Women's Basketball Preview - Part 3: Youngstown State

Oct. 27, 2005

When comparing the 2004-05 Youngstown State women's basketball roster to the members of the 2005-06 squad, fans will see a dramatic difference in the composition of the two teams.

Last season, the Penguins rode the shoulders of five seniors and four returning starters to an eight-win improvement from the previous season and a sixth-place finish in the Horizon League after being predicted to finish in the cellar.

This season, the Youngstown State women's basketball program has added seven new faces and will rely heavily on its seven returning players and one returning starter to mentor and guide those newcomers.

Not only has the makeup of the team changed from last season, but third-year Head Coach Tisha Hill is anticipating a transformation in the Penguins' style of play.

"We are going to be a faster team this season," Hill said. "Our speed and athleticism has increased and that will serve us well in a more up-tempo style."

Although energized about the new additions to the team, Hill is acutely aware of the hurdles facing her youthful squad during the upcoming season.

"This is an exciting young group of players and instilling our systems will be a challenge because of so many new faces," Hill said. "But fortunately we have a good nucleus returning to help them make the necessary adjustments."

Backcourt

With only one starter returning from last year's team, what better position to have that player back than at the point guard slot, which may be the most experienced position on the roster.

Sophomore Lauren Branson, a member of the 2005 Horizon League All-Newcomer Team, returns for her second season running the offense for the Penguins. Branson, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, played in every contest with 22 starts and led the Horizon League with 5.7 assists per game last year.

"Branson made such an impact last season," Hill said. "Her tenacity on the defensive end coupled with her hustle and selfless play on the offensive side really paid off for us.

"We expect much of the same from her this season."

Along with Branson, senior Ashlee Russo has accumulated a lot of minutes running the Penguins' offense over the last two seasons. After starting the first four games last season, Russo missed about a month due to a back injury but returned for the last 15 games and tallied almost two assists per game. In 2003-04, the 5-foot-7 Boardman, Ohio, native appeared in 23 games with 12 starts.

"Russo is just a smart, hard-working player that does not make many mistakes," Hill said. "She is one of our most experienced players and may have an increased offensive role this season."

"We have a backcourt with a lot of experience and versatility.

"Several players can play more than one position and each brings something different to the table."

Newcomer Monique Godfrey, from South Euclid Regina High School, is a versatile player who can play the point and the shooting guard position.

Junior Kristy Gaudiose is one of the most experienced players in the backcourt with appearances in 52 games and 15 career starts. Gaudiose, who averaged 4.9 points per game last season, is one of the Penguins' perimeter threats after shooting 37 percent from the 3-point line last season.

"Kristy is one of the hardest working players on the team and is becoming one of the team's leaders," Hill said. "She had a pretty good year from the perimeter last season and we need her to have another solid year shooting the ball."

Senior Aliyah Sabree, sophomore My'Kea Cohill and freshmen Toni Roscoe and Velissa Vaughn are all going to push for playing time and give the Penguins tremendous depth in the backcourt.

Also joining the Penguins is Illinois transfer Kira Mowen, who will have to sit out the 2005-06 season per NCAA transfer rules, and will have two years of eligibility remaining beginning in 2006-07.

Frontcourt

The Penguins' frontcourt was hit the hardest by graduation with the loss of All-Horizon League First-Team selection Jen Perugini, center Tara Fleming and forward Barb Fabianova all completing their eligibility last season.

Although those are big shoes to fill, Youngstown State may have just the right mixture of experience, athleticism, and exuberance to compensate for the loss.

Senior center Michelle Holmes, who averaged 5.8 points and 3.1 rebounds per game, appeared in all 28 games for the Penguins last season and seems poised for a breakout campaign.

"Michelle played very well and gave us a lot of quality minutes," Hill said. "This season, she needs to be a leader and a presence in the post."

Freshman Nikita LaFleur, who averaged 17 points and 12 rebounds as a high school senior last season, brings great shot blocking abilities to the Penguins and may see time at center.

At the other post slot, Youngstown State has a talented trio in sophomore Jessica Schloemp, and freshmen Ashley Pendleton and Megan Snorf, who all may be interchanged with Holmes and LaFleur at center.

Schloemp made an appearance in 27 games and garnered two starts while averaging 2.5 points and 2.3 rebounds per contest.

"Schloemp has really worked hard in the offseason," Hill said. "She put in a lot of time running and in the weightroom so hopefully it pays off."

Pendleton was named one of the top 50 seniors in Western Pennsylvania and led Farrell High School to a 20-win season in 2003-04 while Snorf averaged 12.3 points, 9.8 rebounds, and shot 60 percent from the field as a junior at Northmont High School.

Schedule

Coach Hill and her staff assembled a 2005-06 slate that can be defined as ambitious. With seven 20-game winners and five postseason teams from a year ago on the schedule, the Penguins have their work cut out.

"We are going to have to play very well if we want to be successful," Hill said. "We have a young team but I am confident that our returning players will step up and show the necessary leadership it takes to help us be successful."

The Penguins open the campaign with their first four games on the road, including a match up with Hill's alma mater, Indiana, on Nov. 25. Also included on the Penguins schedule are 12 home games in the Beeghly Center, including four doubleheaders with the Youngstown State men's basketball team.

YSU is also set to host the semifinals and championship game of the 2006 Horizon League Tournament should the Penguins make the semifinals.

"This is a great schedule for our fan base," Hill said. "Having 12 home games with the four doubleheaders really makes this a schedule our fans can enjoy."

Story provided by Youngstown State University Office of Sports Information