2006-07 Bloomsburg Women's Basketball Preview

Many of the faces have changed, but the goal remains the same for the 2006-07 Bloomsburg University women's basketball team; make the PSAC playoffs.

The Huskies have a young and talented roster that hopes to improve upon a frustrating 2005-06 season. "What matters to us the most, is making the PSAC playoffs, said head coach Tammy Millsaps. "Of course we want to win our non-conference and our PSAC cross-over games, but our main goal is to win our eastern division games."

The Huskies will have a challenging non-conference schedule to prepare them for the PSAC East games. Some of the top non-conference games include Southern Connecticut and Fairmont State. Southern Connecticut advanced to the sweet 16 last season, while Fairmont State won 21 games.

BACKCOURT

Returning to the backcourt this season will be sophomore guard Laura Lyons. "Laura can create a lot of opportunities from the perimeter, added Millsaps."She can catch and shoot or drive and dish and she's an excellent passer. Last season, Lyons played through a stress fracture in her foot for most of the season, but is back at full strength and will be a major contributor this year.

Also returning will be senior guard, Kirby Johnson. Johnson was a key member of last year's squad. Johnson started in 24 games last season and was one of the Huskies top scorers. Junior, Sarah Griffin also returns and will look to be a contributor as well.

The backcourt will also feature freshman point guard Bianca Lee. "She is very gifted athletically," said Millsaps. "We are going to try to use that to our advantage in every situation we can." Freshmen Nicole Boone and Lauren Healy, a transfer from Gwynedd-Mercy College, will also look to make an impact in their rookie seasons.

FRONTCOURT

In the frontcourt, the Huskies return senior Gabe Miskinis. Miskinis was one of the top players in the PSAC last season until injuries shortened her season. She averaged 11.5 points and 6.6 rebounds prior to her injury. She hopes to return to top form this season.

Also returning are sophomores Colleen Kegerreis and Kelly Joyce. Kegerreis had an outstanding freshman year emerging as a force on offense and defense. "Colleen has made great improvements," added Millsaps. "She has truly worked on her game. She's worked out in the weight room and has gotten stronger."

"Kelly Joyce has come back very strong as well. She's going to be what we call a tweener," said Millsaps. "She can play in the post and also play on the perimeter." Freshman Janelle Payne should also contribute.

OVERALL

"We have a good combination of guards and post players", said Millsaps. "Our weakness would be our inexperience. Experience can be a weakness, but it's really about the heart and soul of our team. Are they going to use that as a crutch, or are they just going to go out there and fight, grit, and claw in every single game?"

In the PSAC East, Millersville and East Stroudsburg will be two of the top teams once again this season. Cheyney and Mansfield will also look to grab one of the four playoff spots. "Of course, look for Bloomsburg to be there as well," added Millsaps.