Sharon Blades 22 points in Illinois States 83-60 loss Friday at Northern Illinois were a Redbird record for a freshman playing in her first game, but her coach is hoping she wont have to carry such a load.
Bouncing back less than 48 hours after an 83-60 season-opening loss at Northern Illinois, Jenny Yopps Redbirds meet Wisconsin-Milwaukee at 2 p.m. Sunday in Redbird Arena. Its Illinois States home opener.
While Yopp appreciated Blades eye-popping debut in which she hit 7 of 11 field goals and 8 of 11 free throws, she is committed to better offensive balance.
One of the main things that came out of our locker room after that (NIU) game is that we dont want or need to have one person carry that kind of scoring load, said Yopp. We have several players capable of supporting Sharon. We need that kind of effort and need it for 40 minutes.
The practice between games was focused on improved execution of the Redbird system.
We learned from (Fridays game), said Yopp. We spent time working on our system, refining our decision-making and execution. If we do that better for longer stretches, the success will come. Its about how we play.
Milwaukee, 16-12 last season, adds a pair of veteran transfers from Illinois-Chicago in junior guard Holly Tamm and sophomore forward Angela Wenzel. Tamm averaged 15 points per game in 1998-99 at UIC, while Wenzel had some big games against the Panthers, averaging 16 points and 6.5 rebounds against her new teammates two years ago.
Guards Jessica Wilhite (10.4 ppg in 1999-2000) and Teri Stoltenberg are returning starters for head coach Sandy Botham, 58-54 starting her fifth season in Milwaukee.
Yopp believes her players are excited to play in Redbird Arena.
Our team loves the environment, the atmosphere of Redbird Arena--theres not a better place to play basketball, said Yopp. They recognize that taking pride in your home court is important. They have (the season-opening defeat) in perspective and are ready to go for another full-court effort.
The Redbirds next action is Friday in the Pac-Bell Tournament at San Diego, playing host San Diego State.
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