This week we'll look at the team known as the Oregon Ducks. I say known as because three players are from Oregon, two from California and six from other countries.
Oregon was hard hit by injury and graduation. Lost was junior-to-be Gabrielle Richards, the Ducks leading scorer and rebounder last season, along with graduates Brandi Davis, Chelsea Wagner and Kedzie Gunderson. The four not returning accounted for half the Duck points last season.
However the Ducks will be strong in the post. Returning are Power Forward hopefuls 6-1 senior Eleanor Haring, who averaged 7 points per game, and 6-2 junior Kristen Forristall who averaged a solid 5.5 points per game as a freshman 2 years ago. In the middle should be 6-3 senior Caroyln Ganes, who averaged 7 points per game despite starting only 2 games. Also in the middle is tall (6-6) but seldom used senior Jessie Shetters.
Two new players should help up front; in fact, one should be a starter. Jamie Hawkins transferred from Boise State two years ago, sat out, and is raring to go. She's a 6-1 senior and the 17th leading scorer in Boise State history. She averaged 11 points per game in each of her first two seasons, and 5+ in her final year at Boise. She is the niece of former Boise State Football Coach, Dan Hawkins.
The other new Forward is freshman 6-2 Mary Sbrissa, from Italy. She actually joined the team in January of last year and redshirted. Some may remember her introduction to the Oregon crowd during the Stanford game.
At Point Guard will be returning starter 5-10 junior Kaela Chapdelaine. Kaela led the team in assists last year, although she only averaged 4 points per game. However she did hit 40% of her Three Point attempts.
At the 2 Guard will be Cicely Oaks, a 5-7 senior, who finally got some playing time last year and averaged 6 points per game. She was the Most Improved Duck last year. Also back is 5-8 sophomore Tamika Nurse, who averaged 3.5 points per game.
Two newcomers at Guard are 20 year old 5-8 freshman Micaela Cocks from New Zealand and 5-6 freshman Taylor Lilley. Lilley is one of the greatest 3 point shooters in high school basketball history. She shot 44% for her career, including an amazing 119 for 238, 50% as a senior.
There's lots of international experience on the roster, but only 11 players and a decided lack of marquee players. Bev Smith will have to really work magic for a winning season.
Recruiting: Lilley, this year's only U.S. freshman, was a 3 star recruit, on a scale of 1-5, out of high school.
This year Oregon has landed 3 players of note. 4 star Guard Tatianna Thomas should help immediately next year. Also committing are Guard Nia Jackson, a 3 star player from Sealth High School in Seattle and 6-4 Center Nicole Canepa from San Francisco. Canepa is a 2 star player. Oregon is still in the mix for outstanding 5 star Guard Melissa Jones.
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