No Longer Freshmen 2-16-04

No Longer Freshmen 2-16-04

2/16/2004 By Lauren Santi

Vanderbilt women’s head basketball coach Melanie Balcomb isn’t surprised.
She knew this year’s freshman class was chockfull of talent. She knew they would make an impact on the court. And now everyone else knows it, too.

As the Commodores get deeper into their conference schedule, the trick is to continue what they’ve already begun, and Coach Balcomb is looking for some of her younger players to take the next step.

“At this halfway point [in the season], we want to see them step up,” Balcomb said. “Not just to want to play, but really make plays.”

Junior Abi Ramsey’s absence during the early part of the season and an injury to senior Jenni Benningfield opened the door for several freshmen to make an impact right away.

Carla Thomas, who made her first career start at center against Syracuse Jan. 2, recorded a double-double in her inaugural SEC game versus Kentucky. One of five high school All-Americans in the Commodores’ freshman class, Thomas has made a smooth transition to the collegiate basketball ranks.

“You expect the higher intensity level and competition in college, so there were no big surprises,” Thomas said. “But to compare it to high school, it’s like every game’s a state championship game.”

Coach Balcomb emphasized the need for consistency from her new players at this point in the season as the tougher opponents begin to stack up.

“They have to come ready to play every night in the SEC,” Balcomb said. “We don’t just want to see their potential – we want them to perform.”

Dee Davis and Cherish Stringfield are two freshman performers who have contributed to Vanderbilt’s early success and winning record. Stringfield has started every game so far this season, and Davis came off the bench Jan. 18 to make an impact in the Commodores’ come-from-behind win against 20th-ranked Auburn after missing five games for a stress fracture in her foot.

Another freshman contributor is Katie Antony whose career-high 14 points helped lead her team to a decisive victory over the Wildcats. Antony agreed with teammate Carla Thomas that the intensity of college play far surpasses anything she encountered as a high school standout.

“The intensity level is the biggest difference. Also, you’re playing with a new group of girls and getting to know them on and off the court. But it’s such a great chemistry on this team and with the coaches,” Antony said.

Coach Balcomb has been pleased with her outstanding freshman class and the impact they have already made, but she also expects big things from them in the future.

“We’re pleased with their commitment and work ethic and what they want to do for us,” Balcomb said.

Less than halfway through its first season of college basketball, the class of 2007 has already begun to make its mark. So put on your shades, Commodore fans, because the future of women’s basketball looks bright.