 "Photo: Riannon Rowley")
While the sun was rising, the Lady Raiders were on the court running drills during practice, already trying to shake the inexperience label before the season begins.
The Lady Raiders conducted the Rise and Shine open practice at 8 a.m. Tuesday in the United Spirit Arena, giving fans a first look at a team full of freshmen and underclassmen.
But Tech coach Kristy Curry hopes she showed fans Tuesday inexperience doesn’t necessarily mean no talent.
“We feel like this is the best team we’ve had, obviously it’s probably the youngest team we’ve had and the most inexperienced but the most talented,” said Curry, who begins her fourth season at Tech and her 10th year as a head coach. “So, right now it’s just about getting better every day and if you can focus on getting better every day, then things can take care of themselves in the end.”
Fans were rewarded for showing up early — free breakfast was provided for the first 200 fans as doors opened at 7 a.m. Before practice started, the Lady Raiders signed autographs. Practice concluded around 10:30 a.m. The Lady Raiders debut a roster featuring five true freshmen along with redshirt freshman and team captain Lindie Kimbro.
There are three seniors this year — Jordan Murphree, Tilmila Martin and Ashlee Roberson.
The Lady Raiders had 6-foot-3 freshman Shauntal Nobles coming in, but an ACL tear has her sidelined.
Though young, the freshmen enter the season with noteworthy credentials. Chynna Brown, Christine Hyde and Mary Bokenkamp have experience in the AAU circuits and Marissa Ashton and Monique Smalls are coming off decorated high school careers.
Tech may be the youngest team in the Big 12 Conference this season, but fans don’t seem to mind what will be on the court this spring.
“I think the young freshmen are really going to help,” said Jackie Daves, a retired Lubbock resident who attended the Rise and Shine open practice. “I think they’re going to be really, really good. I think consistency is going to be key for them, but I think if they can get on a roll, I think they can finish well and better than a year ago.”
Despite what might be an inexperienced squad, Curry said senior leadership will be key to the Lady Raiders success.
Roberson and Murphree, along with Kimbro, are team captains. A year ago, Roberson averaged 5.4 points a game and 6.4 rebounds. Murphree averaged 11.3 points a contest and 3.6 rebounds per game.
Tech was in a position to reach the NCAA Tournament a year ago but was 3-7 down the stretch, and now look for a good start as the season approaches.
The Lady Raiders begin the season an exhibition game against Lubbock Christian at 7 p.m. Monday in the United Spirit Arena.
The early morning practice revealed the youth, energy and depth on the team but also showed the inexperience Curry will have to coach this season.
Bokenkamp said the Lady Raiders have to remain positive and the team can be among the best in the Big 12, despite how many young players are on the floor.
“We have young talent, young fresh bodies and we’re trying not to worry about age,” she said. “Coach always says age doesn’t define your beauty and we’re really trying to learn that and just play and play hard.”
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