UIC women's basketball team has something to prove 

Two school records, the team's first-ever postseason appearance, and three players reaching 1,000 career points are just a few highlights from the 2006-07 University of Illinois at Chicago's (UIC's) women’s basketball season. Last year’s squad collected records in consecutive victories (11) and most wins in a season and played in the Women's National Invitation Tournament.

            After reaching those milestones, head women’s basketball coach Lisa Ryckbosch’s motto for 2007-08 is “something to prove.”

Losing five seniors to graduation hasn’t fazed this year’s squad, Ryckbosch said.

“This team is very anxious to create their own identity and emerge as a cornerstone of this continuing legacy we are building,” she said.

            UIC returns seven letter-winners, including 2007 Horizon League All-Newcomer Team selection Jessie Miller, and a bevy of new talent. Adding to this year’s firepower are six frosh who will be looked upon to fill the void of three record-breaking scorers.

 

Perimeter game

Ryckbosch finds herself with an interesting dilemma on her hands, with seven players capable of contributing to the perimeter game. “I'm trying to find the right balance of who is going to be responsible for running the team as opposed to who we are going to expect for point production,” she noted.

            Miller returns as the top scorer from last year’s team, averaging 8.8 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. Junior Meghan Hutchens has waited patiently in the shadows of five seniors the past two years and looks forward to her chance to shine.

            “She does a great job running the floor, and she has great size and length both offensively and defensively,” said Ryckbosch.

            Sophomore Briana Hinkle has improved her game and is shooting the ball confidently. When at the point guard position, Hinkle pushes the ball as efficiently as any player Ryckbosch has seen.

            “The kid gets up and down the like nobody’s business,” said Ryckbosch. “I think that she is ready to assume a bigger role offensively, and we would also like to see her fill the defensive role of the departed Horizon League All-Defensive Team recipient Jackie Parker.”

            Besides three veterans, four freshmen will be vying for time on the floor. Ashley Tomzik reminds Ryckbosch of Miller as a rookie in her strength, competitiveness, knowledge of the game, and ability to pick up new plays. “Ashley has been extremely impressive and at this point in the game; I think she is ready to contribute immediately,” said Ryckbosch.

            Shameia Green has the ability to get to the basketball like three-time All-Horizon League selection LaShonda Grant. The 5’7” native from St. Louis, MO, can shoot, rebound, and physically dominate on the court. “Shameia is extremely athletic getting to the basket, and I am excited to see what she brings to the table this season,” said Ryckbosch.

            Taylor Manley has the skills to run the offense for the Flames this season as well but may need time working out the kinks before being tested on the floor.

            Katie O’Donoghue rounds out the new arrivals competing for a starting spot at guard or forward. The 5’11” freshman from Chicago is physical and can shoot the ball. “Katie has some great things going for her because of her work ethic,” said Ryckbosch. “She has to become more efficient with her speed and mechanics, which will come with time.”

            Hard work and the drive to be successful are just a few characteristics of this year’s newcomers. “That is what I love so much about this group,” said Ryckbosch. “They are all willing to compete and work through it and do what it takes to earn minutes on the floor.”

 

Post players

The post players form the nucleus of this season’s squad, with four returning letter-winners competing for a chance to bring another offensive weapon to Ryckbosch’s game. Hoping to add fuel to the fire is freshman Kristin Petrinec, who averaged 13.2 points and 9.2 rebounds per game as a senior at St. Ignatius College Prep.

            Senior Nicole Rinaldi and juniors Ashley Hluska and Nikki Grobbecker are the captains and heart of this year’s team, with more than 200 games combined on the hardwood. Sophomore Cassie Johnson, who suffered a foot injury mid-season in 2006-07, is back after playing in 25 games as a rookie.

            All four of the returning post players have started for the Flames at some point in their careers, and each one brings something positive to the game as they have all improved.

            Rinaldi is healthy after being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease her junior year. “Nicole has put weight back on and is playing hard and very confidently,” said Ryckbosch. She started in all 30 games and notched seventh place in the UIC single-season record book with 42 blocks in 2005-06.

            Grobbecker earned a starting spot in 22 contests last season, while Hluska came on strong at the end of the season to earn a starting nod in the final eight games. “Nikki’s offensive game is coming around,” said Ryckbosch. “Her defensive rebounding has also improved.”

            Hluska has worked on everything the coaches have asked of her since she was a freshman. “Ashley is playing with such confidence,” said Ryckbosch. “When she wants the ball, no one can stop her.”

Ryckbosch has challenged Johnson to work on shooting with her left hand and translate her strength in the weight room onto the court. Petrinec adds a good shooting touch to the already talented batch of post players.

 

Schedule

Ryckbosch has never played it safe when scheduling non-league contests, and this season is no different. The Flames face teams from eight conferences, including Big East powerhouse DePaul and NCAA final four participant Louisiana State University.

            “If we aspire to win the Horizon League and go to the NCAA Tournament, then we need to test the waters and put ourselves in the position to learn and benefit from tough opponents,” said Ryckbosch.

With the addition of Valparaiso, the Horizon League is going to be more competitive this year.

“I am very anxious to put that finished product on the floor," the coach concluded. "We are going to continue to play the same ball that we have in the past, but we are going to strive for better.”