Road wins before homestands can provide momentum, but Illinois State coach
Jenny Yopp isnt thinking about momentum or continuing a winning streak or long-term repercussions. She is focused on making sure her players are focused on whats in front of them, and thats the imposing size and skill of Wichita State at 7:05 p.m. Thursday in Redbird Arena.
The game begins a string of four straight home conference matches for the Redbirds, who finish the first round of Missouri Valley Conference play against Wichita State (Thursday) and Southwest Missouri State (Saturday). Northern Iowa (Jan. 31) and Bradley (Feb. 3) follow SMS and WSU into Redbird Arena.
A road win in any conference is huge, said Yopp, referring to Illinois States first win away from Redbird Arena in more than a year, a 69-67 decision Sunday at Southern Illinois. But, we need to keep that in perspective and make sure we are ready for the athleticism, intensity and physical play we are going to see from Wichita State.
Any discussion about coach Daryl Smiths Shockers, 8-8 overall, 3-4 in the Valley, begins with post players Angela Buckner and Jennifer Kaczka, who combine to average 27 points and 20 rebounds per game.
The way they rebound makes you want to be able to have a couple more players (to contend with them), said Yopp. Their perimeter players also are extemely athletic. Wichita State gives you a lot to handle.
Yopp appreciates the opportunity for her team, 4-12 overall, 2-5 in the Valley, to play in friendly Redbird Arena.
Were always glad to play in front of our great home crowd at Redbird Arena and we appreciate the community coming out and supporting us, said Yopp, whose team won its last home game, shocking otherwise undefeated Valley leader Creighton 64-57 in overtime Jan. 12. That win over Creighton was a huge step for our team, and I know having a tremendous crowd cheering us on played a big part in it.
Yopps team has improved offensively in its last three games, scoring a season-best 69 points in the win at Southern Illinois and shooting a season-best 52 percent in beating Creighton. Freshman
Katie Donovan and senior
Kristi Larson have been among the players dramatically improving their field goal percentages of late. Donovan is shooting 55 percent since the first of the year after a 27 percent start. Larson is shooting 57 percent over her last five games as Illinois State has shot 48 percent in its last three.
Weve been focusing on the next opponent, and thats the best way for us to reach team goals, said Yopp. Its hard for a young team to do that and not get caught up in other things, but we think our players can understand how important it is to be focused every time you walk out on the floor.
Yopp got some good news on Monday when medical reports showed the sophomore center
Sharon Blades foot problems werent a stress fracture. The Redbirds still wont get Blade back on the court until next week, but Yopp was glad the news wasnt worse. Freshman
Michelle Harakas has thrived with added playing time in Blades absence.
Sharon will be back to practice next week, said Yopp. This gave us a chance to call Michelles number a bit more often. Shes worked hard every day shes been here and were glad to see her enjoying success because of that.
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