Freshmen look to rebuild w. hoops

Freshmen Meagan Cowher of Pennsylvania, Ariel Rogers of Illinois and Ali Prichard of Minnesota hail from all across the country, but they each have two things in common. They're excited to put on a Princeton women's basketball jersey, and they have a history of turning mediocre teams into championship contenders. After the Tigers finished seventh in the Ivy League last year, these freshmen could be just the boost Princeton needs to reach the next level.

According to junior center Becky Brown, it is normal for freshmen to have nerves and first-practice jitters, but she has been pleased with the group's transition thus far.

"They're talented and strong players," she said. "We've made them feel welcome, and they've fit in well off the court."

Cowher — daughter of Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Bill — is a six-foot, one-inch power forward who starred for Fox Chapel High School, where she led her team to the playoffs for the first time in three years. She finished her high school career with 1,438 points and 602 rebounds, both second best in school history. Brown expects her to add depth and versatility to the team.

Joining Cowher is Rogers, a 5'11" post player who was a 2004 McDonald's All-American nominee at Evanston Township High School. Rogers led her team in points, rebounds and blocks en route to the program's second best record in nine years and the regional championship. In her senior year she was named first-team all-conference and fourth-team all-state.

Prichard displayed her shooting prowess early this year in pickup games, but has unfortunately been unable to practice due to an injury. At Apple Valley High School, she led her team to the state tournament for the first time since 1995. She also rewrote her school record books with her shooting ability, tallying the most three-pointers in a season (50) and for a career (174).

Head coach Richard Barron feels their impact will be felt immediately, both on and off the court.

"Like all of our returning players, these ladies are committed to taking Princeton to the top of the Ivy League," Barron said. "All three were instrumental in building or rebuilding their high school teams and showed a strong desire to be a part of that building process with a college program."