Hit me with your best shot

With much of the season behind us, it's not time to reminisce. No, it's not time to look back at the good times, and forget the bad. For seniors in the NCAA, it's time to impress WNBA scouts and impress them quickly. In March, it's win or go home. The main goal of all seniors is to punch their ticket to the NCAA tournament. For these seniors, March is their time to make that happen. Through the season, some have risen to the occasion, while other's have fallen into the pits of the unknown. Let's take a look at the Risers(monday), the Droppers(wednesday), and the in-betweeners(friday).

Movin' on up

For a draft with such a high reputation, their have actually been surprises within the prospects. Just one year ago, Quianna Chaney was an inconsistent jumpshooter who was scared to take over in the big moments. Even worse, when she was aggressive, she was a detriment to her team, has her shot selection wasn't so hot. Now, those are things of the past. This senior has risen to the occasion and has become a quality outside threat to counter her Tiger teammate Sylvia Fowles. Chaney has the type of game that may excel in the WNBA.

She isn't the only one, though. In Chapel Hill, there has been a major surprise. Early in the season, it was obvious that the once-defensive-specialist-offensive-liability formally known as LaToya Pringle had improved dramatically. Not only did Pringle continue to block shots, but her ability to drive in the lane, or hit an open jumper from the perimeter has captured the attention of scouts all over the nation. Everyone was talking about Larkins this season, but it's been Pringle who has helped UNC the most, in my opinion.

Speaking of capturing the attention of scouts, a point guard from Utah has done just that. Leilani Mitchell, a transfer from Idaho, has racked up unreal numbers her finale. Coming from Idaho, people in Salt Lake City expected her to do well, but this year, she's surprised everyone by not only continuing to distribute, but also continuing to score as she did as a Vandal. In a league like the WNBA, point guards are needed at all hours of the day, especially those who can distribue to score. Some question her frame and experience, but I think Mitchell will show them what she's about soon enough.


Another hidden gem in the mid-major scene is Amber Holt, a wing out of Middle Tennessee. Last year, all we knew was Chrissy Givens. In the famous words of Jan Brady 'Chrissy, Chrissy, Chrissy.' Little did we know that Holt could become and even more important player in MTSU's success. While leading the nation in scoring for most of the season, Holt has also made sure she's an asset to squad. Her ability to will her team to wins, including a shocking win over LSU, is what makes most think she will thrive in the WNBA. This could easily be an All-Star calibre wing. She's tough as nails, and most WNBA GM's like that.

The last player who has seen her stock rise dramatically currently resides in Waco Texas. Angela Tisdale has been with the Lady Bears of Baylor since their title run in 2005. In fact, she's the only hold-over from that championship squad still currently on Baylor's team. This year, she has led her team to one of the best finishes in Baylor history, and even to a top 10 ranking nationally. Like Mitchell, she's another guard who can score and distribute.

These players were simple players this past season. When you mentioned these names, it didn't mean much. But this goes to show what a season can do. Each of these players have helped their chances dramatically. Some might not have been drafted if not for their improved play during their final season. With four of these five on potential NCAA Tournament squads, they hope to continue to prove people wrong and rise on the rankings.