North Carolina State University Athletics
Yesterday, Today, Always; NC State Gears Up For 2004-05 Season
10/16/2004 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Oct. 16, 2004
RALEIGH, N.C. - Yesterday, Today, Always
NC State's history is well-known around the Atlantic Coast Conference as well as the nation. Even more well-known is the relationship of its head coach Kay Yow with the university and its women's basketball program.
NC State women's basketball and Kay Yow are synonymous. Yow begins her 30th year with the Wolfpack Women on Nov. 19. It seems as though as she continues her career, the milestones come more and more frequently. Last year she coached her 850th career game and won her 650th, becoming the first ACC women's basketball coach to do so. And this year Yow needs four wins to become the fourth women's basketball coach in NCAA history to win 600 games at the same institution.
Yow's players, past, present and future, are all aware of her achievements, which brings to light her two current assistants. Both Jenny Palmateer, now in her sixth season, and Trena Trice-Hill, ready to begin her first at NC State, played under Coach Yow and now coach for her. The current players consistently say they come to play for NC State because of Coach Yow. So it is only fitting that this year she honor her supporters with her 600th win with the Wolfpack. And she will be in good hands with her current roster of 14 players, ready to embark on the adventure of helping Coach Yow reach her 600th win and beyond, including an 18th trip to the NCAA Tournament and perhaps the program's first NCAA championship.
"I have enjoyed coaching every single year for many years and have had the opportunity to be a part of some exciting moments," said Yow. "Currently, I am focused on my 30th year at NC State and I am really looking forward to what this year will bring!"
The future of Yow's milestones rests in the hands of 14 women. NC State welcomes back just one full-time starter and three part-timers from a year ago. Senior Kendra Bell started 29 of the Pack's 32 games at point guard. The 5-5 guard averaged 7.2 points per game and 2.8 assists per game. Junior Rachel Stockdale is the only other upperclassmen to see significant time in 2004. She started 12 games, all late in the season. She is one of the Wolfpack's top three-point shooters and one of its best passers. The 5-11 guard averaged 3.8 points per game, 1.6 rebounds per game and 1.0 assists per game in just under 14 minutes per game. Sophomores Keisha Brown and Marquetta Dickens were the other two players to get the starting nod for the Pack. Brown started 16 of her 28 appearances and averaged 4.3 points per game, 3.1 rebounds per game and 1.0 assists per game. Dickens is the team's top returning scorer with her 8.3 points per game and 2.9 rebounds per game. With that said, the six remaining players will have some big shoes to fill after the departure of seniors Kaayla Chones, Terah James, Alvine Mendeng and Nanna Rivers.
Chones was a first-team All-ACC selection and led the team in scoring with 14.5 points per game and in rebounding with 7.7 rebounds per game. James spent two years recovering from ACL injuries but her veteran experience and knowledge of the game will be missed. Mendeng was the team's leading offensive rebounder, totaling 71 on the year. And Rivers was voted to the ACC All-Defense team, just the second player in NC State history so honored.
"That group of seniors was a part of the team that staged an incredible turnaround in the second half of the season last year," said Yow. "As a result of our play down the stretch, I look forward to the potential of this year's team."
So what does this team bring to the table? A returning starting point guard, the team's leading scorer as a freshman, 10 returning letterwinners, two junior college transfers, including the WBCA Junior College Player of the Year, and two freshmen who were ranked among the nation's best.
Backcourt
Bell returns at point guard, a position she has continued to improve in and from which she took a more formal leadership position. The guard from Fayetteville, N.C., is the returning assist maker, after tallying 84 last season. She can also shoot, hitting an average of 40 percent on 77-of-192 from the floor in 2004. That total includes a solid three-point shooting performance as she made 24 of her 60 attempts from the arc. In addition, despite her short stature, Bell gets in to rebound. She finished third overall last season in rebounding and surprisingly is the team's second-best returning rebounder with 90 total last year. She finished just two behind Dickens, who had 92 as a freshman.
"Kendra brings a consistency of play to this team after having a year of experience as our starting point guard," said Yow. "She is a hard-nosed defender and a smart and aggressive offensive player, who can make assists, draw fouls, score and handles the ball very well for us."
Stockdale returns to a more formidable position this season, this year as a leader. She and Bell have been with this team the longest and will therefore be relied upon much more. The shooting guard came back last season after sitting out in 2002-03 due to several knee surgeries. And last year she was limited in minutes due to rehabilitation concerns. As one of the Wolfpack's top three-point threats and passers, Stockdale will again bring the same to the squad. She, along with the coaching and sports medicine staff, will continue to maintain rehab on her knee as an attempt to prevent further damage and to keep her healthy. Despite such restrictions, Stockdale played up to par while the team was in Greece and played full back-to-back games for the first time in nearly two years. NC State traveled to Greece in late May to play four games against international competition, including two versus the Greek National Team. Prior to her knee problems, Stockdale was an all-ACC Freshman performer in 2001-02. She led the team in three-pointers made that season and with the possibility of increased playing time this year is likely to achieve more postseason accolades in 2005.
"After one year of a medical red-shirt and another year of limited time on the court, Rachel is ready to play full speed ahead," stated Yow. "Rachel is one of our best passers and scorers. We were very pleased with how she stepped up her play in our four games in Greece this May."
As a freshman, Marquetta Dickens was the team's second-best scorer and she returns as the leader this season. Dickens posted some credible numbers in her first season, despite lower back problems. The guard played through the pain and in the offseason had preventive surgery in June. Her versatility is unmatched by most. Her strength and quickness have aided her in the past and will continue to do so as a sophomore. The Tarboro, N.C., native hit 30-of-86 three-point attempts last season, was 39 percent from the floor all around and is also the team's top returning rebounder with 92 caroms last year. She averaged 9.3 ppg in ACC games. In addition, Dickens recorded 13 double-figure games, including nine times in ACC games, and had two 20-point games.
"Marquetta is an explosive player who can get to the basket or hit a three-pointer," said Yow. "She is a force out on the wing, is tough to defend and can post up if she needs to."
Four others return to step into the backcourt spot, including juniors Billie McDowell and Monica Pope and sophomores Ashley Key and Keisha Brown. McDowell was sidelined at times last season due to a nagging shoulder problem. As a sophomore, McDowell saw action in 26 games and averaged 11 minutes per. She is a consistent free-throw shooter, hitting 11-of-14 attempts, and is also known for stepping up to the challenge when the game is on the line. The 5-7 guard tracks the ball very well and finished with 28 steals in her 26 appearances. She had two games in which she tallied four picks, including the NCAA Tournament game against Auburn.
"Billie is an aggressive on the ball defensive player," said Yow. "If stats included deflections, Billie may have led the team last season! Additionally, Billie has a knack for rebounding and can get hot from the three-point line!"
Pope transferred from Furman in 2002 and has since developed her game into exactly what Coach Yow needed. Pope stepped up for the Pack in several key games last season and became one of the Wolfpack's top penetrators. The 5-6 guard played in 13 games and finished with 24 points. Pope has three years of credible experience for NC State to utilize and she has worked incredibly hard on her strength and conditioning.
"Monica has become more intense on both ends of the court and is showing more determination to play at the top of her game," Yow said. "Monica's quickness can be a factor offensively as well as defensively."
Key's transition from high school to the college level was hampered early on last season due to an ACL injury she suffered prior to joining the Wolfpack. Today, Key has freed herself from that and is very capable of taking on a load of responsibility for Coach Yow, both offensively and defensively. Key can hit the three and then turn around and play stifling defense, often resulting in a turnover or a fast break for NC State. As a freshman she played in 30 games and averaged 12 minutes per contest. She made 23 steals and hit 22 of her 73 three-point attempts. During the Pack's four-games in Greece, Key led all scorers and had double figures in each game. It was apparent that Key is ready to step into a more noticeable role for Coach Yow and her teammates in 2004-05.
"We were very impressed with Ashley's play against the Greek National team," said Yow. "She came out hungry to play and ended up leading us in points. Ashley is a very skilled ball handler and scorer. She is our best on-ball defender."
Brown led all underclassmen in steals as a freshman with 29 total and was fourth overall. She was also third on the squad in rebounding with an average of 3.1 rpg in 28 games, to lead all returners. Brown started 16 of her appearances and performed exceptionally from the free throw line. She hit 19-of-23 attempts for 82.6 percent, the highest on the squad. The guard will be looked upon this season to fully maximize her athleticism. Her leaping ability is unparallel and she has the ability to contribute on both sides of the ball. Brown's athleticism is her biggest asset and she has one year of experience under her belt for NC State to capitalize on.
"Keisha is getting stronger physically and has settled into one position, the small forward, for her second season," stated Yow. "Playing one position this year will enable her to maximize her offensive skills within our system."
NC State brings two newcomers into the guard spot this season, including junior college transfer Tiffany McCollins and freshman Celanese Bozeman. McCollins was a two-year starter with University of Arkansas- Fort Smith, where she averaged 13.3 ppg and 11.0 rpg. The point guard was named to the NJCAA All-Tournament team after leading her squad to the NJCAA National Tournament semifinals in 2003. Additionally. McCollins is a two-time Bi-State all-conference and honorable mention all-region.
"Tiffany is a quick and gutsy guard who plays hard and is a great team player," said Yow. "Her intensity will be noticed as well as her passion for the game. She can penetrate and create for herself and others!"
Bozeman is a true freshman from Hampton, Va. As a senior she was ranked 66th nationally by All Star Girls Report and fifth by position. Bozeman was also named Street and Smith honorable mention All-American, All-Peninsula District, All-Eastern Region and second team all-state Group AA. As a four-year starter, she finished with over 1,000 career points and led her teams to four Peninsula District regular season and tournament titles and a Virginia High School League girls AAA state championship.
"CeCe is known for her three point shooting ability," said Yow. "She will need great intensity and determination as she strives to take her game to the next level. However, we are confident that with hard work she can make great progress in her game."
Frontcourt
In the frontcourt, Yow will have senior Darline Jasmin, junior Tiffany Stansbury, sophomores Jennifer Filipowski and Sasha Reaves, and freshman Khadijah Whittington to work with. Jasmin is NC State's other senior. She arrived at NC State after a productive start with Miami Dade Community College. She is a great offensive rebounder for the Wolfpack and has worked hard to fit into Coach Yow's system. Over the summer, Jasmin improved her vertical leap by three inches, a task most don't achieve for over a year. Jasmin played mostly at the forward spot as a junior, but may be looked upon to step in at center in 2004-05. She went 10-for-18 from the floor last season in her 12 appearances and also was 8-of-11 from the charity stripe.
"Darline continues to make progress in the development of physical strength, skill develop and knowledge of the game," said Yow. "Her physical play and her rebounding ability are her greatest assets."
Stansbury was the WBCA National Junior College Player of the Year and may be the ACC's best kept secret heading into 2004-05. At 6-3, Stansbury is quick on her feet and a consistent scorer. She is a very physical player and runs the floor like a guard. As a two-year starter at Gulf Coast Community College, Stansbury made quite a name for herself in her short time there. Included among her top accolades are: NJCAAfFirst team Kodak All-American, FCCAA (Florida Community College Athletic Assoc.) All-Tournament, Gulf Coast Community College Tournament MVP, FCCAA and Panhandle Player of the Year, Panhandle all-conference, FCCAA all-state, NJCAA All Region VIII, NJCAA State Player of the Year and NJCAA All-Tournament Team. She led her team to a No. 2 national ranking after finishing with a 34-2 record. Rebounding and scoring are equally important to Stansbury, which is evident in her averages as a sophomore. She pulled down 11.2 rpg and tallied 13.2 ppg.
"Tiffany will make a name for herself in the ACC," Yow said. "She works hard in the low post position and is a force on the boards. Additionally, she can open the floor and defends the low post very well. Physical defender and going to the boards is one of her strengths."
Filipowski has been with the Wolfpack for three seasons. After sitting out in 2002-03 with knee problems, she didn't miss a beat a year ago. She is one of the team's most knowledgeable players and understands her role with this team. Filipowski is an excellent outside shooter as well and has worked hard to move from the guard to the post position.
"Jen is a very positive person and there is a lot to be said for a person who at any moment could play two different positions and know what their job is," stated Yow. "Her positive attitude towards the game has never faltered despite her injury problems."
Reaves may see time as both a center and a forward entering her sophomore campaign. Over the past year the Mullins, S.C., native has transformed her body into major league form. Her excellent hands and pivot foot aided resulted in some offensive depth for NC State throughout her freshman season. In the 24 games she played in, Reaves recorded a 61 percent field-goal percentage, after she made 36 of her 59 attempts. In addition, she averaged 2.8 rpg and finished with 68 total boards.
"Sasha has worked hard in the off-season to become physically stronger," said Yow. "Both her defense and offense will be better with more physical play. Sasha can post low, but she also has a soft touch facing the basket. Communication skills reflect her commitment to team play."
Whittington has already made a name for herself in the USA Basketball world and this season will likely do so as a member of the Wolfpack. The 6-1 forward played with the USA Youth Development Festival East Team that won the gold medal in 2003. At the conclusion of her senior year at Woodrow Wilson High School in Roanoke, Va., Whittington was ranked 19th nationally by Blue Star Index and was the Female Gatorade Player of the Year for the state of Virginia. She averaged 16.7 ppg, 16.5 rpg and 3.0 bpg as a senior and as a result was named to the Associated Press Group AA first team All-America list.
"Khadijah plays bigger than she is," stated Yow. "She is very active around the basket and works hard to create scoring opportunities. Her explosiveness and leaping ability make her a force to be reckoned with on the board."
2004-05 Schedule
NC State's schedule will feature nine 2004 NCAA Tournament competitors, including the 2004 NCAA National Runner-Up, Tennessee. The Pack and the Lady Vols will meet in the Third Annual Women's Jimmy V Classic on Nov. 21, in Raleigh at the RBC Center. In addition to the two new Atlantic Coast Conference teams in Miami and Virginia Tech, the Wolfpack will endure a new schedule format. The Pack's slate will feature 13 non-conference games and 14 ACC games.
"There are no weak teams in our schedule," stated Yow. "It will be a battle every game. We continue to schedule strong opponents in non-conference. The 13 non-conference games, along with our ACC schedule are very competitive."
The new scheduling procedure allows NC State to face four ACC teams home an away and three games each on the road and at home. With that said, the Wolfpack will see Clemson, Miami, North Carolina and Wake Forest twice, Georgia Tech, Maryland and Virginia Tech on the road and will take on Duke, Florida State and Virginia at home in Reynolds Coliseum.
NC State will again play host at the RBC Center in Raleigh, N.C. of the Jimmy V Classic. Newcomer and fellow ACC member, North Carolina will face the defending National Champions, Connecticut at 2:30 p.m. in game one on ESPN. NC State will tip-off against Tennessee at 5 p.m. on ESPN2. The non-conference portion of the schedule also includes Vanderbilt, which advanced to the 2004 Elite Eight, along with first round competitors George Washington and possibly Hampton. In addition, the Wolfpack will match up against Nebraska and possibly Louisville, both WNIT bound teams in non-conference action. In regards to ACC play, the Pack will take on Duke, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia Tech and Miami - all of which made a NCAA appearance last season.
The Pack will participate in two tournaments, beginning with the Paradise Jam in the Virgin Islands, Nov. 26-27. NC State opens against Nebraska before meeting up with either Louisville or Hampton. The second tournament will be held at St. Peter's in Jersey City, N.J. There NC State will take on Mt. St. Mary's and St. Peter's.
The ACC portion of the schedule kicks off at home versus Wake Forest on Monday, Jan. 3. Additionally, the 28th annual ACC Tournament set to be held at the Greensboro Coliseum once again, is set for Friday, March 4 through Monday, March 7.
The Wolfpack will once again have at least nine games televised. NC State hits the airwaves on ESPN2 against Tennessee at 5 p.m. in the Jimmy V Classic. Also, at least eight ACC games will be on the Regional Sports Network and FOX Sports Net.
Televised home games include Wake Forest, North Carolina, Duke and Clemson. The five televised road games are Virginia Tech, Maryland, Miami and North Carolina - which will be nationally broadcast on ESPN2. And, once again the ACC Tournament will be covered by RSN.
2004-05 Schedule Notes
• New ACC scheduling allows for four home and away opponents, three away only and three home only games. Pack will face Clemson, North Carolina, Miami and Wake Forest home and away, Georgia Tech, Maryland and Virginia Tech away only and Duke, Florida State and Virginia home only.
• Host the third annual Women's Jimmy V Classic against National Runner-up, Tennessee
• The Wolfpack will potentially meet up with nine teams that advanced to the 2004 NCAA Tournament, including Tennessee, Hampton, George Washington, Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech, Miami, North Carolina, Maryland and Duke.
• The docket also includes a possible four teams that participated in the WNIT. NC State will certainly face Clemson, Florida State and Nebraska and possibly Louisville.
• Competing in two tournaments, the Paradise Jam in the Virgin Islands (Nebraska and Hampton or Louisville) and the St. Peter's Tournament (Mt. St. Mary's and St. Peter's).
• In addition to the televised NCAA Tournament games, NC State will have nine games broadcast, including two on ESPN2 (Tennessee and North Carolina).
