Women's basketball hits the road against Nebraska

What your mother always told you is true: You only get to make one first impression.

Sports teams, however, are different; they get a chance to make a brand new one every year.

The women's basketball team will look to make their 2003-2004 version a good one when they open their season this Saturday with a game at the University of Nebraska. Coming off a 9-19 performance, Princeton is ready for a fresh start.

Although the Tigers head into their opener as underdogs against an opponent from the powerful Big XII conference, a good showing would start their season off with a bang. And while it won't be easy, an upset is by no means inconceivable.

The Huskers are rightfully known far more for their dynastic football tradition then for the prowess of their basketball teams. After finishing last year 8-20 overall and managing just one league win, they've been picked to finish last in their conference again.

Still, Nebraska, who opens its season Friday night against Gofford, will be a more-than-formidable foe. Senior forward Alexa Johnson, who played for Team USA in the World University Games over the summer, may very well be the most talented player the Tigers face all season. She led the Huskers with 14.8 points and 6.8 rebounds per game last season and was named honorable mention All-Big XII.

"She's a nice all-around left-handed combo post-wing player," head coach Richard Barron said. "We'll keep an eye on her, though she's not the type of player that we're worried she'll go off for 40."

Along with Johnson, Princeton must contain two dangerous seniors — center Katie Morse and guard Keasha Cannon-Johnson — who both return after missing the majority of last season due to injuries. Junior Jina Johnson, a talented playmaker at the point, and senior Margaret Richards round out the starting five. The experience of Nebraska's starters is partially negated by the greenness of their bench, however, as all the reserves are freshman.

A focus on solid fundamentals will be crucial to the upset bid. Last year the Tigers opened their schedule against another Big XII team, Baylor. Although Princeton led with three minutes to play in the first half, a sloppy effort in the second half, allowed the Bears to waltz to a 39-point romp. The Tigers would rather avoid a repeat of such an outcome.

"A big concern is that we take care of the ball and don't allow lots of offensive rebounds," Barron said. "We can play with them if we can eliminate bad plays."

With a young lineup boasting just three upperclassmen, maintaining poise despite a possibly unnerving road environment will also be a challenge. To that end, it will be essential for the Tigers to establish a pace of play with which they are comfortable.

While Nebraska is probably the more athletic team, Barron was quick to note that the Huskers will only be able to utilize their advantage if Princeton plays passively. With aggressive onand off-the-ball movement, the Tigers can neutralize the discrepancy.

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It's anyone's guess as to who specifically will take the lead for Princeton. While sophomore post Becky Brown is usually a good guess, it's not quite that simple.

When asked which Tigers will see significant playing time, Barron is prone to rattling off virtually the entire lineup in a matter of seconds. And it's not just that he doesn't want to leave anyone out.

"We have more weapons and depth this year," Barron said. "It's a nice thing to be able to call on so many different players."

Expect to see three freshman and two sophomores to take the floor for the opening tip. Sophomore Katy O'Brien, who gets the starting nod at point, will share the backcourt with freshman Shelly Slemp. Freshman forwards Katy Digovich and Casey Lockwood will roam the wings, while Brown holds down the post.

Barron didn't report having any substitution patterns in mind, so expect to see him mix-and-match in search of effective combinations.

"We try not to predetermine roles too much, but if we want to go to anyone on the bench, they'll be ready," he said. "If players know we evaluate everybody, everyday, they all work harder."