The Book: Lady Cajuns 2007-08 basketball

[NewsCopy]

2007-2008

[NewsCopy]

LOUISIANA - University of Louisiana’s Director of Athletics David Walker announced the 2007-08 Lady Cajuns basketball schedules Saturday. The program enters a new chapter under first-year head coach Errol Rogers. Schedule Highlights Tulane’s first trip to Lafayette since Dec. 1996 highlights first year women’s basketball head coach Errol Rogers’ schedule. The Lady Cajuns, fresh of their first NCAA Tournament appearance in program history, will play 11 home games, including a Sun Belt Conference meeting with New Orleans at the CAJUNDOME. The Lady Cajuns open the season on the road at Mercer in Macon, Ga., on Nov. 11, followed by Rogers’ home debut against Arkansas-Monticello on Nov. 14 at the CAJUNDOME. Back-to-back road contests against Southeastern Conference foes Mississippi on Nov. 18 and LSU on Nov. 21. Then, the Cajuns welcome the Tulane Green Wave to Lafayette on Nov. 28 before traveling to Shreveport to face the Ladies of Centenary on Dec. 1. The Cajuns then return to Austin, Texas – the site of their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance – to face the Texas Longhorns on Dec. 16. UL returns home to face the Nicholls State Colonels on Dec. 18 for its last home game of 2007. UL opens Sun Belt Conference play at Louisiana-Monroe on Dec. 22. The Cajuns will then conclude the month of December of the road at Savannah State (Dec. 28) and Mississippi State (Dec. 30). The women’s 2008 portion of the schedule will also begin on the road – a Jan. 3 date at Arkansas State. The Cajuns then return home briefly to face the UNO Privateers in the front end of a Cajuns basketball doubleheader at the CAJUNDOME on Jan. 5. UL then will play a pair of SBC road doubleheaders with the men’s squad at UALR (Jan. 10) and North Texas (Jan. 12). After another brief stint home to face Western Kentucky on Jan. 20, the Cajuns will travel to Alabama to face South Alabama (Jan. 23) and Troy (Jan. 27) before enjoying a two-game homestand. After a pair of two two-game road weekends, the UL women, like the men’s squad, closes out the regular season at home with three straight home contests. The 2008 Sun Belt Conference Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championship will run from March 5-11, with the first round games held at campus sites (March 5). The women’s portion of the tournament will be held March 8-11 in Mobile, Ala., while the men will play March 9-11. 2007-08 Louisiana’s Lady Cajuns Schedule Nov. 11, at Mercer (1 p.m.); Nov. 14, Arkansas-Monticello+ (4:30 p.m.); Nov. 18, at Mississippi (2 p.m.); Nov. 21, at LSU (7 p.m.), Nov. 28, Tulane (7 p.m.) Dec. 1, at Centenary (3 p.m.); Dec. 9, vs. LSU-Shreveport (7 p.m.); Dec. 16, at Texas (2 p.m.); Dec. 18, Nicholls State (7 p.m.); Dec. 22, at Louisiana-Monroe* (3 p.m.); Dec. 28, at Savannah State (2 p.m.); Dec. 30, at Mississippi State (2 p.m.) Jan. 3, Arkansas State* (3 p.m.); Jan. 5, New Orleans*+ (4:30 p.m.); Jan. 10, at UALR* (5:15 p.m.); Jan. 12, at North Texas* (5 p.m.); Jan. 20, Western Kentucky* (TBA); Jan. 23, at South Alabama* (7 p.m.); Jan. 27, at Troy* (2 p.m.); Jan. 30, Middle Tennessee* (7 p.m.) Feb. 2, Florida Atlantic* (3 p.m.); Feb. 6, at Florida International* (4:15 p.m.); Feb. 10, at Denver* (4 p.m.); Feb. 13, Louisiana-Monroe* (7 p.m.); Feb. 17, at Arkansas State* (2 p.m.); Feb. 21, at New Orleans* (7 p.m.); Feb. 24, UALR* (2 p.m.); Feb. 27, North Texas* (7 p.m.) March 1, Denver* (3 p.m.); March 5, Sun Belt Conference Championship First Round (Campus Sites); March 8-11, at Sun Belt Conference Championship (Mobile, Ala.) * Denotes Sun Belt Conference game | + Denotes home DH with men at the CAJUNDOME All Times CENTRAL and Subject to Change RaginCajuns.com

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Synopsis:
A year after making their first NCAA postseason appearance in program history, Louisiana’s Ragin’ Cajuns will usher in a new era this season under new head coach and Louisiana-Lafayette alumnus, Errol Rogers. The Cajuns, which finished 25-9 last season, will look to replace departed seniors Yolanda Jones and Jeanette Colbert - both of whom left their names dotted throughout the school record book. Louisiana returns six players from last year’s NCAA tournament team, including five seniors - Onna Charles, Sonora Edwards, Alicia McDaniel, Kina Miller and Courtney Ratliff. Charles, Edwards and McDaniel were members of UL’s Sun Belt West Division champion teams in 2004 and 2007. Charles and Edwards also could reach the coveted 1,000-point milestone this season. UL will also welcome eight newcomers, including four local high school products.

A New Coach, A New Era
The 2007-08 Ragin’ Cajuns women’s basketball season is an encore and a debut at the same time. Eight players, including three starters, return from last season’s NCAA Tournament team – the first post-season appearance in school history. In addition, new head coach Errol Rogers takes the reigns of a program that has a 65-28 record (.699) over the last three seasons.

Rogers is the eleventh head coach in school history. The Louisiana-Lafayette graduate spent the last four seasons as an assistant coach at Mississippi State with his primary responsibilities including on-court teaching and assisting with recruiting. The Bulldogs enjoyed a 12-win turnaround last season and advanced to the WNIT quarterfinals – their second WNIT trip in the last three seasons.

Rogers’ collegiate experience also includes four years as an assistant coach at Bethune-Cookman College from 1999-2003 where he was in charge of developing game strategies, conditioning and training, recruiting, and arranging travel and lodging accommodations. BCC enjoyed back-to-back winning seasons in his final two years, marking the best two campaigns for the Wildcats in the past decade.

The 2006-07 Cajuns set the school record for wins, going 25-9, en route to an at-large bid into the NCAA Tournament. The team went 14-4 in Sun Belt play and won the SBC West by a three-game margin – making the conference tournament finals for the second time in three years.

The Backcourt
Key Returners (3)
Onna Charles (5-8, Sr.-3L, Shooting Guard)
Whitney Dunlap (5-8, Jr.-2L, Shooting Guard)
Alicia McDaniel (5-7, Sr.-3L, Shooting Guard)


Newcomers (6)
Jasmine Barnes (5-7, Fr.-HS, Shooting Guard)
Blair Brodhead (5-7, r-Fr., Point Guard)
D’Mya Clay (5-8, Fr.-HS, Shooting Guard)
Elaine McCants (5-6, Sr.-JC, Point Guard)
Bronson Rodgers (5-5, So.-JC, Point Guard)
Shondalynn Wilson (5-7, So.-TR, Shooting Guard)


Key Losses (2)
Jeanenne Colbert (10.7 PPG, 4.5 APG, 2.9 RPG)
Amber Williams (2.5 PPG, 0.8 RPG)

Quick Hits
• A trio of veterans have been with the program for the last three seasons, including senior backcourt veterans Onna Charles and Alicia McDaniel. The trio has been an integral part of two Sun Belt West Division Championships and a pair of SBC Tournament Finals appearances.

• Charles boasts 879 career points and looks to become the fourth 1,000-point scorer in the past five seasons. She does most of her damage from long distance, connecting on 129 three-point field goals (ranking fifth all-time) on .334 percent three-point shooting (ranking fourth all-time). Also an excellent free throw shooter, Charles set a new school record with a .872 mark from the charity stripe. Coach Rogers and his staff have been helping Charles with her footwork in the off-season to help the shooter become a better penetrator off the dribble.

• McDaniel (434 points, 433 rebounds, 173 assists and 106 steals), is the team’s defensive specialist. Although her offensive game has been underrated, McDaniel scored 250 points last season (7.4ppg) and has increased her scoring production by 2.8 points-per-game each of the past two seasons. The coaching staff has indicated that they will do everything to keep McDaniel in the mix on the offensive end.

• Junior shooting guard Whitney Dunlap played in all 33 games last season as both a point guard and shooting guard – starting eight contests. Her shot was inconsistent last season (.288), but it was an improvement from her freshman season.

• Dunlap has shown that she can be a dangerous offensive weapon when her shot is falling, as evidence by a 22-point night versus UL Monroe on 6-for-6 shooting, including 3-for-3 from three-point range. She will once again be asked to log a few minutes at point guard this season, but the coaches are stressing she improve defensively.

• A fourth senior joins the Ragin’ Cajuns backcourt in 2007-08 - point guard Elaine McCants. McCants has been away from basketball since playing at Chipola JC during the 2004-05 season. She also appeared in six games with Providence during the 2002-03 season. Prior to the start of the 2005-06 season, McCants was in a motor vehicle accident in which her car was hit by a drunk driver. She suffered major injuries to her elbow that has required two years of extensive rehabilitation. Coach Rogers has taken note that McCants has ‘worked off the rust’ and he is looking forward to seeing her love of basketball on the court.

• Other players joining the UL backcourt include redshirt freshman Blair Brodhead, sophomore transfer Shondalynn Wilson, junior college transfer Bronson Rodgers and true freshmen Jasmine Barnes and D’Mya Clay. Brodhead, a four-year star at Teurlings Catholic, appeared in five games during her freshman season in 2005-06, before missing the year because of foot surgery. She did not play last season because of medical reasons. Her progress to get back into playing shape has been a pleasant surprise.

• Wilson transferred from McNeese State and sat out the 2006-07 season because of the NCAA’s transfer rules.

• Rodgers spent only one season at Itawamba JC and is a sophomore in eligibility. The lefty can take the team up and down the floor quickly, plays excellent defense and is a threat off the dribble or as a shooter.

• Freshmen Jasmine Barnes and D’Mya Clay round out the backcourt.

• Barnes is quick and athletic defender who can guard baseline to baseline. She is working hard to develop her jumper. Clay is a good shooter with tremendous athleticism. She is trying to catch-up to the speed of the college level.

The Frontcourt
Key Returners (4)
Ovigwerade Agbuke (6-5, So.-SQ, Center)
Sonora Edwards (6-2, Sr.-3L, Center)
Kina Miller (6-2, Sr.-1L, Center)
Courtney Ratliff (5-10, Sr.-1L, Power Forward)

Newcomers (2)
Valanette Amie (6-2, r-Fr., Power Forward)
Lyndra Bell (5-10, Fr.-HS, Power Forward)

Key Losses (2)
Yolanda Jones (17.6 PPG, 10.2 RPG)
Katie Boudreaux (0.4 PPG, 1.1 RPG)

Quick Hits
• Sonora Edwards, the third piece of the senior veteran puzzle, has been a steady post player for three seasons, appearing in 89 games. She has a chance to score 1,000 career points (enters 2007-08 with 713 points) and could move as high as second on the career rebounding list (enters 2007-08 with 582 rebounds, 192 shy of second all-time). Coach Rogers has indicated that he would like to see Edwards get more touches on the offensive end.

• Kina Miller and Courtney Ratliff were welcomed additions to the frontcourt last season. Miller, Ratliff and guard Whitney Dunlap were the first off the bench last season and each averaged over 10 minutes per game.

• Miller provided good minutes in the post – blocking 49 shots, the fifth best single-season total in school history. Her long wingspan makes her an excellent presence in the paint both offensively and defensively. In 13.5 minutes per game, Miller averaged 3.7 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game but her pro-rated statistics for a full 40 minutes equated to 11.0 points, 10.5 rebounds and 4.3 blocks per game. Coach Rogers has been impressed with Miller’s vocal presence in practice and expects her to earn a starting position.

• Ratliff provided an athletic burst off the bench, generating a total of at least three rebounds + steals in 21 of 31 games.

• Like Miller, Ratliff averaged 10.3 minutes, 3.1 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game, which would be pro-rated over 40 minutes to 12.2 points, 11.8 rebounds and 3.9 steals per game. The coaching staff loves her athletic presence and has tried to slow Ratliff’s game down to help her with her shot.

• In addition to the three senior low post players, sophomore Ovigwerade Agbuke will jockey for more playing time this season. Agbuke appeared in seven of the team’s first 11 games as a reserve center, but did not see any time the rest of the season. She has used the off-season to greatly improve – finding ways to utilize her 6-foot-5 frame.

• Valanette Amie did not play in 2006-07, taking a redshirt. Coach Rogers has seen Amie working very hard on her inside game and is showing that she wants to play.

• True freshman Lyndra Bell is the newest addition to the UL frontcourt. Bell came from a great high school program and really knows the game. She already possesses a good mid-range jumper and is an excellent rebounder.

2007-08 Schedule Notable

Tulane’s first trip to Lafayette since Dec. 1996 highlights first year women’s basketball head coach Errol Rogers’ schedule. The Cajuns, fresh of their first NCAA Tournament appearance in program history, will play 11 home games, including a Sun Belt Conference meeting with New Orleans at the CAJUNDOME.

The UL women open the season on the road at Mercer in Macon, Ga., on Nov. 11, followed by Rogers’ home debut against Arkansas-Monticello on Nov. 14 at the CAJUNDOME.

UL then will endure back-to-back road contests against SEC foes Mississippi on Nov. 18 and LSU on Nov. 21. Then, the Cajuns welcome the Tulane Green Wave to Lafayette on Nov. 28 before traveling to Bossier City to face the Ladies of Centenary College on Dec. 1.

The Cajuns then return to Austin, Texas – the site of their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance – to face the Texas Longhorns on Dec. 16. UL returns home to face the Nicholls State Colonels on Dec. 18 for its last home game of 2007.

UL opens Sun Belt play at Louisiana-Monroe on Dec. 22. The Cajuns will then conclude the month of December of the road at Savannah State (Dec. 28) and Mississippi State (Dec. 30).

The women’s 2008 portion of the schedule will begin at home – a Jan. 3 date versus Arkansas State at Earl K. Long Gym. The Cajuns then face the UNO Privateers in the front end of a Cajuns basketball doubleheader at the CAJUNDOME on Jan. 5.

Louisiana then will play a pair of SBC road doubleheaders with the men’s squad at UALR (Jan. 10) and North Texas (Jan. 12).

After another brief stint home to face Western Kentucky on Jan. 20, the Cajuns will travel to Alabama to face South Alabama (Jan. 23) and Troy (Jan. 27) before enjoying a two-game homestand.

After a pair of two two-game road weekends, the UL women, like the men’s squad, closes out the regular season at home with three straight home contests against UALR, North Texas and Denver.

The 2008 Sun Belt Conference Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championship will run from March 5-11, with the first round games held at campus sites (March 5). The women’s portion of the tournament will be held March 8-11 in Mobile, Ala., while the men will play March 9-11.

RaginCajuns.com

[BrockMeaux]

No video of Coach Rodgers dancing, huh?

[Turbine]

_ No video of Coach Rodgers dancing, huh?

_

Did he do any cartwheels?

[BrockMeaux]

Did he do any cartwheels?

Maybe not cartwheels, but he was close.

[CajunTundra]

I have read several articles about the Cajun Women's Team for this season, and the majority of the talk is about the Seniors this year. I think there's alot to said for several other key players that were a big contribution to the 25 and 9 record last year. Whitney Dunlap, Kina Miller, and Courtney Ratliff were a huge part of last year's team, and I felt they could have played even more than Coach Hall used them. Dunlap was the only point guard that Hall had for several games, due to Colbert's injuries and off court antics, and she did very well running the team and controlling the game. Miller gave Edwards plenty of relief in the post when Sonora picked up a few fouls, or we wanted to run our small version ot the twin towers. Ratliff was always a spark of energy off the bench, that gave McDaniel a break, and provided instant speed and defense. Jones and Colbert will be missed this year, but we have a very special core of good women basketball players. I hope Coach Rogers can find a good mix using these special players in his new system. I wish the public could watch this scrimmage against South Eastern, should be a good match up. I think they have under rated this team, but I do like being over looked, so we can sneak up again for another NCAA Playoff game.

Go Cajun's

[lcitsh]

_ I have read several articles about the Cajun Women's Team for this season, and the majority of the talk is about the Seniors this year. I think there's alot to said for several other key players that were a big contribution to the 25 and 9 record last year. Whitney Dunlap, Kina Miller, and Courtney Ratliff were a huge part of last year's team, and I felt they could have played even more than Coach Hall used them. Dunlap was the only point guard that Hall had for several games, due to Colbert's injuries and off court antics, and she did very well running the team and controlling the game. Miller gave Edwards plenty of relief in the post when Sonora picked up a few fouls, or we wanted to run our small version ot the twin towers. Ratliff was always a spark of energy off the bench, that gave McDaniel a break, and provided instant speed and defense. Jones and Colbert will be missed this year, but we have a very special core of good women basketball players. I hope Coach Rogers can find a good mix using these special players in his new system. I wish the public could watch this scrimmage against South Eastern, should be a good match up. I think they have under rated this team, but I do like being over looked, so we can sneak up again for another NCAA Playoff game.

Go Cajun's _

Well spoken. I agree with you, this team is extremely underrated and will surprise everyone who picked them fifth (FIFTH; ARE THEY CRAZY???) in the division. If I'm the seniors, I take this as a personal slap in the face, everyone thinking that this team consisted of just Yolie & JC. This team has an excellent opportunity to show that this is now a program, not just a one hit wonder. It's going to be a great season.

[NewsCopy]

Errol Rogers promises new. But he, and those who follow UL women's basketball, wouldn't mind a pretty good touch of the old. The Cajun women, coming off their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance - and an at-large one, at that -begin their first season under Rogers at 1 p.m. today when UL takes on Mercer (1-0) at the University Center in Macon, Ga. The UL squad will have a few new faces from the unit that lost to Marquette in last year's NCAA first round in Austin, Texas, but not that many. Six regular performers - Onna Charles, Sonora Edwards, Alicia McDaniel, Whitney Dunlap, Kina Miller and Courtney Ratliff - return, making the Cajuns' likely lineup much more familiar than the coaching staff. Rogers, a UL graduate and ex-assistant coach at Mississippi State, took over for the departed J. Kelley Hall last spring when Hall headed to Cincinnati, and it will be tough for him and his squad to match last year's 25-9 mark that also included the Cajuns' second Sun Belt Conference West Division title in three years. The rest of the story Dan McDonald dmcdonald@theadvertiser.com

[CajunTundra]

Does anyone know if Elaine McCants is still on the team ? I read the article and it mentioned her, and she's on the roster, but I heard rumor she's no longer on the team.

I guess the game today, won't be on internet radio ?

Thanks,

Geaux Cajuns !!! Beat Mercer !!!

[headragincajun]

Just wanted to wish the Ragin Cajuns good luck today and for the rest of the season. Hope they can win it all. We will be watching and cheering for the ladies. Make us Proud.

Former Headragincajun

[Clutch0364]

I caught it late on the scroll on espn but I believe we lost today 72-61.