4B Friday, December 3,1993 WOMEN'S BASKETBALL PREVIEW Sheryl Swoopes, who great deal ofsuccess was in serious trouble, As the women’s college basketball sea- shattered NCAA Final Four scoring r Acoaching change threw the program son gets under waythis weekend, the signs records in Atlanta. into a transitional period, and wins were of growth are everywhere. With Swoopes gone, attention will fo- becoming harder to come by. The biggest change is signified by the cus on Ohio State’s Katie Smith, who had ; ' Some wondered whether the coach’s number 64. That’s how many teams will anoutstanding freshman season, as well as ;job was on the line. The team, many won- make it to the NCAA tournament l6 on Vanderbilt’s Gillingham. Then there’s 'dered, could be consigned to the basement more than last March. Southern Cal senior Lisa Leslie, the next 'of the ACC for a longperiod of time. The Final Four, which will be held in Cheryl Miller. ButSylviaHatchellwasn’tworried.She Richmond next April,already is a sellout. The “new Miller,”won’t have to look •knew her women's basketball program More regular-season games will be seen farfor advice from the old one, since Cheryl would improve. on television this year. ESPN begins its Miller is Leslie’s coach, after Marianne “Each year we were closing the gap,” coverage this weekend, with Vanderbilt Stanley’scontractendedlast spring. Stanley UNC’s head coach said. “The first year, against Texas Tech on Saturday and Ten- left in a salary dispute and is suing the •we were in the bottom and we had an all- nessee against Ohio State on Sunday. school for sexual discrimination. freshman team, and we were getting beat The expansion of the NCAA tourna- Perm State is expected to challenge lowa by a wide range. The nextyear, we may not ment from the previous field of 48 gives for the Big Ten title, although Northwest- have won the games, but we only got beat nine automatic bids for champions of the ern, Ohio State and Purdue should also be by a few points.” Ivy League, the Big South, Mid-Eastern in the chase in that league. > After a 19-10 inaugural season, Athletic Conference, North Atlantic, North Carolina, with the most experi- Hatchell’s first squads had plummeted to Northeast, Patriot, Trans America, Qreat enced lineup, is favored in the ACC. But four-consecutive losing records, and the Midwest, and Southwestern Athletic con- Virginiahas experience and talent to chal- team consistently finished at or near the ferences. lenge the Tar Heels, while Maryland might bottom of the conference. The 1988-89 “Ican see changes in our league in the finish strong. team was the nadir, finishing 10-20 and SPECIALTO THE DTH/GRANTHALVERSON way we schedule,” said Penn coach Julie It’s the usual free-for-all in the South- going just 1-13 in the ACC. UNC head coach Sylvia Hatchell first improved the team's academics, then the team's winning percentage followed. Soriero. “Some schools used to play itsafe, eastern Conference, with Tennesssee and But Hatchell wasn’t worried. because the only wayany ofus were going Vanderbilt leading the battle over Auburn, “Allalong, the administration was very program brings rave reviews fromher peers her, and you're not supposed to get close to get to the tournament was to win more Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi. Abattle ” supportive of me because they saw all the across the nation, like Tennessee head with your coach, she said. “Alot ofpeople than 20 games and hope to get an at-large in the Mid-American looms with Toledo good things that were happening in the coach Pat Summitt. don’t know that about coach Hatchell. bid.” just ahead ofBowling Green, Kent and program,” she said. “They saw a lot of “One thing that has impressed me the Record at North Carofina When it’sbusiness time, it’s business time The NCAAexpansion also means seven Western Michigan. great things happening with the program, most about Sylvia Hatchell was her work and when it's game time, you put on your more at-large bids will be awarded: 32, Tennessee Tech is the Ohio Valley fa- ” and they knew itwas justa matter oftime. ethic,” Summitt said. “Ithink she’s really Year Decenl ACC game face. But when it’s fun time, you put instead of25. vorite, while the Metro has strength from Four losing seasons in a row wasn’t the committed to working hard to build, and 1986- 19-10 9-5 on your fun face.” “Noquestion, this is going to make the UNC-Charlotte and Southern Methodist. sole determining factor in job you can’t build a good program— seen suc- Hatchell’s or 10-17 4-10 Hatchell’s perseverance has whole season different than any before,” Inthe last league, Tulane, VirginiaCom- security. The coach had improved the aca- maintain one— without a strong work 1987- cessful results. The Tar Heels made it to the said Vanderbilt Jim 1-13 coach Foster. “Itused monwealth and Virginia Tech might also demic standing of the team and was put- ethic and without a great staff. 1988- 10-20 second round of the NCAAs in 1991-92 to be that ifyou were in a conference that return to challenge. ting the pieces together for another run of “They’vebeen able to go out and extend 1989- 13-15 3-11 and to the Mideast Regional Semifinals traditionally only got one team in the tour- In the Big Eight, look for a wide open success kind of like another, higher- their recruiting base from a regional to a 1990- 12-16 2-16 last season, where Hatchell's friend, nament, you could be out of itat the end of race among Kansas, Colorado, Oklahoma profile program on campus. national level, they’ve been able to keep Summitt, led her Tennessee Volunteers to December. Now, that league might get State and Nebraska. ! “Iheard John SwofFord say that what some outstanding talent at home as well 1991- 22-9 9-7 a 74-54 win. two or three, while others might get a sixth Stephen F. Austin should repeat in the women’sbaskelballwentthrough was simi- and that’s impressive,” Summitt said. “I 1992- 23-7 11-5 But last year’s 23-7 season wasn’t the or seventh.” Southland, while Alcorn State might cap- larto what football went through, ’’Hatchell think when you can do that, when you can first indication of success by Hatchell’s Foster’s Vanderbilt team, which has ture the SWAC's first NCAAbid. Xavier said. “In (football coach Mack Brown’s) get the players and then you can start to the last three seasons, has had an interest- standards. grown in size since its advancement to the of Ohio seems to best of the Midwest

year ... they really first went 1-10, 1-10. Then build.” ing relationship with Hatchell. The coach “Success is not always measured in wins NCAA semifinals at Atlanta, is a favorite Collegiate, while Southwest Missouri State .500 in his third year and got on the win- And Hatchell has built from scratch to is often seen lecturing her star on the court and losses, because there’s a big difference to win itall,ledby6-10senior center Heidi is ahead of Southern Illinois in the Mis- ning side.” become the eighth-ranked team inthe coun- and giving her extra attention when she between having a good team and a good Gillingham. souri Valley. Louisiana Tech and Western “Good try. of things take time when you do Part that success has come from comes to the bench. program,” Hatchell said. “I’veseen a lot of Another strong contender isTennessee, Kentucky should repeat their duel in the things the right way. I don’t want to go Hatchell’s recruiting efforts. She has cor- But while the relationship might seem teams win a lotofgames and not get the job a perennial Final Four participant that just Sun Belt. through that again, and I don’t think we ralled talents from the area, like senior All- strained, Sampson says they might just be done academically and not getting players missed the semifinals the last two seasons. Stanford and Southern Cal should domi- ever will. We may have down years, but America candidate Tonya Sampson and too close. the things they need. Our academics were lowa, which made its first Final Four ap- nate the Pacific-10, but Washington and we won’t junior Charlotte as ever be in that situation again jumping jack Smith, “I’m real close to coach Hatchell,” going up drastically during the first four pearance last spring, is a favorite toreturn, UCLA will also be strong. The Big West as because it was a complete rebuilding situ- well national recruits, like freshman Sampson said. “She’s like a mother away years Iwas here. while Louisiana Tech is seen as a chal- battle should be between UNLV and Ha- ation." guard Marion Jones. from home. “The 20-win seasons were the last things lenger for the first time in several seasons. waii, while Boise State is ahead of Mon- Sampson, leading can Hatchell’s re-establishment ofthe UNC the team’s scorer for “1 cry on her shoulder or laugh with to come.” Stanford is rebuilding but could be in tana arid Montana State in the Big Sky. Tar Heels, Cavaliers Preseason Picks of the Litter in the ACC t. NORTH CAROLINA s^o 2. VIRGINIA 3. CIEMSON

1992-93 (T2nd) Record: 23-7 overall. 11-5 ACC into the team's best shot blocker. Hatchell will 1992-93 Record: 266 overall, 13-3 ACC (Ist) Cavs have been consistent NCAAqualifiers for 1992-93 Record: 19-11 overall, 68 ACC (T4th) the arc. "Trigger" Tara Saunooke was fifth in Hoad Coach: Sylvia (109-94 seven rely on backup forward Carrie in Hatchell in also McKee for Head Coach: Debbie Ryan (356130 16 the past decade. Expect the oft-packed seats Head Coach: Jim Davis (125-62 in six years at the nation in 3-point shooting percentage last seasons at Carolina) team leadership a seasons North and boost off the bench. at Virginia) of UHall to tilt close contests in UVa.'s favor. Clemson) year, nailing 45 percent of her attempts. Key Tonya Sampson (5-9, Sr.; Winning Returnees: G/F Weiknatsai: on the road. Four of the Key Returnees: F Wendy Palmer (6-2, So; 11.7 Weaknesses: Experience. UVa. lost the twin Key Returnees: G Tara Saunooke (5-6, So; 10.2 Saunooke is joined in the backcourt by assist 21.0 ppg, 8.2 rpg); F Charlotte Smith (6-0, Jr.; Tar Heels' five conference were played losses ppg, 6.9 rpg); F Charleata Beale (60, Jr; 7.8 towers of Heather and Heidi Burge and floor ppg, 2.3 rpg); F Jessica Barr (62, Sr; 9.7 ppg, machine Dana Puckett, who also can ppg, Sr.; hit from 14.9 9.0 rpg); C Sylvia Crawley (6-5, in the other team's gym. While losses to ppg, 4.8 rpg); G Jenny Boucek (68, So; 5.9 leader Dena Evans, who together combined 5.3 rpg); G Dana Puckett (5-7, Sr; 6.8 ppg, long range. 10.5 5.4 rpg); G/F Stephanie Lawrence on were ppg, Virginia and Maryland the road not PP9.3.8 rpg) for an average of 41 of the team's 81 points. 5.2 apg) Weaknesses: Chemistry. Head coach Jim Davis (6-1, Jr.; 8.0 ppg, 3.5 rpg); G Jill Suddreth (6 huge surprises, defeats at Georgia Tech and Newcomers: F Konecka Drakeford (611, Fr; Palmer should shore up the duties in the Newcomers: C Tabitha Chambers (66, Fr; has the dubious job of integrating new faces 5. Jr.; 6.1 ppg, 4.0 apg) N.C. State were. UNC must win these Charlotte, Fr; games. N.C.); C Tammy Gardner (64, frontcourt, but aside from the starters, Baltimore, Md.); G Angie Salyer (5-9, Fr; with old ones. With two seniors on a roster of (5-10, Fr.; Lennoxville, to Tonya Sampson, Sarasota, Newcomers: G Lori Gear Key* the Season: For the Fla.); G Shaunice Warr (5-5, Jr; experience off the bench is scarce. Whittier, N.C.) G Stephanie Ridgeway (68, Jr; 14, leadership could be a problem. If the Quebec); G Marion Jones (5-11, Fr.; Thousand key is knowing when to hold 'em and to Salem, Va.); Fr; when G Tora Suber (5-7, Keys to the Season: Finding team chemistry. Monroe, Ga.); C/F Sherry Clark (63, Jr; Tigers take cues from Puckett's scrappy style : Oaks. Calif.) fold 'em. The Tar Heel senior led the league in Downington, Penn.); F Jackie Glessner (60, Ryan has the players and the talent, she just Decatur, Ga.); G/F Dawn Stewart (61, Fr; of play, Clemson could go far. Strengths: Experience. The Tar Heels are stacked steals last year, but gambled Fr; Berlin, in stretch Penn.) has to find the right fit to a predominantly Washington, DC.); F Laura Cottrell (61, Fr; Keys to the Season: Coming together early. at every position with capable talent situations, raising Hatchell's ire. If Sampson Strengths: University Hall. In 15 home games young club. How early this happens may Hayesville, N.C.) Luckily for the Tigers, they have a whole Gwendolyn Gillingham has improved in her can remain consistent from the field and stay last season, the Cavaliers came away with 15 determine the eventual success of the Strengths: Perimeter shooting. The stats don't lie. month of breather teams before ACC play first two seasons at center and has developed healthy, the Tar Heels should roll. victories. Fan support is a big reason why the defending ACC champs. The Tigers can score in bunches from behind cranks up in January. m 5. WAKE FOREST 6. DUKE 1992-93 Record: 22-8 overall. 11-5 ACC (T2nd) Jessie Hicks. The trio of Rimkus, overall, (Bth) Andrew and 1992-93 Record: 14-14 4-12 ACC double figures inall 28 games the Deacs 1992-93 Record: 12-15 overall, 3-13 ACC (9th) veteran starters to a team devastated by Hoad Coach: Chris Weller (375-153 in 18 Adams also represent Maryland's top three Heed Coach: Karen Freeman (14-14 in one played last year en route to ACC Rookie of the Head Coach: Gail Goestenkors (12-15 in one injuries last season. But even leadership seasons at Maryland) returning if the scorers. Ifleadership is going to season at Wake Forest) Year honors. season at Duke) falters, expect Duke's awesome freshmen •Key Returnees: C Bonnie Rimkus (6-4, Sr.; 9.0 happen for start the Terrapins, it will at center. Key Returnees: C Tracy Conner (63, So; 20.6 Weaknesses: Frontcourt depth. Freeman said Key Returnees: G/F Carey Kauffman (63, Jr; fivesome to take up the slack. injuriessstrike ppg. 6.1 rpg); C Michele Andrew (6-2, Sr.; 7.3 Weaknesses: If Inexperienced bench and tough ppg, 11.3 rpg); G Nicole Levesque (54, Sr; that both forward spots are ‘wide open." 12.1 ppg, 6.7 rpg); C Zeki Blanding (63, Jr; the Devils, don't expect it to ruin their year. ppg. 3.8 rpg); C Monica Adams (6-3, Sr.; 3.7 schedule. The Terps don't have the luxury of 13.7 ppg, 4.0 apg); G/F Laura Coakley (61, Translated, she doesn't have any sure bets in 10.4 ppg, 4.9 rpg); G Jennifer Scanlon (5-10, Weaknesses: The last-place stigma. However ppg. 3.5 rpg); F Kesha Camper (60, Jr.; 3.3 experienced players ready Jr; to sub in. The 10.9 ppg, 6.4 rpg) either position. The most likely candidates are So; 10.0 ppg, 2.8 rpg); F Valerie Evans (61, promising the outlook for this year's ppg. 2.5 rpg) young pups willhave to adjust early, because Stacy Fr; freshmen, Newcomers: G Hawes (610, Silver either sophomores or untested Sr; 9.8 ppg, 6.1 rpg); G Missy Anderson (68, campaign, the Devils must get over the Newcomers: G Tammy Brown (67. Jr.; the Terps will be tested before they know it (61, Fr; Spring, Md.); F Lindsay Seawright upperclassmen, meaning Conner willlikely Sr; 6.0 ppg, 3.8 apg); F Nicole Johnson (60, complex of finishing ninth last season. Worst Annapolis, Md.); F Jada Anderson (610, Fr.; Maryland takes on Texas this weekend in a Bethesda, Md.); (61. F Rae Anne Mulholland carry the Deacons down low. Sr; 6.3 ppg, 4.8 rpg) to first is unlikely, but Duke can - Valley City, N.D.); G Fr.; make small Lilian Purvis (66, tournament which also features Southern Cal. Fr; Linden, N.C.) Keys to the Season: A smooth transition at the Newcomers: G Shaeeta Brown (5-7, Fr; Brusly, strides this year. . Jacksonville, N.C.); C Christina Ohman (62, The next week doesn't get any easier, point. with Strengths: Center. The frontcourt demon for the Senior Nicole Levesque inherits the La.); F Windsor Coggeshall (60, Fr; Vienna, Keys to the Season: Balancing the attack. Three Fr.; Helsinki, Finland) visits to Old Dominion and Tennessee. No. 1 Deacons is doit-all sensational sophomore point guard duties from BJ. Thames. This new Va.); F Tyish Hall (63, Fr; Centreville, Va.); G of Duke's top four scorers inside players. Strengths: Play in the paint. The Terps possess Kays to tho Season: Lasting are through the first Tracy Conner. The Landis native broke or tied responsibility may cut into Levesque's scoring Kira Orr (5-6, Fr; Poolestown, Md.); C Mary The Blue Devils must open up the perimeter three senior centers waiting to follow in the part of January. to Team chemistry willhave school records in 10 categories, including potential from the perimeter, where she hit 44 Ann Puckett (6-3, Fr; Dowelltown, Tenn.) to prevent opposing defenses from keying in footsteps of the departed All-ACCpost player bond to stay top quickly in the level. most doubledoubles (20). Conner scored in 3-pointers last year. Strengths: Depth. The Blue Devils return four on the post game.

: 7. N.C. STATE 8. GEORGIA TECH 9. FLORIDA STATE

1992-93 Record: 14-13 overall. 68 ACC (T4th) she can fillit up from outside, nailing 41.5 1992-930Record: 1611 overall. 68 ACC (T4th) played in high school state overall, championships last 1992-93 Record: 1614 610 ACC (7th) try to play beyond expectations. Kay (297-149 in seasons percent who will their Hoad Coach: Yow 18 of her 3-point attempts. Yow is Heed Coach: Agnus Berenato (7668 in five years year. Tech's Kisha Ford was a Marynell (11689 seven State) Kodak All- Head Coach: Meadors in Alison Peercy is Florida State's quarterback ; at N.C. banking on her leadership and scoring touch at Georgia Tech) America selection last year and Tiffany Martin seasons at Florida State) on the floor. She's no Charlie Ward, but she ;Key Returnees: G Tammy Gibson (5-8, Sr.; 20.3 to head upan inexperienced bunch. Key F So; Returnees: Kathy Dortch (62, 4.9 won Alabama Player of the Year honors. Their Key Returnees: F Christy Derlak (5-10, Sr; 13.1 should carry FSU in the scoring column. ppg. 4.3 rpgk F Kolleen Kreul (61. Jr.; 3.8 Weaknesses: Depth. The Wolfpack willbe ppg, Duggins So; 5.4 rpg); C Anna (62, 3.1 impact probably won't be felt this season. ppg, 5.1 rpg); G Alison Peercy (67, Jr; 8.7 Waaknessas: Losses. Injuries have stymied FSU ppg. 2.2 rpg); F Quicha Floyd (610, Jr.; 3.7 without the - ppg, So; „ services of five seniors four of 2.8 rpg); G Yvonne Wilson (5-5, 3.0 Weaknesses: Experience. The Jackets have a ppg, 5.0 apg); G Alison Arnoldi (66, Sr; 4.9 in its hopes to improve. Meadors - said that the ...' PP0. 1.8 rpg) which were starters who represented 45 of ppg, 1.3 rpg); C Demieta Keener (62. Jr; 3.0 grand zero from year. total of starters last ppg, 1.6 rpg); F Liberty Taylor (61, Jr; 3.9 'Notes only had seven players to open Newcomers: G Janetta Graham (611, Jr; the team's per game average of 76.9. Before 2.1 rpg) season PP9. That's 69 of 79 total points in 1992- ppg, 2.0 rpg) practices. Couple this with the departure of Cleveland. Ohio); G Jennifer Howard (67. Fr; the season started, five of the Pack's 11 Newcomers: G/F Kisha Ford (611, Fr; Baltimore, on 93. Of the 13 players the Georgia Tech Newcomers: G Antonette Preston (54, Jr; St Tia Paschal and Danielle Ryan, who netted Newton. N.C.); G Nicole Mitchell (67. Fr; players didn't even have numbers on their Md.); G Sarah Gaspar (67, Fr; Hartford, roster, are West only three upperclassmen. But the Petersburg, Fla.); G Angela Atkinson (68, Fr; nearly half of the squad's season point total, Vienna. Va.k G/F Umeki Webb (610, Fr; jerseys. N.C. State willbe lucky if it can keep Conn.); G Tiffany Martin (5-6, Fr; Huntsville, charismatic Berenato has turned this into the Bossier City, La.); F Kaila Walker (61, Fr; Tex.) Shepard (62. Fr; run and Florida State is in trouble. Dallas. F Peace 10 players healthy just to full scrimmages. Ala.); G Charline Page (5-6, Fr; High Point Jackets' theme, "Young Guns." Start shooting. Mableton, Ga.); Washington (66, to Swansboro, G Sharron Kays tha Season: Avoid self-destruction. The N.C.) Keys to the Season: Adjustment Yow must find N.C.); Smith (5-9, Fr; Rex, Ga.); to Jr; F Dawn F Keys the Season: Stabilize the rotation. The Springhill, Fla.) Seminoles strung together several upsets Strengths: Tammy Gibson. The lone returning hidden talent in her - Fr; High unproven club fast If Stacey Buchannon (61, Point N.C.) Jackets are a veritable melange of players, Strengths: Hustle and desire, to hear Coach early last year, but lost 10of their last 15 senior for the Pack also might be the team's some sort ofrotation can be reached, the Strengths: Recruiting class. This trigger-happy on were considering all five positions the floor Meadors tell it Florida State returns three contests to finish the season. IfFSU pulls the only bright spot Gibson showed last year that Wolfpack may be to own. group of six is no stranger to winning - t able hold their all open in the preseason. experienced starters from last year's squad same stunt this year, it could get uglier.