With only a few hours before the tip-off of their 2009-10 season, the Howard University women’s basketball team appears focused and ready to prove their doubters wrong. Their first challenge comes in the form of an intercity rival, the American Eagles.
Last season, the Bison finished with a record of 9-22, and although a star emerged in Zykia Brown, the feeling of losing left a foul taste in their mouths.
Being voted to finish eighth in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), this season in a preseason poll voted upon by the league’s head coaches and sports information directors, did little to rid them of that distaste.
“It’s just another reason to prove people wrong and set a positive standard for Howard University women’s basketball,” Brown said. “The strongest aspect of our team was our defense. We finished 3rd in the MEAC defensively. This season we want to improve the offensive aspect of our game.”
Brown finished last season averaging 17.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game for the Bison, earning herself a spot on the preseason MEAC second-team for the upcoming season.
However, unfortunately for the Bison, Brown was the only player to average double-digit points last season and was relied upon to play more than 35 minutes per game.
“[The recognition] does put more weight on my shoulders, but more so makes me want to get better and work even harder. I hope to contribute more to this team with vocal leadership,” Brown said. “The new recruits will bring a lot of energy, talent, athleticism and diversity to the team.”
Brown will be counting on the addition of eight freshmen to take some of the offensive load off of her shoulders.
One newcomer who is sure to make an impact is Saadia Doyle, a 2008 McDonald’s All-American nominee who was forced to red-shirt last season due to a torn anterior crucial ligament in her left knee.
“I believe I bring heart, passion and a desire to win to the team,” Doyle said. “Last year, many of our games were lost on the boards with teams getting second and third chances at the basket. In the game versus American, my mind set is to defend and let my offensive game come to me.”
The Bison will undoubtedly have their hands full with an American team that went 19-12 last season and forced Howard into 33 turnovers in a 77-50 win for the Eagles.
In an exhibition on Nov. 8, American routed Virginia Wesleyan 98-34, shooting 60.3 percent from the field and out-rebounding their opponent 48 -18.
“The best thing about being a freshman on the court is that you are virtually a nobody,” Doyle said. “Your high school credentials don’t matter anymore. You get to make a name for yourself and ultimately become ‘somebody’ in a sense.”
The Bison begin their reenergized effort on Nov. 13 as they play host to the Eagles in Burr gymnasium, with tip-off being rescheduled to 3 p.m.
Be the first to comment on this article!