49ers Play Exhibition Game Tuesday
LBSU Welcomes Love & Basketball
October 31, 2005 Quickly:
Before the 2005 campaign officially begins on Friday, Nov. 18 at TCU, the Long Beach State women's basketball team will play two exhibition games versus Love & Basketball on Tuesday, Nov. 1 at 7:30 pm, and Team Concept on Thursday, Nov. 10 at 7:30 pm. Both games will be played at The Walter Pyramid.
About Love & Basketball:
The Love & Basketball AAU team is comprised of Southern California residents, most of whom are former collegiate players at local area universities. The movie "Love & Basketball" was written and directed by honorary team member, Gina Prince-Bythewood.
2005-06 Season Preview:
After posting its best record since the 1999-2000 season, expectations are rising for the Long Beach State women's basketball program. The 49ers finished the 2004-05 season with a 19-9 mark (.679) and a second place regular season finish in the Big West Conference. The 49ers also produced five all-conference selections and ranked statistically No. 2 in scoring offense and No. 1 in scoring defense.
For head coach Mary Hegarty, who enters her third season with The Beach, the time is now to, "make that next step and play for the conference championship and advance to the NCAA playoffs."
Hegarty will rely on Long Beach State's six returnees (two of which were starters last season) to mentor and guide a very young 05-06 squad. "The leadership from the seniors is key," said Hegarty. "Each of our returnees have experience and understand our system, and they know what it takes to reach our ultimate goal."
A breakdown of this year's roster has four seniors, (Crystal McCutcheon, Jayme Connors, Meghan Griffith, and Fernanda Santos) two juniors (Val Willhoit, Rosalyn Omoruyi), one sophomore (Jeannie Saunders), and seven freshmen (Randi Cameron, Kaiti O'Brien, Mary Has, Brittney Parker, Amanda Foster, Karina Figueroa, and Jamie Rogers). Of the 14 players, eight are newcomers.
Although there are eight new faces on the squad, Hegarty won't shy away from her offensive philosophy. In fact last season, the 49ers ranked second in the league in scoring margin (+9.0) and steals (10.25 per game). "We are going to run our motion offense and try to take advantage of match-ups. We are going to be a running team and pressure the ball on defense."
Guards
Senior leadership will start at the guard position and at the forefront of that responsibility is Crystal McCutcheon. The 5-9 two-guard enjoyed her finest season in a 49er uniform last season, averaging 12.5 points per game, while shooting a team-best .471 from three-point range. In fact McCutcheon's 47% accuracy from beyond the arc was tops in the league. McCutcheon also displayed defensive prowess, averaging 2.32 steals per game, second in the Big West. Those numbers were good enough to land her a spot on the all-conference second team. "She has the chance to be the conference player of the year," boasted Hegarty. "We (coaching staff) are looking for her to be a bit more selfish, meaning to have a ‘shoot first' mentality. I expect more from her in the leadership role, which means being more vocal and continue to set an example on the court with her work ethic."
Also in the backcourt will be sophomore Jeannie Saunders. After landing a spot on the Big West All-Freshmen team last season, Hegarty looks for Saunders to not experience a sophomore slump. "Jeannie improved (in the off-season) more than any of our other returnees," noted Hegarty. "She improved her offensive skills and footwork, and its clear that she understands our system. We expect a huge sophomore season from her." In 2004-05, Saunders set a new school freshman record for 3-point field goal percentage (.417). Saunders also averaged 6.7 points and 2.9 rebounds per game, to go along with 45 steals.
Rounding out the talented veteran backcourt is junior Val Willhoit. "Val adds that extra depth," said Hegarty. "Val struggled with injuries last season. When she's healthy, she's a huge asset on the floor." Willhoit averaged 1.5 points and 1.8 points per game last season.
Forwards
Long Beach State has plenty of depth and options at the forward position this season. The veteran leadership from Jayme Connors will be the most important key for the 49ers' success in the post in 05-06. After averaging 7.4 points and 7.5 rebounds last season, Hegarty expects another solid effort from the 6-2 senior, "She is an experienced player with strong leadership skills," noted Hegarty. "We expect her to continue to set the tone for us. She's had to overcome some adversities in her career (injuries). It would be nice for her to end her career by advancing to the NCAA Tournament."
Senior Fernanda Santos will also be a presence inside for the 49ers. With a year under her belt, Hegarty feels Santos will be a formidable force with lots of versatility. "Her experience last season and her experience this past summer with the Brazilian National Team has made her a complete all around player who can play anywhere on the floor," added Hegarty. "We expect for her to be on the court more this season." The 6-2 senior averaged 4.3 points and pulled down 75 boards, while blocking 11 shots last season.
Meghan Griffith is the other half of the senior duo that Hegarty will rely on for depth this season. "Meg really improved her fitness and agility in the off season," commented Hegarty. "She will see more playing time on the court based on the improvements she has made." Griffith had 20 points and 19 rebounds in 14 games played last season.
Newcomers
Although eight newcomers comprise the 2005-06 squad, Hegarty sees this as an advantage. Already adding to a loaded backcourt, freshman Karina Figueroa will bring a winning attitude on the court. "She comes with a lot of great experience and from a winning program (Rosary HS in Orange County)," said Hegarty. "Karina has the opportunity to step in and get significant playing time early. She sees the court extremely well. She is a true point guard who knows how to involve her teammates."
Mary Has is the other freshman guard who Hegarty will rely on for added depth. "Mary is a very skilled guard who shoots the ball and guards the ball well," commented Hegarty.
Hegarty has plenty of resources to tap into at the forward position as well. A 6-0 freshman from Allen, TX, Randi Cameron, will add a visible post presence for the 49ers this season. "Randi is a hard worker," claimed Hegarty. "She can shoot well and at the same time mix it up inside. She is a very good rebounder and defender."
Both Rosalyn Omoruyi and Amanda Foster (Los Angeles/Marshall HS) provide a balanced attack in the paint. "Amanda brings a strong competitive spirit and will certainly raise the level of intensity in practice," said Hegarty. Meanwhile, Omoruyi, a junior transfer from Cypress CC, gives the 49ers an edge that Hegarty likes. "She is an outstanding offensive and defensive rebounder. She is extremely productive on the floor and will add to our depth and versatility."
The 49ers added three walk-ons to this year's squad in Kaiti O'Brien, Jamie Rogers, and Brittney Parker. O'Brien hails from Fresno (Clovis West HS) and has certainly caught the eye of Hegarty who feels that her work ethic in practice will earn her minutes on the court. Rogers and Parker will also contribute to Hegarty's offensive system this season.
Without a doubt, the key to success of the 2005-06 49ers will rest on the shoulders of its four seniors. Hegarty firmly believes that the returnees know how close they came last season to a post-season appearance, and that they are motivated and dedicated to do the little things to make sure that this program sees an NCAA tournament appearance. "Their (returnees) understanding has made them value this time and put the extra effort in the gym and practice," explained Hegarty.
The 2005-06 season begins with a Texas double dip (at TCU on Nov. 18 and at Houston on Nov. 20), before returning home for its home opener vs. USC on Nov. 23. In fact, a closer look at the schedule reveals that five of Long Beach State's non-conference opponents advanced to the NCAA Tournament last season. The 49ers open conference play at home on Jan. 7 vs. UC Santa Barbara. There is no secret that Long Beach State covets what the Gauchos have won over the last 10 seasons – a conference championship.
Hegarty knows that the road to a conference championship and NCAA Tournament berth will take a lot. But given the motivation and work ethic of this team, along with the offensive and defensive schemes the coaching staff has in place, it's only a matter of time this season that Long Beach State will be put it all together and be a force to be reckoned with.
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