Women's Basketball Team Outlook

The 2011-2012 Skyhawk women’s basketball team is looking to improve on last year’s 8-22 record.  After starting 1-15 last year with many struggles on the floor the Skyhawks look to get off to a fast start this season.  They are also looking to build on the end of last season after making the Region IV championship game.

This year the Skyhawks hope to play a more of an up tempo style and an “in your face” defense. “We have a group of girls that really enjoy playing defense, and we are going to have a lot of fun with that,” said women’s Head Coach Jed Johnson. “Most players like to focus on the offense side of the game, this group is pretty unique with their hunger to play defense. It should be an exciting team to watch.” 

This year the Skyhawks have only three returning players.  Leading this group, from Catonsville Maryland, will be the fourth leading scorer and fourth leading rebounder in the nation Shamika Williams.  “Shamika had an outstanding year last year and is a special player.  It is nice to have her back for another year,” said Johnson.  The other two returners from last year are Adrienne Haye (Polo) and Shelby McBride (Morrison). Haye, has come a long ways from last year and is looking to be one of our leaders.  Mcbride has unfortunately been cursed with injuries and is trying to get back in order to contribute on the floor this year. 

The Skyhawks have nine players on board that are new to the program.  Phyllis Woodard and Danijela Svircic are both transfers from other two year programs, while Shante Jackson, a walk on point guard from Indiana, should strengthen the depth at the point guard position. Jackson is a tough player and plays really hard it should be fun to watch her improve as the season goes on. Transferring from Highland Community College and a Rockford native, Phyllis Woodard is looking to make an impact at the point guard position. Danijela Svircic is a transfer from Panola College in Texas.  Johnson said that Danijela runs the floor really hard and has the skills to score inside and out.

The freshman class is looking to make immediate impact.  Holly Nickaluas (Dixon, IL), Lacey Bellows (Oregon, IL), Kaitlyn Kenady (Morrison, IL), Naudia Crisp (Memphis, TN), Lamika Sain (Rockford, IL), and Lydia Box (Rockford, IL).  “We have great expectations for this young group. They are in a position where they need to step up right away, it will be important for them to quickly adapt to the college level.”

As this season starts Coach Johnson wants to take it one game at a time. “We need to focus on each day that we have and make the most of it.  The good teams do not waste time and have a focus on the task at hand. I hope that we can improve with each day and take advantage of the opportunity that we have.”  The Skyhawks are ready to get going and hope to get off to a fast start!