Introducing...The Shooters

She can twickle the twine, rock the rim, or put fire to the net. These are The Shooters and you better put a hand in their face.

Mel Thomas(Connecticut) - On a team filled with versatile All-Americans, Mel Thomas enters the scene as a bomber from deep. While she may not be the quickest or most versatile player out there, she is one of the top shooters in the nation. Her ability to consistently hit jumpers from both three point range, as well as the free throw line, is the reason she's never left off of a scouting report.

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Allie Quigley(DePaul) - At first glance, Quigley is a energetic, wirey-thin player. But she is so much more. Quigley has grown up and has led the Blue Demons in scoring for years now. Her ability to fill it up offensively is truly her best asset. A guard shooting a near 50 percent from the field(49%) is not common. Quigley is both productive and efficient.

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Marcilla Packer(Ohio State) - Last year everyone was talking about Davenport and Hoskins, but whenever Packer was out of the game due to foul trouble or injury, Ohio State struggled. Why? Well, look at her stats. She shoots 46% from the field, 42% from three, and 86% from the free throw line. It's tough to stop her and when you have a player like Packer, she can consistently drain jumpers to keep you in the game. Take her out of the game, and you have a chance. But with her in, good luck.

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Meg Bulger(West Virginia) - After suffering two heartbreaking, season-ending injuries, Meg Bulger is finally back for her senior year. The Mountaineers might pride themselves on their athleticism, but Bulger brings something even better to the table; stealth shooting. She's shooting 51% from the field, and 50% from the three. Oh, and if you foul her, she's just as dangerous, shooting around 86%. Talk about a pure shooter.

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Wanisha Smith(Duke) - Smith has moved back and forth from the point guard position to the shooting guard position, but they hasn't ended her effectiveness. While players like Bales, Currie, Harding, and even Waner will get the credit, Smith is a player who has been incredibly consistent throughout her Blue Devil career. She can hit timely buckets and always keeps the defense honest with her incredible shooting range.

Introducing...The Vertically Challenged

In a game often dominated by the taller athletes, these women give truth to an old saying. Size doesn't matter.

• Shannon Bobbitt(Tennessee): On a team full of well-sized All Americans, JUCO transfer Shannon Bobbitt sticks out like a sore thumb. As one of very few Lady Vols to come from the JUCO ranks, Bobbitt has left her mark in Knoxville. She can pass, score, defend, and flat out play. According to Bobbitt, it's all about the heart, not the size.
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• A'quonesia Franklin(Texas A&M): A'quonesia Franklin is a relative unknown on the collegiate basketball scene. As the floor general of the Aggies from Texas A&M, Franklin has become one of the better point guards in the nation. At only 5'3", Franklin is known for both her impressive distribution as well as her explosive scoring.
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• Leilani Mitchell(Utah): As a once-forgetten standout from Idaho, Mitchell transferred to Utah after three seasons. And while she will be playing her first year in a Utes uniform, expectations are high. Mitchell's best quality is her ability to take others off the dribble, as well as knock down daggers from deep. Oh, and she also makes her teammates better. As Elaine Elliott once said "She is WNBA good."
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• Angela Tisdale(Baylor): Coach Kim Mulkey likes to refer to her as 'Tizzy' but to us, she is Angela Tisdale; point guard of the Baylor Lady Bears. As the only hold over from the 2005 Championship season, Tisdale brings both skill and experience. Her ability to create on offense, and cause havoc on defense is what makes her the player she is. This Lady Bears comes to play always.
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• Erica White(LSU): White took over when senior PG Temeka Johnson moved on to the WNBA just a few years ago. Known for her quickness, White is one of the SEC's best prospects. Before you know it, she's picked your pocket, ran full speed to the other end, and put the ball up for two. Erica gives new meaning to the word fast. Catch her if you can.

Introducing...The Underrated

• Sarah-Jo Lawrence(George Washington): While she’s not the flashiest player out there, Lawrence’s value to her team is evident from her ability to put points on the floor against even the nation’s best teams. When you think about shooting, you think about Sarah-Jo Lawrence.
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• Kia Wright(St Johns): Though playing out of position at the point and being overshadowed by kids at UConn and Rutgers in the process, Wright finds a way to get her teammates involved and still puts plenty of points on the board.
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• Patrice Reado(Texas A&M): For a team that depends mostly on the athleticism on the perimeter, it’s this “big” girl in the middle who deserves more credit for doing the dirty work. Reado is an important part in Texas A&M's recent success.
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• Charel Allen(Notre Dame): Allen nearly doubled her scoring average from her sophomore year to her junior season yet she is a relative unknown on the national scene (despite being a Wade Trophy candidate). It's hard to believe that more people aren't talking about one of the most fearless players in women's college basketball, especially after the way she kept her team fighting tooth and nail with a more talented UNC team in the NCAA second round a season ago.
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• Tamera Young(James Madison): Voted the preseason CAA Player of the Year, Young has done her part in maintaining the nation's longest home winning streak. The 6-2 has already registered a 30-point game this season and will lead her new-look Dukes against the likes of Maryland, VCU, and of course Old Dominion.

Introducing...The Athletes

These are the high-flying, speed-racing, jaw-dropping, unreal players we like to call The Athletes. Catch 'em if you can...

• Khadijah Whittington(NC State): As one of the most athletic players ever to play in the ACC, Whittington led the ACC in rebounds a season ago and is on constant “dunk watch” in Raleigh. No one in college basketball works harder than this undersized PF.
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• Morenike Atunrase(Texas A&M): How athletic is Atunrase? Well, she’s only Texas A&M’s all-time leader in blocked shots…at 5-10! It’s all about length and timing, folks.
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• Olayinka Sanni(West Virginia): Despite being undersized in the post, this Nigerian national team member battles relentlessly on the boards. Additionally, Sanni can score inside against anyone in the Big East.
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• Ketia Swanier(Uconn): You don’t realize just how fast Swanier is until she’s driving the lane and passing off to an open teammate—all before you have the chance to turn around and regain your bearings.
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• Lindsay Pluimer(UCLA): Not many players attack the boards aggressively and then get up and down the court at 6-4 like Pluimer. That’s what makes her one of the more versatile players in the Pac-10.

Introducing...The Best of the Rest

Have you seen her? Probably not. This group consists of five women that may not play for Tennessee, Connecticut, or even any team in a major conference, but they are good in their own right. These are the queens of the Mid Majors.


TJ Jordan(Old Dominion) – She’s a fearless competitor on the offensive end, displaying an ability to carry a team on her back. Jordan has made her name as a markswoman. If you leave her open from three, she will make you pay.
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Amber Holt(Middle Tennessee St.) – As evidenced by her standout play against Maryland in her first Division I game, Holt showed the nation that she can score in a variety of ways. As one of the most talented forwards in her class, Holt will look to increase her offensive output to offset the loss of Chrissy Givens.
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Dionne Marsh(New Mexico) – Marsh, an undersized power forward with rebounding prowess, is as fierce a competitor as one will find at her size. Whenever you go up against her, expect physical play. That's all she knows.
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Crystal Kelly(Western Kentucky) – Perhaps the best player in the nation you’ve never seen, Kelly ranked in the top three in the nation in points per game and rebounds. No other player dominates her conference like Kelly dominates the Sun Belt.
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Adrianne Ross(Texas Christian) – After leading the Horned Frogs to yet another NCAA Tournament appearance, the All-American candidate returns to lead her squad back further in the NCAAs this season. It won’t be easy, but this explosive combo guard carried TCU on her back last season and will look to do the same in 2007-08.

Introducing...The Rejectors

Think twice when you take it up against her. She may send your shot into the second row. No autographs, please.

• Lauren Ervin(Arkansas): In her first Division 1 season, Ervin was the second-leading shot blocker in the SEC in 2006-07 behind Candace Parker.
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• Vaida Sipaviciute(Syracuse): Sipavicuite does all the dirty work inside for the Orange, as evidenced by her team-leading two blocks per game.
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• LaToya Pringle(North Carolina): Very lean athlete who makes up for her lack of girth inside with length and timing.
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• Jackie McFarland(Colorado): Versatile player whose presence on defense nearly matches her efficiency on offense with her abilities to anticipate her opponents’ offensive tendencies.
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• Sarah Elliott(Kentucky): A giant inside for the Wildcats at 6-6, Elliott makes slashers pay for their overpenetration.

Introducing...The Overrated

She may talk the talk, but she doesn't walk the walk. The list below is a list of the overrated players in the women's game. They aren't bad by any means, but they've yet to live up to their hype.

• Jolene Anderson(Wisconsin): Anderson never saw a shot she didn’t like. Speaking of taking shots, is there anything else that Anderson is capable of doing even marginally well (especially since she’s not that great at the one skill she’s supposed to excel at)?
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• Nicky Anosike(Tennessee): If she put up similar career numbers (7.1 ppg, 5.9 rpg) at any other school, no one would be calling Nicky Anosike a pro prospect. And yes, she was a McDonald's All-American.
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• Chardé Houston(Connecticut): Talk about not living up to tremendous pre-college expectations. There were talks that Houston would be the “next big thing” at UConn, following in the footsteps of fellow Cali prep great Diana Taurasi. Guess it wasn’t meant to be. Oh well. She’ll still have a good senior season—just not the kind UConn fans continue to hope for.
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• Laura Harper(Maryland): This may seem unfair placement since she was injured for much of her freshman year, but when you struggle to make simple post moves despite being a 6-4 All-America candidate, you’re probably a tad bit overrated.
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• Erneisha Bailey(Texas): Bailey seemed destined for a great college career after experiencing success on the AAU circuit (Philly Belles), but that potential has yet to materialize.

Introducing...The Supporters

She's the girl that does all the little things. She may not get a picture in the paper or even her name in a headline. However, her presence can be felt on and off the court. She is part of the supporters, the group of the top role players who deserve much more credit.

• Meg Dahlman(Marist): On a team that draws attention because of its guard play, Dahlman opened up some eyes with her play against All-American center Jessica Davenport during last season’s NCAA Tournament. Meg Dahlman continues to do all the little things that her team needs to succeed.
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• Lady Comfort(Temple): Comfort played a complimentary role inside to Hairston her junior season (and to Dupree the year before that), but could be expected to play a much bigger role in 2007-08. Comfort has stayed in the shadows of former Temple stars and teammates. This year, she will be the star.
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• Mallorie Winn(Pittsburgh): Big-time scoring guard with playmaker ability; it’ll be interesting to watch how her role takes shape after sustaining a serious knee injury last preseason since Walker is the rock inside and Zellous has emerged as a go-to scorer. Winn may not get all the credit, but she is the key to their success.
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• Samantha Mahoney(Kentucky): With the big anchor (Elliott) inside for Kentucky, it’s up to Mahoney to provide the perimeter punch to keep defenses from doubling the post. This All-SEC performer scores in a variety of ways for the Wildcats but is most effective in the mid-range game. Mahoney truly is the silent assassin.
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• Essence Carson(Rutgers): Carson has been a steady force on both sides of the ball for a Rutgers since her freshman season, playing alongside stars like Cappie Pondexter, Kia Vaughn, and Matee Ajavon. The reigning Big East Defensive Player of the Year figures to be a frontrunner for National Defensive POY honors this season.

- Courtesy of ATG and SITF

Introducing...The Thieves

Thievery is the name of the game, and these women are masters at it. Take a look at the top theives in the women's game...

• Maurita Reid(Miami): Pick-pocketing is her specialty, and she was among the ACC leaders in steals in her very first Division 1 season with 95. Reid hounds opposing guards all the way up the court with her length and athleticism despite being only 5-8.
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• Alexis Hornbuckle(Tennessee): A gifted defender who excels in the art of stealing the ball. Hornbuckle’s physical strength and athleticism allow her to dictate where she wants to send the ballhandler beforehand, and she usually caps off her hard work with a theft (had 113 of those a year ago). Here’s someone who literally plays all over the court on defense.
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• Carlene Hightower(La Salle): A talented defensive playmaker in the A-10. The impressive thing to note about Hightower is her propensity to make spectacular defensive plays against the better perimeter-oriented teams in her conference (e.g. four steals against a solid Charlotte team).
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• Emily Florence(Washington): A feisty defender who isn’t afraid to scrap against the “big girls”. Florence uses quick hands and active feet to make her opponents work for position. She is without a doubt one of the best lockdown defenders in the Pac-10.
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• Sequoia Holmes(UNLV): The 6-1 wing is touted as the most athletic player in the Mountain West Conference because of her speed and leaping ability. Holmes, who averaged over 2.6 steals a game last season, shows the ability to make game-changing defensive plays, among those breakaway steals.

-Courtest of ATG

Introducing...The Leaders

The biggest stars in WCBB make the best plays on the sport's biggest stages. Here's a look at the bona fide A-list seniors in the college game:

• Candace Parker (Tennessee): The all everything-forward has taken the women’s basketball scene by storm. Coming out of high school, people thought she’d revolutionize the game with her dunks, but it’s her versatility that sets her apart from the rest. She can knock down a fade away on the baseline, or she can take you down low and use her athleticism to rise above. She will go down as one of the best players to ever play the game.
  


• Crystal Langhorne(Maryland): When Brenda Frese was thinking of building a program, a player like Crystal Langhorne was a no-brainer. Crystal is not only a great low post scorer, but a tenacious player on both ends. Her size might deceive you, but when she uses her speed to out maneuver you, she will leave you in her tracks.
  


• Sylvia Fowles(LSU): Like Parker, many loved Sylvia Fowles for ability to dunk. However, after two years of struggling in the paint, she has finally arrived. The low post skills she once had are considerably better and she will beat you not only offensively but also defensively. You must take it up strong against her, because she is a warrior.
  


• Candace Wiggins(Stanford): Wiggins is not only one of the best guards in the nation, but she’s one of the best players in the nation. She can hit the three, though her best skill is taking her opponent off the dribble and taking the jump shot around eight feet, or taking it to the rim. She has an incredibly court sense and a decent defensive repertoire. Candace is truly instant energy.
  


• Matee Ajavon(Rutgers): Some will question her basketball I.Q. but no one will question her ability or her heart. She has the special ability to take over a game. One she hits a few; she can get heat it up. Like her counterparts, she’s versatile. She always had the speed and the ability to score off the dribble, but now she has improved the consistency of her outside perimeter offense. I also see her as an underrated defender too. You don’t play for C. Viv. without being a master of defense, you just don’t.

-courtesy of SITF

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