Freshman
The team adds two incoming freshman this season, some of which might contribute early on throughout the season.
Kylie Butler, an incoming freshman out of Argyle Wisconsin comes into the program as a two time WCBA first team all state selection, conference player of the year as a sophomore, scored over 2,000 points in her high school career and four time conference first team selections, adding what could be an immediate impact player to the roster.
Nataya Donaldson, an incoming freshman out of Beaver Dam, helped lead her team to a state championship appearance in her senior season, to go along with a WCBA first team all state selection, a three time first team all conference honoree and a three time team caption finishing her career as Beaver Dam’s all time leading scorer, rebounder and in free throw makes, finishing her final two seasons averaging 17 points a game.
Time to Turn a New Leaf
So, after an exhibition game this past Thursday against Benedictine the Panthers will look to take on Northwestern this Tuesday November 3rd with tip off set for 7pm in Evanston, Illinois at the Welsh Ryan Arena.