Eagles hungry for big win
By Clay Coss
IV Leader Sports Editor, Jan.30, 2003
Women’s Head Coach Steve Crick said he’s happy with the way his team has performed, but in no way is he satisfied.
The Eagles have upped their record to 10-8 (3-1) , winning 7 out of 8 games during one stretch.
But according to Crick, all 10 of the team’s wins have come against teams with losing records, while all eight losses were issued by teams over the .500 mark.
“We’ve been playing good basketball, but we are only beating the teams that we should beat, said Crick.
“I’m waiting for us to step up and knock off a good team, but it just hasn’t happend and that concerns me. We have to step up our game a couple of notches in order to climb over that edge.”
Crick attributes his teams inability to get over the hump to poor team play on the offensive end of the floor.
“We have a couple of players each night who play extremely well, but I’m waiting for a night when our entire team plays well,” said Crick.
A pleasant surprise for Crick is his team’s ability to shut down opposing teams. Crick is fast to point out that his team has been among the best in the nation in total defense, something he would have never expected.
Along with the team’s predictability has come the predictability of Jonelle Yaklich and Katie Yedinak. The pair of scorers have maintained consitency throughout the season, averaging 16 and 14 points per contest.
“Those two have been great all year long. Nothing has changed,” said Crick.
Throw in the the recent step up of Jennifer Stokes, who scored 21 points against national powerhouse Kankakee and has lead the team in rebounding since day one, and spark plug Karissa Dinges, and the IV ladies may have what it takes to make a run in their final nine games.
Only time can tell as the Eagles await the return of the injured Alisha Bertrand and Ashley Poruba, both sidelined for the last couple of games.
“It’s just that time of year. We’ve been going at it so long that things are starting to catch up with us. Hopefully we’ll be at full
strength by tournament time and head into the post season with some momentum.”