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Locked and loaded
Panthers plan to challenge for Horizon League crown
By John Parker
Aside from Edwards, nearly everybody from last year’s team, which finished tied for second place in the league, is returning this year.
When it comes to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee women’s basketball team, one name comes to mind immediately: Traci Edwards.
Edwards was selected first team all-league in each of her first three seasons with the Panthers and she is the defending Horizon League Player of the Year after averaging over 20 points and 10 rebounds per game as a junior. Edwards currently needs just 113 points, which should take roughly six games, to break Maria Viall’s school record. If she stays healthy, she will likely finish the season as the Horizon League’s all-time leader in points.
Aside from Edwards, the team returns nearly everybody from last year’s team, which finished tied for second place in the league.
Turquoise McCain — who started 26 games as a junior — was a member of the 2007-08 All-Horizon League Defensive Team. She should wind up with one of the starting guard spots. McCain was third on the team in scoring last season, with 6.8 points per game.
Sophomore forward Lindsay Laur, who transferred from Colorado St. after one semester, will likely be a starter because of her adept shooting touch.
The other spot is up for grabs following the graduation of Aubri Rote, the team’s second leading scorer last season. Fortunately, the team appears to have the backcourt depth to adequately replace Rote. Sophomore Maurika Hickman, junior Jodie McClain, sophomore Jineen Williams, senior Jody Crumble and senior Markita Barnes all have some starting experience. Sophomore Stephanie Schell also figures to see time this season.
One great asset that this team has that it didn’t last year is the addition of two post players for depth, Amanda Viehauser from Minneapolis and Danielle Jorgenson from Lacrosse, who will join returning post players Edwards, sophomore Jenilee Klomstad and senior Katie Fournier. Last year, the team experimented using Edwards and Klomstad together in a “twin towers” lineup as a contrast to their typical three-guard lineup. Depending on the development of the newcomers, the team could be able to make the “twin tower” lineup more than just a change of pace.
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