In the first installment of what we hope is going to be a weekly practice, here’s some observations from St. Joe’s women’s basketball practice this afternoon:
– After coming off an injury-riddled 2008-09 season, the Hawks are starting off this year with a few concerns already. Dominique Bryant, ’11, and Ashley Robinson, ’13, were both on the sidelines throughout the practice. Kelly Cavallo, ’12, turned an ankle during practice and had to be carried off by two assistant coaches; she spent the rest of practice with the leg elevated and iced, and no word was given yet on the extent of the injury. Mariame Djouara, ’10, also went down with leg cramps, but recovered to finish the day.
– The guard corps is fast, led by Djouara. Head coach Cindy Griffin stressed speed today during fast break drills, and told the team she believed they had the speed to cause problems.And Djouara, cramp or not, was tearing everyone else up in speed drills.
– First impression of the freshmen: Shelby Smith looks very comfortable in the point guard role. It may not be hers to start the season, but it will be in the not to distant future. Only problem with her is that it’s difficult the tell her and Katie Kuester, ’12, apart on the court sometimes. Ashley Prim lacks a height at 5′ 7″, but she carries herself like a tough, heady guard. My first impression was a huskier LaKiesha Eaddy (maybe a bit much this early). Mireia Vila looks like a fundamentally sound European player. She’s long and looks raw at this point, but the potential is pretty obvious.
-Matthew De George ’10
The Hawk Sports 