LCC Women's Basketball - Season Outlook

LOWER COLUMBIA COLLEGE

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

SEASON OUTLOOK

2002 TEAM LOOKING FORWARD TO SEASON

Over the course of the past three seasons the Lady Red Devil basketball team has undergone some significant changes; namely three coaches in as many years.

This year, Jason Hoseney returns for his second campaign at the helm of the LCC Women’s basketball team and looks to build upon the teams 9-19 effort a year ago. Hoseney remains optimistic about the future with 3 returning players, including two regular starters. Along with a mix of young and talented freshmen, Hoseney and the Lady Devils plan to display a faster, exciting style of play.

“We want an athletic team that has the quickness to put pressure on the basketball and play the up-tempo style that I like to play,” Hoseney said. “We also want to be as well conditioned and as strong as any team in the Northwest.

Lower Columbia’s top recruit, Krystal Seward, should be well suited for Hoseney’s faster attack this season. The freshman point guard from Eagle River, AK, led 4A Chugiak HS to two state appearances while leading in every statistical category. Along with Seward’s offensive skills, she is also one of the Lady Devils’ top one-on-one defenders, which could help LCC’s transition game this season. Hoseney said the Lady Devils will rely on Seward's leadership to set the tone for the team.

“Krystal is a smart player who understands what parts of her game need to get better. She also understands how to get things done,” Hoseney said. “Nothing will replace the experience she will get in the early going. Maturity will be a huge factor because we are still going to be a young team.

Much of Seward’s leadership burden on the court could be lifted with the development of newcomers Vanessa Williams and Karla Flinn. Hoseney hopes that the emergence of freshman Vanessa Williams, La Center HS, will ease the ball handling responsibilities off Seward. Karla Flinn, who led Tenino HS to a state place finish last season, should help carry much of the scoring load.

Vanessa has struggled with a knee injury since the second week of conditioning in September. Surgery in mid-October should put her back in the lineup by late November. “Vanessa is a very important part of our perimeter attack. Her ability to play the 1, 2 or 3 gives us the ability to keep another good ball handler in the lineup who can score in a variety of ways,” Hoseney said.

Like Williams, Karla Flinn is a talented scorer with a lot of skills. Although both players lack experience, their ability to penetrate, distribute, and shoot off the dribble could earn them significant playing time this season.

Other newcomers who will see significant action include Kerri Curtiss, Petersburg, AK, Carrie Richardson, Woodland, HS, Amber Ajinga, Soap Lake,WA, and Carlie Russum, Ilwaco, WA.

“Kerri comes to our program with flawless fundamentals,” Hoseney said. “She is going to be an impact player in our program because she can rebound, she runs well and she fits the mold of being interchangeable. After sitting out a year, she is eager to play hard everyday.

“I have been impressed so far with the development and work ethic of Carrie Richardson, Hoseney said. She understands the game well and if she is healthy, will give us a real physical presence in the paint.

“Amber is a good player,” Hoseney said. “and I think she is going to develop into a quality basketball player for us in the future. As she continues to make the adjustment from high school to college, she will steadily improve into the player she is capable of being.

“Carlie is also a good player with a lot to learn,” Hoseney said. “She is an excellent shooter and a great athlete, but she is still learning how to play the game. Carlie will no doubt become a contributing part of our team as she gains experience.

The three returnees for the Lady Devils will be expected to build upon their experience last season and bring in a new level of competitiveness. Returning starters Krista Olofson and Jamie Seymour will be expected to lead the way. Breeann Petty should also be in a position to play key roles.

“Krista shot the ball well for us last year when she was not burdened with the entire scoring load,” Hoseney said. “This year's added depth should allow Krista to blend into the offensive scheme and take open shots when she gets them. Krista forced a lot of things last year. Her percentage should go way up this year giving us a great outside shooting threat.

“Jamie’s role will be similar to Krista’s,” Hoseney said. “Last year we asked her to carry us in nearly every category from rebounding to scoring. Jamie will enjoy her sophomore year because her role will be more catered to her strengths. I am excited to see both Jamie and Krista enjoys the fruits of their labor.

“Breeann is challenged with becoming more complete,” Hoseney said. “Everyone knows she can shoot the three and extend the defense. How much playing time she earns will depend on what else she brings on a daily basis.

While Hoseney is enthused by the improvements that each of the players have shown, he also realizes the daunting task LCC must face to earn a spot in the NWAACC Tournament. For the Lady Devils to reach the Tournament they must climb the ladder in a loaded Western Division schedule.

The Western Division proved to be the strongest in the Northwest with three teams placing in the tournament last spring. Highline, Clark, Centralia, Tacoma, Pierce and South Puget Sound all return key players or have reloaded with excellent talent. Coaching changes at Green River and Grays Harbor will present new challenges as well. Despite the strength in the conference, Hoseney said LCC’s focus remains the same.

“Our goals haven’t changed,” Hoseney said. “We want to finish in the top four in the Western Division, and play in the NWAACC Tournament. We have the talent and the ability to get back in the upper echelon of the division. Our goal is to be there every year.