University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Lady Eagle Basketball Report: Oct 14. 2016
10/14/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Venue: Reed Green Coliseum
Report: The Southern Miss Women's basketball game continued their practice schedule today Oct. 14. Head coach Joye Lee-McNelis focused on finishing installing some defensive pressure schemes before the team's practice tomorrow and their day off on Sunday.
Coach McNelis
On today's practice...
"Today's practice was very good. It was very intense, a lot of up and down, we worked a lot on our full court pressure defense and getting into our transition. It was a fun day. I think the players enjoyed being able to see some things that we've had to do so much teaching in, putting it all together and then doing it live. We're so far behind [due to injury] and we've got a lot of new players. Jayla [King], Keri [Jewett-Giles] and Brittanny [Dinkins] were the ones who played the most minutes for us last year and Jayla and Keri are out so, even though though we have some [returners] their minutes weren't as great as the other players so it's definitely a learning experience."
On how the team is implementing the new system...
"It's finally clicking and that's so important. You've got to be able to apply what you learn. There's got to be application."
Senior Guard Brittanny Dinkins
On the first week of practice and how the season has been so far:
"It hasn't been bad. We've got two freshman and two transfers. We're just molding them into what we have. It's been a good first week. We've had times where we've taken a dip, but that's something we have to correct because we've only got a few weeks to get ready. Coach is picking the pace up, and we're picking our energy up and our pace up as well to get ready. "
On Coach McNelis setting the bar high, intensity wise:
"The intensity has to be set high. As a leader for this team I try to set that tone. The team is only going to do what the leader does, so when I come to practice I try to set that tone, and I expect them to meet that tone. For us to be smart we've got to have that grit, that heart and that dominance about us. It's very important for us to get up in people and play defense if we want to win games. Without energy you can't do anything."
On how she feels as one of the leaders of this team:
"I'm good. I learned that I can control what I can control, and that's my effort, being the best person I can be on and off the court and making sure the girls around me feel important. I can't do it by myself. So, as much as experience as I have, I want them and make sure they're on top of their game. "
Tickets: Seats for basketball season can be purchased at SouthernMissTickets.com, or by calling the Athletic Ticket Office at 1-800-844-TICK (8425) as well as visiting the Pat Ferlise Ticket Center on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
