It’s been an offseason of hard work for the West Virginia University women’s basketball team who opens with an exhibition game against Glenville State Sunday at 6 p.m. in the WVU Coliseum.
WVU head coach Mike Carey said he had never had a team put so much time into getting better in the offseason.
"This is as hard as our players have worked in my nine years at West Virginia," Carey said. "I am very pleased with (our) work ethic – I think we’re going to be better (than last year)."
When the Mountaineers take the court on Sunday, they will return last year’s leading scorer Liz Repella (16.5 ppg), and Sarah Miles, who was second on the team in assists (2.7 apg), and the third leading scorer (12.2 ppg).
The two returners, who both averaged over 34 minutes per game a season ago, are looking forward to getting on the court to lead this season’s team.
"Last year it was hard to lead because I had no experience," Repella said. "I think coming back this year, myself and Sarah (Miles) will be able to lead.
"We played a lot of minutes against top notch competition last year, and that will help us."
Repella and Miles will be leading three incoming freshman – Asya Bussie, Akeema Richards and Antishia Wright – that helped make up a top 20 recruiting class.
"They’re great as leaders," Wright said. "They encourage us, and they’re always there to pick us up – I was welcomed with open arms."
In high school, Wright averaged 13.8 points, 7.7 rebounds and 6.6 assists as a senior.
Richards, who Carey said could see early action as point guard this season, was only the second player in her high school’s history to surpass 1,000 career points – she had 1,200 points.
The Baltimore native averaged 12.1 points, 2.9 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game.
The most talented recruit that Carey landed was Bussie. The 6-foot-4 center was rated the 28th-best player by Blue Star.
"I’ve seen some quickness, and shooting with Akeema and Antishia, and Asya is a beast," Miles said.
"She’s going to dominate people."
Glenville State will return three starters in guard Donita Adams, and forwards Suzi Harvey and Kim Stephens.
Last season, Adams led all Pioneers with 15.4 points per game.
Unlike last year, the Mountaineers can now use their size to their advantage. The tallest player for the Cougars is 6-foot-1 Kristen Golden, who in one game scored seven points and had six rebounds.
Madina Ali, Vanessa House and Jessica Capers will all return to the court after getting injured before or during last year’s campaign.
The Mountaineers will also welcome Korrine Campbell, a transfer from Minnesota who had to sit out last year in compliance with NCAA regulations.
"This year is going to be a lot different because we have more healthy players," Miles said. "We just have more talent."
Be the first to comment on this article!