By Karlie Baker
IV Leader Editor, Oct. 25, 2007
With three weeks until games officially begin, the 2007-2008 IVCC women’s basketball team is in the midst of training. Pre-season training began in September with official practices beginning Oct. 1.
Head Coach Steve Crick said he believes that this season will be a “building year” for the team, with only two returning players, Alyssa Smoode and Shel’si Weaver.
Nine girls round out the roster, up from seven last year.Crick said that he cannot cite one player as a stand-out because he has several good players.
“Many of these girls—Courtney Johnson, Jackie Monroe, Karlee Osborne and Camillia Caliph — were on all-conference teams in high school,” he
explained.
All the girls are recognized as good outside shooters, and will be seeing a fair amount of playing
time.
Crick said that the girls are working hard on playing as a team. Many of the girls were out for illnesses and injuries pre-season, and have yet to practice as a full team. Crick also said that while participation is up from last year, the team is still relatively small in
number.
He is, however, optimistic that they will be prepared come game time. The girls hope to improve upon last year’s 12-18 record. In the seven years prior, the girls’ team averaged 20 wins per season, and Crick hopes that the girls will “get back on the winning track.”
At this point, there is no concrete starting line-up and Crick said that the choice of team captain is pending. The girls participated in a pre-season tournament at Waubonsee Junior College on Oct. 6. They won 2 out of 3 games, which Crick said was a definite confidence
booster.
Coaches are still seeking a 10th player to round out the
team.
Anyone with interest in playing and has some experience is encouraged to contact Crick at 815-224-0440 for details. The season officially begins Nov. 13 and will run through March 21. Assistant coaches are Rex Shanyfelt and Neal Sherybeyn.