Preseason exhibitions toughen up UMO women

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on November 12, 2015 1:48 PM

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rcoggins@newsargus.com

MOUNT OLIVE -- A scrimmage and two exhibition games against Division I programs, including perennial powerhouse North Carolina, yielded positive results for the University of Mount Olive women's basketball team.

The three opponents threw everything but the kitchen sink defensively at the Trojans. Working against those different schemes and playing against some of the nation's top talent undoubtedly "served its purpose," Trojan women's head coach Wendy Lee said.

Lee will see how much her team has learned when it opens the season Friday against in-state foe Catawba in the SAC-Conference Carolinas Challenge at Queens University of Charlotte. The Trojans play Queens on Saturday.

"I don't think we'll play anybody at this point who is more experienced and diversified than the three teams we've played against," Lee said. "We've already seen everything (offensively and defensively) in those games that we can draw on throughout the year. Now we have to get them really zoned in on what we have to do to get better."

Some players have stepped to the forefront on a squad that returns all-Conference Carolinas performer Aerial Johnson and four full- or part-time starters from a year ago. Johnson averaged a double-double -- 12.7 points, 10.4 rebounds -- last season, but has been hampered by a knee injury.

Only Johnson seems to be a lock in the starting lineup.

Lee is searching for consistency at point guard, on the perimeter and is waiting on the NCAA about the future of Division I transfer Felicity Havens. Freshman Jada Bacchus showed some promise during preseason action and returnee Tomarrah Harris didn't seem to be intimidated by the Tar Heels.

Harris, a sophomore, played steady under heavy pressure on both ends of the floor. She showed Lee that she's physically and mentally ready to step up and contribute.

A sophomore from Wilmington, Hayes originally signed with Troy (Alabama) and transfered to East Carolina. She never stepped onto the court at either school, but the NCAA has not ruled if she has to sit out this season.

Hayes' absence has prevented Lee from setting some rotations and finding chemistry. Now in her 16th campaign, Lee said the primary emphasis in the preseason has been defense.

"Being really intense for 40 minutes is an area that will help us on both ends the floor," said Lee, whose team has advanced to the Conference Carolinas tournament final each of the past three seasons.

"If we're aggressive and smart, then we'll generate offense and better shots. We've had players step up, but we identified (in the exhibitions) that we have to keep teams off the defensive glass.

"We do have Aerial, but we're smaller in other places where we have to be disciplined in blocking out and not giving second chances to our opponents. We want to get out in transition."

The women's game has changed this season.

Teams will play 10-minute quarters and shoot two free throws on the fifth team foul in each quarter. In the four-quarter format, team fouls reset to zero at the start of each period. However, if a team reaches the bonus in the fourth quarter, that team would remain in the bonus during any additional overtime periods.

"I think it's harder to get into a rhythm because of the scheduled pauses," Lee said. "That's something we've got to figure out, too."