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UDC WOMEN’S BASKETBALL 2007 PREVIEW
The University of the District of Columbia Lady Firebirds Basketball Team returns to action under fourth year Head Coach Lester L. Butler, Jr. The team finished their 2006-07 season with a (13-15) record, which was a modest improvement over the previous season in which they won 11 games. The Lady Firebirds finished the season ranked 44th in the nation out of 275 Division II schools in field goal percentage defense and 22nd in the nation in blocked shots per game.
The Lady Firebirds played one of the toughest Division II schedules in the country facing #3 East Region Barton, #6 Pitt Johnstown, and #8 St. Andrews Presbyterian, all of whom were participants in the NCAA Tournament last year. The Lady Firebirds had one of the biggest wins in school history with a win at home over #3 East Region Barton College. The Lady Firebirds this year will be led by senior co-captain Ashley Alexander, who was named to the All-ICAA Division II Women’s 2nd Team. Alexander, from Washington D.C. (Calvin Coolidge H.S.) averaged 12.3 points, 6 rebounds and 2.29 steals per game during the 2006-2007 season.
Coach Butler says, “Ashley is a fearless competitor and a good all around player. She does what is necessary for us to be successful. I expect a big year out of Ashley.”
Other back- court experience for the Lady Firebirds will come from junior captain Robin Williams, junior Jessica Edwards, sophomore Tiffany Church, sophomore Nicole Cooper and newcomer junior Devaughn Hailey. Williams played in all 27 games during the 2006-07 season, averaging 9.5 points per game and 3.3 rebounds per game. Coach Butler says “Robin continues to get better each year and she is one of the hardest workers I ever coached.”
Edwards led the team last year with 82 assist, Church and Cooper averaged 5 points a piece in their freshman campaign. Cooper also led the team with 37 three pointers. Church is back after off season surgery and should provide much needed three point shooting this year.
Hailey transferred from Palm Beach Community College where she average 12 points 3 rebounds and 3 assist a game and was a 2nd Team Southern Florida All Conference player. Coach Butler says “Hailey is a tremendous ball handler, and can score the basketball, but her ability to penetrate and distribute the ball makes everyone around her better.”
The Lady Firebirds added six new players to the frontcourt. Only one post player returns from last season.
Seniors Eniola Bakare and Sylvia Kemp will be counted on for much needed leadership. Bakare who sat out the 2006-2007 season is a super athlete, great defender and an unbelievable rebounder. Kemp led the team in field goal percentage last year.
Freshman Lillian McGill from Sumter High School in Sumter, S.C. averaged 19 points and 17 rebounds per game. McGill was voted top five players in the state of South Carolina and was named player of the year in her region. Coach Butler says “McGill has great footwork to score in the post and great hands to be a relentless rebounder.” “She has a chance to be one of the best freshmen in the country.”
Junior Deyshia Williams from Central Florida Community College in Ocala, FL averaged 10 points 4 rebounds per game and was named 2nd Team Mid Florida All-Conference. Coach Butler says “Williams is versatile post player that can score inside and has the range to shoot from the three point line.”
Sophomore Tamara Watkins from Delaware State University in Dover, DE played during the 2005-2006 season for the Division I Hornets. Watkins is a product of Penns Grove High School, where she was a 1st Team All-South Jersey selection. Coach Butler says “Tamara is an unbelievable athlete with a smooth mid range jump shot; she will play a major role in our success this year.”
Freshman Tiffany Clarke from Friendship Edison High School in Washington DC was named Washington Post WCSAA All League during her senior year. Tiffany runs the floor extremely well and is a very good defender and rebounder. She will bring physical toughness to the Lady Firebirds.
Freshman Catrise Cannady from Coppin State University in Baltimore MD sat out the 2006-2007 season and will be a walk on for the Lady Firebirds this year. Catrise is very athletic, runs the floor extremely well and can score around the basket with both hands. Coach Butler says “Catrise has been a pleasant surprise so far in pre season workouts and she has an opportunity to push for some quality minutes if she continues to work hard.”
I’m excited about our recruiting class and returning players,” said Coach Butler. “I really believe this team has an opportunity to be one of the top teams in the East Region this year if we continue to work on our chemistry and emphasis on defense.” “The team has chosen a new motto, “It’s Hard But It’s Fair”
The Lady Firebirds will tip-off the 2007 season in Richmond, Virginia on November 17, against Virginia Union University. Their home opener is November 20, against Cheyney University.
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