Fresno State Athletics
2004 Outlook
11/2/2004 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Nov. 2, 2004
Head coach Stacy Johnson-Klein has dealt with uncertainty before each of her first three years at the helm of the Fresno State women's basketball program.In her rookie campaign, Johnson-Klein's biggest task included reversing a trend of five consecutive losing seasons. Johnson-Klein spent as much time teaching as she did coaching last year, as seven of the 14 players on the roster made their Bulldog debuts. As she enters her third season, yet another question begs to be answered.
Who will play where, when will they get into the game and how do you keep 16 players happy?
When Johnson-Klein figures out the solution, Bulldog fans will have a reason to smile as well. That's because for the first time during her three-year tenure, Johnson-Klein finds herself equipped with arguably more depth and talent than any other season.
"I am extremely excited about our team's potential this year," said Johnson-Klein, who has accumulated a 34-29 record over her first two seasons. "This group of players has the ability to keep things going in the right direction. Bulldog fans can expect a hard-working, intense squad that will be focused on achieving great things and making the upcoming season a memorable one."
The Fresno State faithful enjoyed a taste of success during Johnson-Klein's rookie season in 2002-03, when the Bulldogs produced one of the best years in school history at 21-13 overall and qualified for the postseason for the first time since 1990. A late-season charge that saw Fresno State win six of its final nine games in 2003-04 gave a glimpse of the future with a number of freshmen contributing down the stretch.
The Bulldogs will be looking to re-establish themselves as one of the premier teams in the WAC again this year, and can build on lessons learned in each of the past two seasons.
"We played very well defensively last year and I expect that to continue again," noted Johnson-Klein. "Our offense struggled at times though and that really hurt us in several games. I think we will be much improved in that area this year, as we have some scorers on our roster. Our depth will be an advantage as well, in that the scoring on a given night could come from a number of players.
It would be difficult to overlook at what lies ahead should the Bulldogs produce a repeat of the 2002-03 season. For the first time in school history, Fresno State was selected as one of eight schools that will host the first and second rounds of the 2005 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament, with competition taking place at the Save Mart Center.
Fresno State, a first-time host in addition to being the only non-BCS school among the group, has never reached the NCAA Tournament in program history. The fact that the opportunity even exists has only added to the early-season excitement.
The first challenge for Johnson-Klein will be figuring out a way to offset the loss of three seniors from a year ago, two of whom were starters. Mindy Clark established career highs in several offensive categories, in addition to leading the 'Dogs in rebounding. Chanie Sutherland, one of the team's best three-point shooters, started all 29 games at guard and provided valuable leadership to a young team. Chantea Fleming played in 26 games, often checking in as a reserve and providing a spark with her play.
"I can't say enough about last season's senior class," said Johnson-Klein. "All three players were tremendous leaders in their own way and I think you'll see their impact on our younger players this year."
And while the 2004-05 roster will feature four freshmen, the breakdown is far more balanced than each of the past two seasons. Three seniors, four juniors and five sophomores- four of which averaged at least 10 minutes per game- will join the freshman class. This year's squad, which features a number of versatile players who can be used at multiple positions, is also one of the most diverse in recent memory with seven states and four countries represented.
Much of Fresno State's offensive success this year will hinge on the performances of its guards. The coaching staff has been impressed with the quickness and athleticism of the guards during fall workouts, so a three-guard lineup remains a possibility.
Sophomores Chantella Perera and Jasmine Plummer join senior Veronica Mack as the most experienced, proven options among this solid group.
Despite joining the team early in the conference season and playing in only 14 games, Perera made a huge impact in her freshman season while finishing as the team's third best scorer with 8.1 ppg. Her contributions helped lead the Bulldog's late-season push, as she reached double-figures in six of the final seven contests and poured in a career-high 25 points with seven triples in a win at Boise State. Perera also turned out to be one of the Bulldog's better three-point shooters, knocking down 25 of 75 attempts.
"Even though she only played in 14 games last year, Chantella contributed immediately and instantly became one of our top scorers," said Johnson-Klein. "Her progress has continued nicely, as she is coming into her own as a sophomore. She is a superior leader, loves the game and has dreams beyond college basketball."
Plummer was equally effective as a rookie, starting 24 contests and finishing with balanced numbers in scoring (6.3 ppg) and rebounding (6.4 rpg). One of the most athletic players on the roster, Plummer showed her all-around talent by also recording 52 assists, 42 steals and leading the team with 23 blocked shots. She scored in double-figures on six different occasions, including a near triple-double in a win over Tulsa in which she posted career-highs in points (18), rebounds (12) and assists (8).
"Jasmine quite possibly has more athletic ability than any other player on our team," explained Johnson-Klein. "She is quick, versatile and always ready to make a difference when she enters the game. I would expect her to build on last year's success and take on the role of a team leader."
One of three seniors on this year's roster, Mack led the team in minutes per game (27.9) last season and established career-high marks in scoring (8.9 ppg) while also leading the Bulldogs in assists (63), three-pointers (51) and steals (42). In addition, Mack reached the double-figure scoring plateau 12 times, including five such performances during the team's final seven games. Her best showings included a game-winning lay-up in overtime against Boise State and consecutive career-best 19-point efforts against Cal State Fullerton and UCLA during the non-conference season.
"Veronica is a perfect example of an athlete who can help lead a team based on past experience," Johnson-Klein stated. "As a four-year player, Veronica has been through the highs and lows of this program and that should serve as motivation for a productive senior season. She was one of our best players down the stretch last year and posted career-high numbers."
Returnees Paige Diggs and Cophie Moore have the ability to contribute off the bench. Diggs averaged 3.3 ppg during her first season while receiving playing time in 26 games including a start in the season opener. Moore is also capable of providing a lift, as she started 23 of the 28 games in which she appeared last year. Moore, who is recognized as the team's vocal leader, chipped in with 3.8 ppg and 3.4 rpg, did a good job of getting to the foul line and notched 42 assists.
According to Johnson-Klein, "Paige was valuable for us last season and had some of her best performances in our bigger games. She enters the year much improved and continues to give maximum effort. Cophie represents the foundation of our team. Her character and work ethic is unmatched and exemplifies what we expect from our players."
Two junior transfers from New Mexico Junior College- Mirenda Swearengin and Toni Atherley- will also get long looks as potential starters. Both players contributed to the success of NMJC during their two-year careers, leading the school to a 50-11 record.
Swearengin, whose biggest asset is her lightning-quick speed, was a two-time All-WJCAC first team honoree and two-time All-Region selection. Last year, she averaged 11.9 ppg, 4.7 rpg and 7.1 apg. Atherley, a two-time All-WJCAC selection and All-Region V Team pick in 2004, averaged 15.7 ppg and 4.6 rpg.
"I think Mirenda has a chance to develop into one of the premier point guards in the league," said Johnson-Klein. "Her speed will be a catalyst for our offensive game plan. The great thing about Toni is that she plays the game with so much passion. She has the ability to make plays solely off her effort and I think the Fresno community is going to embrace her."
Freshman Kendra Walker-Roche, one of four international players on the Bulldog roster, will also battle for playing time. Rated by several scouting services as the top player out of Ontario, Canada, Walker-Roche averaged 25 points, six rebounds and five assists while she attended Thousand Islands Secondary School.
"Kendra should contribute some valuable minutes off the bench once she adjusts to the nuances of college basketball in the United States. We are excited about her potential on offense and defense."
Sophomore Angelica Lopez returns for another season after quickly endearing herself to the Bulldog faithful in her first season.
"Angelica has quickly become a fan favorite and provides a spark when she enters a game. She has worked so hard and truly earned the respect of our coaching staff."
Fresno State will look for additional scoring punch and defense from its post players.
Senior Aritta Lane, the Bulldog's leading scorer last year, returns for her final season. Lane averaged a career-high 12.5 ppg in 2003-04, in addition to pulling down 5.6 rpg and registering a team-best 46.8 field goal percentage. Lane led the 'Dogs in scoring 14 times, recorded three double-doubles and reached double-figures in scoring on 17 different occasions.
"Aritta should be poised for an incredible senior season," Johnson-Klein said. "She took on a leadership role last year with a young squad and appears ready to welcome that challenge again. Aritta has been a dependable scorer for us in the past and we are looking forward to similar production this year."
The coaching staff also raves about junior transfer Amy Parrish, who was named MVP of Northern California after leading Reedley College to an appearance in the 2004 state semifinals. Parrish, who originally signed with Oregon before leaving the program in 2002 due to medical reasons, averaged a state-best 22.6 ppg to go along with 11.5 rpg, a 48-percent shooting clip from the field and a 34-percent mark from three-point territory.
"Amy should develop into one of the strongest post players in the league," noted Johnson-Klein. "She is a strong, talented athlete who has the ability to play inside or outside. Her winning background will also be a strong asset to our program."
Junior Faith Probst returns to the court and has crafted a reputation as a "quiet player" for the Bulldogs in her first two seasons. Probst was a valuable reserve for Fresno State last year and even registered her first career double-double in one appearance.
"Faith is extremely sound fundamentally," said Johnson-Klein. "She will silently grab 8-10 rebounds and put up 10-15 points. Last season she provided us with scoring and rebounding off the bench."
Freshmen Erica Henry and Tiffany Williams should also make an impact, as both are talented, versatile players who come to Fresno State from winning programs. Henry averaged 18 points and 10 rebounds as a senior while leading her team to a 33-4 overall record. Williams' high school, Chaminade-Julienne, was ranked No. 1 in the nation by USA Today last season.
"Erica is the type of player who has yet to realize her own strength and we are counting on her to contribute some key minutes among the post players," mentioned Johnson-Klein. "Tiffany comes to Fresno State with a winning background and that alone should make for a quick transition to the college game."
