Baker is bringing an experienced women’s basketball team to Collins Center when the 2008-2009 season tips off Tuesday.
<br/>The Wildcats have been practicing since the end of September and are now just days away from starting the new season.The Wildcats have been practicing since the end of September and are now just days away from starting the new season.
The Wildcats have been practicing since the end of September and are now just days away from starting the new season.
<br/>The team also scrimmaged two junior colleges and a four-year school Saturday in Ottawa. The Wildcats will play in several tournaments throughout the season, including the Baker Classic, Nov. 7 and 8; the Benedictine Classic, Nov. 14 and 15; and the Surf City Classic from Dec. 27 to Jan. 2.The team also scrimmaged two junior colleges and a four-year school Saturday in Ottawa. The Wildcats will play in several tournaments throughout the season, including the Baker Classic, Nov. 7 and 8; the Benedictine Classic, Nov. 14 and 15; and the Surf City Classic from Dec. 27 to Jan. 2.
The team also scrimmaged two junior colleges and a four-year school Saturday in Ottawa. The Wildcats will play in several tournaments throughout the season, including the Baker Classic, Nov. 7 and 8; the Benedictine Classic, Nov. 14 and 15; and the Surf City Classic from Dec. 27 to Jan. 2.
<br/>Baker has 10 returning players from last year's team that went 15-16, five of which are seniors.Baker has 10 returning players from last year's team that went 15-16, five of which are seniors.
Baker has 10 returning players from last year’s team that went 15-16, five of which are seniors.
<br/>"I think it's always important when you have a big group of seniors," head coach Susan Decker said. "They give us some experience and depth.""I think it's always important when you have a big group of seniors," head coach Susan Decker said. "They give us some experience and depth."
“I think it’s always important when you have a big group of seniors,” head coach Susan Decker said. “They give us some experience and depth.”
<br/>Three newcomers have been added to the team, including freshmen Gloria Atanmo and Rae Lynne Stewart, and sophomore Jenna Brantley, a transfer from Pittsburg State University.Three newcomers have been added to the team, including freshmen Gloria Atanmo and Rae Lynne Stewart, and sophomore Jenna Brantley, a transfer from Pittsburg State University.
Three newcomers have been added to the team, including freshmen Gloria Atanmo and Rae Lynne Stewart, and sophomore Jenna Brantley, a transfer from Pittsburg State University.
<br/>"I would like to contribute by coming off the bench to help the team score," Brantley said."I would like to contribute by coming off the bench to help the team score," Brantley said.<br/>The Wildcats are ranked No. 6 in the Heart of America Athletic Conference Women's Basketball Preseason Coaches' Poll with William Jewell College claiming the top spot. Baker finished last season with a 10-10 record in the HAAC along with Missouri Valley College and tied the Vikings for sixth place in the conference.The Wildcats are ranked No. 6 in the Heart of America Athletic Conference Women's Basketball Preseason Coaches' Poll with William Jewell College claiming the top spot. Baker finished last season with a 10-10 record in the HAAC along with Missouri Valley College and tied the Vikings for sixth place in the conference.
“I would like to contribute by coming off the bench to help the team score,” Brantley said.
The Wildcats are ranked No. 6 in the Heart of America Athletic Conference Women’s Basketball Preseason Coaches’ Poll with William Jewell College claiming the top spot. Baker finished last season with a 10-10 record in the HAAC along with Missouri Valley College and tied the Vikings for sixth place in the conference.
<br/>This is the first season for the team since Baker and the HAAC made the move from National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Division II to NAIA Division I.This is the first season for the team since Baker and the HAAC made the move from National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Division II to NAIA Division I.
This is the first season for the team since Baker and the HAAC made the move from National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Division II to NAIA Division I.
<br/>Decker said the team's biggest strength is its running game, but its depth in the post concerns her.Decker said the team's biggest strength is its running game, but its depth in the post concerns her.
Decker said the team’s biggest strength is its running game, but its depth in the post concerns her.
<br/>"Our game is going to be pushing the ball up the court and running on people," senior Hannah Eagleman said."Our game is going to be pushing the ball up the court and running on people," senior Hannah Eagleman said.
“Our game is going to be pushing the ball up the court and running on people,” senior Hannah Eagleman said.
<br/>Eagleman said last season the team did well with making adjustments on offense and since the team fast breaks a lot, players will have to create their own shot. She also said from last year to this year the team needs to cut down on turnovers and make free throws.Eagleman said last season the team did well with making adjustments on offense and since the team fast breaks a lot, players will have to create their own shot. She also said from last year to this year the team needs to cut down on turnovers and make free throws.<br/>The Wildcats start their season at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday in Collins Center against Tabor College.The Wildcats start their season at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday in Collins Center against Tabor College.
Eagleman said last season the team did well with making adjustments on offense and since the team fast breaks a lot, players will have to create their own shot. She also said from last year to this year the team needs to cut down on turnovers and make free throws.
The Wildcats start their season at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday in Collins Center against Tabor College.