2002-2003 Golden Eaglette squad will be "something to talk about"

By TTU Sports Information

November 13, 2002

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. - Sportswriters. Radio talk shows. Network telecasts. Internet web pages.

They will all have something to talk about in 2002-2003 when the Tennessee Tech Golden Eaglette basketball team takes the floor.
Tech sees its first action of the year on Thursday, Nov. 14, with a 7 p.m. exhibition game against Hungary in Eblen Center. The regular season gets underway on Friday, Nov. 22, when East Tennessee State visits at 7 p.m.

The torch of leadership has been passed from one of the most successful senior classes in Tech history to a new edition of Golden Eaglettes -- an eager group of young players and newcomers intent on carrying on the team's championship tradition.

"Inexperience will be a factor, but confidence will also be a factor," says Bill Worrell as he enters his 17th season as head coach. For the first time in his tenure, Worrell must replace all five starters from a team that captured its fifth consecutive Ohio Valley Conference regular season championship in 2002.

But, with perhaps his finest incoming class, the veteran coach is calling that a positive.

"Our talent level will make us deeper than ever," said Worrell. "We'll be equal up and down the roster with no starters returning, and that will give us a lot more options."

A DISTANT GALAXY
Blending those prep prospects with a handful of returnees, Worrell expects big things from this year's team, despite the uncertainties as the season starts.

"This team is like a distant galaxy," said Worrell. "The closer you get to it, the brighter it gets. The stars will come into focus. You know there's something out there, and you can't wait to take the trip and see exactly what."

Back on solid ground, Worrell sees plenty of strengths for the Eaglettes.

"We'll be quicker and bigger," he says. "We'll be lacking experience, but all of our players come from excellent programs. Everybody will find her own level and this team will develop its own personality. With the versatility of this group, I think several combinations will be successful."

More specifically, Worrell looks to rebounding and defense as keys to the season.

"We should shoot the ball well, but I want us to be a better rebounding team and better defensively to take pressure off the offense," he says.


ALL FOR ONE
This year's team will not be long on experience with more than half of the squad in their first collegiate season. The roster features just two seniors and one junior. Three sophomores and seven freshmen round out the squad.

And, those two seniors - Jennifer Simpson and Wendi Hartsfield-Scott - haven't been around the Tech program long as each made her Golden Eaglette debut just last season. Simpson averaged 3.9 points and 1.9 rebounds while seeing action in 20 games. Hartsfield-Scott played in 29 games and chipped in with 1.9 points and 1.3 rebounds per contest.

The most experienced member of the squad is junior Andrea Brown. After averaging 9.7 points per game in her freshman season, Brown provided 3.9 points and 1.4 rebounds in 2001-2002.

Guard Tynisha Alexander and posts Casey Bradford and Molly York emerge from their freshman season prepared to take on greater roles as sophomores. Alexander played in a backup role in 26 games and averaged 2.3 points and 1.3 rebounds at point guard. York averaged just under five minutes per outing while seeing action in 24 contests and averaged 1.9 points.

Bradford became the headliner of the freshman class, finishing her rookie season by earning OVC all-tournament honors. She averaged 3.9 points and 2.4 rebounds.

The 2002-2003 freshman class is one of the largest in Eaglette history with seven fresh faces, including six from the talent-rich Tennessee preps.

Newcomers in the backcourt will include guards Jenna Baltimore of Livingston, Arleigh Brackin of Lawrenceburg and Emily Lane of Jackson County. The frontcourt will be bolstered with the addition of Emily Christian of Baxter, Tamara Gilyard of Blythe, Ga., Lindsey Jones of Crossville, and Courtney McFarlin of Mt. Juliet.

"There's a positive aura surrounding this team, and I think it comes from the "all for one" aspect that they all bring to the program.

HIGH EXPECTATION UP FRONT
With a history of Hall of Fame players filling the frontcourt during his first 16 years, Worrell expects a lot from his forwards and post players, and he appears to have the personnel to provide that same kind of effective play.

Returnees Casey Bradford, Andrea Brown and Molly York should mesh with freshmen Emily Christian, Lindsey Jones and Courtney McFarlin to make up a deep and talented front line.

OPTIONS IN THE BACK COURT
Tynisha Alexander returns at point guard ready to fill the shoes worn by Misty Garrett for the past four years. She'll face a challenge for the role, however, from newcomers Arleigh Brackin, Jenna Baltimore and Emily Lane, all capable ball-handlers and playmakers.
Whoever fills the position will play a major role in the team's success.

"It will be up to our point guards to step up and read the personalities that are on the floor," said Worrell.

On the wings, Tech must replace two starters including sharpshooter Allison Clark. Returnees in the mix include Wendi Hartsfield-Scott and Jennifer Simpson, along with Alexander. Newcomers who will challenge are Arleigh Brackin, Jenna Baltimore and Tamara Gilyard.

TYPICALLY TOUGH SCHEDULE
As usual, the Golden Eaglettes face incredible tests early in the year with non-conference foes such as Georgia, Mississippi, Memphis, Middle Tennessee, Evansville, Southern Illinois, East Tennessee and Western Kentucky, along with an arduous tournament in Malibu.

Those contests should help strengthen the Eaglettes for the OVC slate, which figures to be another exciting 16-game, two-month odyssey.