By: Media Service Intern Jorgan Staker
The Nevada women's basketball program will kick off its 2010-20100 season this Sunday, October 31st in in an exhibition match against San Francisco State at 2:00 p.m. at Lawlor Events Center.
This will be the start to an exciting season for the team, who will return with one of the best senior classes in Nevada women's basketball history. The class consists of six seniors, all of whom are eager to build upon the success of last season, where they broke the school record for points (2,086) and tied the previous record for conference wins in a season, finishing with 10 WAC wins.
"I think this is a group of very hungry seniors," head coach Jane Albright said. "They have put in so much time and effort into this program and this is their last chance. This attitude is something that they have really taken to heart."
Among these seniors is a strong blend of athleticism, talent, basketball knowledge, charisma, energy and emotion, with each player providing something crucial to the squad. Albright said that she has seen this group mature both as a unit and individually and as a result have become well blended.
"They've really bought in to our team concept," Albright said. "They are doing the best they can to be who they are capable of being. They are all very different in personalities, skill set and athletic attributes."
Leading this diverse group of players is Tahnee Robinson. Robinson, a junior college transfer from Sheridan College, made a big impact on the team last season, averaging 16.1 ppg and 4.1 rpg, playing in just 24 games. This performance earned her a spot on the 2010 WAC first-team and the Newcomer of the Year award. Albright says that Robinson plays the game at a very high level and with a solid knowledge of the game. She also has a work ethic that makes others sit up and take notice. These qualities should allow her to be a scoring presence for the Pack this season and also provide a source of leadership.
Joining Robinson is Shavon Moore, who was second on the team in both scoring (11.4 ppg) and rebounding (7 rpg). Moore was also given WAC honors, being named to the All-WAC second-team and the all-defensive team. Moore's rebounding ability and quickness will allow her to play an influential role on the squad this year.
Johnna Ward, a 5-10 guard from Spring Creek, Nevada, will also add to the scoring potential of this team with her three-point shooting ability. Ward accounted for 104 of Nevada's 127 three-pointers made last season and is currently the active career scoring leader on the team. Guards Megan Cherry and Nicole Williams will provide solid passing and distribution from the outside while fifth-year senior Marissa Hammond will provide a powerful ability to score around the hoop.
This team, with strong leadership from these seniors will look to navigate its way through a very tough and tricky pre-season and conference.
"We've definitely 'scheduled up' this year," Albright said of the upcoming 2010-11 schedule. "We don't really have any easy home games this season. We are playing several Pac 10 and Big Ten schools plus teams like BYU and UNLV who are always tough in their conference."
The team will face off against University of Minnesota, Arizona and Washington State, in addition to a very strong Fresno State team.
But this Wolf Pack team is up for the challenge, working hard to prepare both mentally, physically and emotionally for the upcoming season.
"This is one of my favorite places to be right now as a coach," Albright said of the upcoming season. "I love watching kids mature, make good decisions and really go after something. I love seeing them accept and respect each other even when they are from totally different backgrounds. We can't control everything but if we come out trying to be the best team we can and work hard every single day-that is a conference championship to me."
