Northwestern University Athletics
Wildcats Welcome Creighton for 2005-06 Opener
11/17/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Creighton Game Notes
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Nov. 17, 2005
EVANSTON, Ill. -- It begins on Saturday. No more talking, speculating or predicting. The ship sets sail on the Wildcats' 2005-06 campaign and head coach Beth Combs views the season as simply another step towards guiding Northwestern women's basketball in the right direction.
"Our team comes in every day focused and ready to get better," the second-year coach said. "We all are on a mission to turn this program around and our players' attitudes have shown that on a daily basis. Everyone on this team is dedicated to being a part of the solution."
The first opportunity to adjust the sails comes at noon Saturday, Nov. 19, when the Creighton Bluejays visit Welsh-Ryan Arena. As the clock ticks down to game time, Combs shared her insight on the team's preseason prep and what the 'Cats are expecting from Creighton.
Q: What has impressed you the most about the team's preseason preparation? Who has really stepped it up in practice?
A: Besides Foamy (Ifeoma Okonkwo), Sara Stutz has impressed me this preseason. It is obvious that she took this summer seriously not only working on the physical aspect of her game, but the mental aspect as well. She has been a leader in practice, she is in great shape and she has put herself in a position to not only start as our 2, but will be our back-up point guard. A.J. Glasauer also has been impressive in practice. She is very confident in her game right now, and when she is confident, I believe no one can stop her. I am excited to watch her game this year.
Q: What were some positives that you saw in the exhibition game?
A: The positives of our exhibition game is our stat sheet. The reasons we lost that game are under our control. Rebounding and turnovers are things we can correct. The best thing was our individual stat lines. When you look player-for-player, each line was right where it should be and that is exciting for our future.
Q: Talk a little bit about the leadership Nadia Bibbs brings at the point, even though this is her first true season (she red shirted last season due to NCAA transfer rules). What do you expect from her?
A: Nadia is an outstanding player. She loves the game and loves to play. As the point guard, she will be called upon to lead and direct this team, and she is anxious to do so. But the thing I like about Nadia is her aggressiveness. She wants the ball, wants to score and wants to win.
Q: How has Melissa Miller helped guide/tutor freshmen Lauren Roberts and Julie Bielawski in the middle?
A: Miller is our only true returning post player, so she has had to bring Roberts and Bielawski with her quickly. She is very physical, which has been good for Bielwaski to see. But Miller's game has improved by going against the two freshmen. Lauren has the size and length to give trouble in the post. All three of them have become better by working against each other every day.
Q: How has Foamy led the team in the preseason?
A: Foamy has stepped up like a senior should. She is taking her final year seriously and is willing to shoulder the responsibility. That includes handling the role of leader, senior and go-to player.
Q: Talk a bit about Saturday's match up against Creighton and opening the 2005-06 season at home.
A: Creighton is a great team. They have been successful for many years and know how to win. Starting four seniors who have been main contributors throughout their careers will be a difficult match up for us, even at home.
Q: What are you focusing on heading into Saturday's game?
A: We will really concentrate on our game and the things we control. We know we need to play solid team defense, talk on screens and bump on basket cuts. It is also vital that we limit second-chance points. If we can do that and be aggressive as we execute our offense, then it should be a great day for the 'Cats.
Q: What is your game plan against all-conference selection Angie Janis?
A: Janis has been their go-to player. She knows how to score and does it all. She is a versatile post with 3-point range. We are looking to have Miller match up with her. Our plan is to take her out of her finesse game by putting Miller on her pressure her with more physical play. We hope to give Foamy some defensive rest early so she can relax and concentrate on her offense.
Q: Although Creighton will start four seniors, they also have freshmen contributors. Talk about the role Northwestern's freshmen will have on the season and how you expect them to step up.
A: Our freshmen were told when we recruited them that they would not have the luxury of sitting behind upperclassmen. They have taken that to heart, and none of them plan on sitting this year. Stutz, Miller and Foamy have the experience, but we will only go as far as our freshman will allow us to.
Saturday is Ladies Day at Welsh-Ryan Arena. All women and girls admitted for only $2 each!
