---
10C BASKETBALL PREVIEW
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
MONDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2008
Women's basketball preview
Application of returners' experience from past seasons will be key to top last year's 17-16 season record
BY DANNY NORDSTROM
dnordstrom@kansan.com
The Kansas women's basketball team has optimistic hopes after a disappointing 17-16 finish last season.
The Jayhawks return four starters this year, including junior guard-forward, Danielle McCray. McCray led the Jayhawks in scoring and rebounding last season, averaging almost 15 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. She, along with junior guard Sade Morris and sophomore center Krysten Boogard, hope to lead Kansas to a much better season in 2008-2009.
With all but one starter returning for Kansas, the Jayhawks should be a competitive team in an extremely tough Big 12 conference.
After going 4-12 in conference play last season, the layhawks hope to compete with teams like Oklahoma, Texas, and Iowa State who were ranked one, two and three respectively in the Big 12 Coaches Preseason Poll earlier this week. Kansas' own ninth-place
prediction should allow the team to coast under the radar until they establish themselves as a dominant force in the Big 12.
With the direction of coach Bonnie Henrickson and the leadership of McCray, the Jayhawks should improve on last season's 10th-place finish in the Big 12.
McCray and Morris' impressive performances last season need to be elevated further if Kansas hopes to contend for a Big 12 title. With two years of starting experience for both players, McCray and Morris should be the driving forces behind Kansas' offense this year.
The two, along with senior guard and returning starter Ivana Catic, need to create offensive opportunities often and help each other get open, as all three are excellent shooters. Catic had a team-high 105 assists last season. Her unselfish play will be the glue that holds Kansas' offense together.
Guard Sade Morris begins a drive to the basket against Oklahoma. The team expects Morris and Danielle McCray to step up as team leaders.
Morris' 17-point performance against No.17 Oklahoma last season was also solid. If she can season numbers like these in difficult
games on a consistent basis, the layhawks' offense should be exciting and effective.
The inside play of Boogard will be another decisive factor for Kansas this season.
Standing at 6-foot-5, Boogard is full of potential and will play a vital role in the Jayhawk offense. Last season she averaged 9.4 points and 5.6 rebounds per game, earning her a spot on the All-Big 12 Rookie Team.
Boogard was also named Kansas' most improved player at the team banquet. Morris and McCray have to get the ball to Boogard often, and the sophomore must continue to improve if Kansas wants to compete this season.
Kansas' returning starters are not the only players who will be vital to the team's success this season. The play of freshman guards Aisha Sutherland and Angel Goodrich will have a large impact on the Jayhawk team as well.
play earned her WBCA/State Farm All-American Honors and a McDonalds All-American nomination. Goodrich and Sutherland will provide excellent depth to an
Goodrich was one of the top prospects from the class of 2008 and should provide depth at the guard position. Her high school
KANSAN FILE PHOTO
already young team and should be effective additions at the guard position.
Kansas begins play on Nov. 2 against Hays State.
If last season's team can mature and grow as a whole, the Jayhawks will pose a serious threat in the Big 12 North and should be on their way to a successful season.
Jayhawks hope to continue growing into stars
BY DANNY NORDSTROM
dnordstrom@kansan.com
Danielle McCray
Class: Junior
Height: 5-foot-11
Position: Guard-Forward
Hometown: Olathe
Last season McCray led the layhawks in scoring - 14.9 points
per game — rebounding and steals. Her offensive dominance
and aggressive defense will be vital to a more experienced but still young Kansas team, McCray's breakout performance in the
Marquette game last season should be characteristic of what fans can expect to see this season. Her 29 points and 11 rebounds marked career bests in both categories and led the Jayhawks to an impressive 74-55 victory against the Golden Eagles. With three years of starting experience, McCray should be a strong leader on this season's Kansas team. If she can elevate her
McCray
game to the level she played on at Marquette regularly, the Jayhawks should be a strong Big 12 team.
last season was categories. Her
played well in big games and conference play, most notably scoring 17 points against No. 17 Oklahoma State. If Morris can have more strong performances in conference play, the Jayhawks should improve greatly on last season's 4-12 record in the Big 12. Like McCray, Morris is a three-year starter and should step up her game further this season. With Morris and McCray at the guard positions, the Jayhawks should be a dominant and creative offensive threat in the Big 12.
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
Sade Morris
Class: Junior
Height: 5-foot-11
Position: Guard
Hometown: Norman, Okla.
Krysten Boogard
Class: Sophomore
Height: 6-foot-5
Position: Center
Hometown: Regina,
Saskatchewan, Canada
Saddlebrook
625 Folks Road
832-8200
spot on the Big 12 All-Rookie Team. Boogard averaged 9.4 points and 5.6 rebounds per game, not to mention swatting 36 total blocks
Boogard
Parkway Commons
3601 Clinton Pkwy
842-3280
on the season. At the end of the season, her team named her its most improved player. This season Boogard needs to continue to improve if the Jayhawks want to contend for a Big 12 title. After coming into her own last season as a freshman, Boogard should continue to mature and become an excellent weapon for Kansas on both offense and defense.
700 Cornet Lane
842-8805
Chase Court
1942 Stewart Avenue
843-8220
Canyon Court
Highpointe
2001 West 6th Street
841-8468
is a dominant presence inside.
Her strong offensive and defensive play last season earned her a
At 6-foot-5, Boogard is the tallest player on the Kansas team, and
Morris
AMENITIES AVAILABLE *Limited Location(s)
FREE DVD Rental*
24 Hour Emergency Maintenance
Washer/Dryer*
Swimming Pool/Hot Tub
- Fitness Center
- Security Systems Available
- FREE Continental Breakfast*
- Pet Friendly*
Morris' plus strong in all shooting was impressive with 9.8 points per game and a 79.8 percent accuracy from the free throw line. Morris also finished with 82 assists to aid her strong offence.
strong offensive presence. She
THE LIFESTYLE YOU DESERVE www.firstmanagementinc.com
CALL ABOUT OUR KEG SPECIALS!
10% off Wine & Spirits with this coupon (Expires 10/31/08)
Kasold & Clinton Pkwy (next to Hy-Vee) 841-8778
PARKWAY
WINE & SPIRITS
Continue the Tradition.
110 Years of Kansas Basketball. 55 Years of Johnny's.
Just 'cross the bridge 842-0377 * 401 N 2nd S