Gopher Basketball
The Gophers were led by Iowa transfer April Calhoun who scored 16 points. Liz Podomonick added 11 points and 10 rebounds. Shannon Schonrock and Jamie Broback scored 10 points apiece. Minnesota played without senior center Janel McCarville, junior guard Katie Alsdurf and freshman guard Brittany Davis.
Some thoughts:
Despite foul trouble, Jamie Broback had an impressive showing to kick off her sophomore season. She will definitely be a player to watch for Minnesota this season.
April Calhoun looked much improved from her days at Iowa. It’s rare to replace an All-American like Lindsay Whalen with a player who is well groomed and can step it up at key points. Calhoun controlled the ball, drove the basket, and showed that she’s a great offensive threat.
Liz Podomonick look lost at times again, but was a monster on the glass and seemed to get her head into the game towards the end. It’ll be a make or break year for her career. I’d hate to see her be a bust since she has the physical tools to dominate.
Shannon Bolden played relatively tough defense against DeForge and was more aggressive on offense than she was last year. Her shooting was off for the night as she finished with 8 points on only 3-11 from the floor.
Of the freshman, Natasha Williams got the most play-time, she drew the foul well but struggled at the line. Williams ended with 5 points and 5 rebounds to go with a couple impressive blocks. Lauren Lacey got into the game for 11 minutes and made the most of it, with a 6 point outbreak when the Gophers put the game away in the second half. Leslie Knight also played a bit and had a couple buckets.
The team looked like they have a long ways to go, but considering they were playing without McCarville and Alsdurf, I was surprised they were able to score 82 points. It’s not every day that the exhibition team you’re playing marches out a WNBA All-Star, and it was even harder to guard DeForge as she was having an “˜on’ night shooting. Bolden and Calhoun both shared time against DeForge and held their own at times, while being burned at other times. Once the Gophers add McCarville, this team should be able to contend for the Big Ten championship. Unlike last year, the depth is there.