Nov. 14, 2006
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The Setting ? Iowa returns for its home opener vs. Indiana State Wednesday. Tip-off is slated for 6:35 p.m. inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Tickets are $7 for adults, children 18-years-and-under and UI students with their student I.D. will be admitted free.
Iowa History ? Iowa has played 910 games since beginning basketball in 1974. Overall, Iowa’s record is 556-354 (.611). That includes a 277-131 (.679) mark in Big Ten games and a 252-70 (.783) record in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
On the Radio ? Brent Balbinot and Shelley Till will call the action for the Hawkeye Radio Network. Hawkeye fans can listen to the game live on KMJM AM-1360 in Cedar Rapids and tape delayed on AM-800 KXIC in Iowa City.
The game can also be heard live over the Internet at hawkeyesports.com. Just click “Hawkeye All-Access” at the top right of the page. “Hawkeye All-Access” is a subscription service.
Tickets ? Season ticket prices remain the same for the 2006-07 women’s basketball season. A reserved general public season ticket is $70 and UI faculty is $56. Single game tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for youths and UI students are admitted free with a student I.D.
Scouting Indiana State ? Wednesday will be Indiana State’s regular season opener. The Sycamores, who won the Missouri Valley Conference last season with a 16-2 league mark and a school-record 27 victories, are picked to finish sixth this year in the MVC. Indiana State returns only one of its starters from last year.
Like Iowa, the Sycamores are a young team; their 14-player roster consists of six freshmen and four sophomores. Indiana State’s lone returning starter is senior Rachel Maenpaa, who averaged 8.9 points and 5.3 rebounds. Last year’s squad ranked fifth in the country in fewest turnovers (13.0) and 10th in scoring offense (76.1).
Indiana State won its two exhibition games, defeating St. Joseph’s College (87-67) and Southern Illinois-Edwardsville (85-72). Junior Angela Phillips averaged 16.5 points and sophomore Annie Bankhead averaged 14.5. Maenpaa did not start in the exhibition games, but averaged 12.0 points and 7.5 rebounds.
Indiana State is coached by two-time MVC Coach of the Year, Jim Wiedie, who enters his seventh season as a head coach, all at Indiana State. Wiedie has compiled a 108-66 (.621) record on the Sycamore sidelines.
Iowa, Indiana State Notes ? Former Iowa men’s basketball Assistant Coach Greg Lansing, is in his first season as an assistant at Indiana State.
? Indiana State has ranked in the top three in academic grade point average the last five years. The Sycamores ranked first collectively after the 2002-03 and 2004-05 seasons. After last season Indiana State ranked second with a 3.612 GPA.
? Iowa will play five Missouri Valley Conference teams (Missouri State, Indiana State, Creighton, Northern Iowa and Drake). The Hawkeyes defeated Missouri State 79-70 in their season-opener.
? All eight Iowa players scored in its WBCA Classic championship game victory over Kansas.
? With Krista VandeVenter sidelined indefinitely, junior Abby Emmert has replaced her as on-court team co-captain along side junior Stacy Schlapkohl.
All-Time Series Record ? Wednesday will only be the second meeting between Iowa and Indiana State. The Hawkeyes won the previous meeting, 82-53, on December 9, 1983 in Terre Haute, IN. Iowa is 44-36 against current members of the Missouri Valley Conference.
Five For Fighting ? Iowa is in the middle of its busiest schedule this season. The Hawkeyes play their first five games of the regular season in eight days. Iowa, who currently have only eight healthy players, concludes the difficult stretch with three home games this week.
Hawkeyes Win WBCA Classic ? Iowa opened the season with two quality road wins, defeating Missouri State (79-70) and Kansas (63-49) to capture the fifth-annual WBCA Classic in Kansas City, MO.
Iowa out-scored its two opponents 38-14 combined at the free throw. The Hawkeyes’ 86.4 percent (38-44) is seven percent higher than the next Big Ten team (Northwestern, 79.4 percent).
Trifecta ? The Hawkeyes had three sophomores recognized on the WBCA Classic All-Tournament team. Wendy Ausdemore, Megan Skouby and Kristi Smith all earned all-tournament laurels. Skouby was honored as the tournament’s Most Valubale Player.
Skouby averaged 16.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.0 blocks in the two contests. Smith averaged 15.0 points, 4.0 assists, 2.5 steals and 2.5 rebounds. Ausdemore averaged 13.5 points, 6.0 rebounds and 3.5 assists.
Schlapkohl Delivers ? Stacy Schlapkohl, who missed some pre-season practice due to knee surgery, had a big game championship game for the Hawkeyes. The junior netted 11 points off the bench and grabbed four rebounds vs. the Jayhawks.
Kansas trimmed Iowa’s lead to 48-44 with 8:27 left in the game and Schlapkohl sparked a 9-0 run for the Hawkeyes to rebuild a 13-point cushion. The team co-captain called for the ball twice and knocked down consecutive jumpers to stretch Iowa’s advantage to 52-44. An Abby Emmert lay-up and a Lindsey Nyenhuis 3-pointer concluded the run that spanned 2:47.
Freebies ? One of the reasons why Iowa was successful last weekend was its free throw shooting. The Hawkeyes made 86.4 percent (38-44) of its foul shots. Additionally, Iowa made the free throws when they counted — in the last five minutes of the games. The Hawkeyes were 11-12 from the free throw line the final five minutes vs. Missouri State and 4-6 the final four minutes vs. Kansas. Kristi Smith was a perfect 8-8 in the final five minutes against Missouri State.
VandeVenter Out ? Krista VandeVenter, who sprained her ankle in practice Oct. 24, played little in the exhibition opener. The junior played six minutes, scoring two points and grabbing one rebound. Unfortunately, her night ended prematurely as with a dislocated right shoulder while diving for a loose ball in the second half. She is out indefinitely.
The native of Osseo, MN, missed her first career start last weekend. VandeVenter is the only Iowa player in history to have started 62 games her first two seasons. The team co-captain enters the 2006-07 campaign ranked 16th in career rebounding at Iowa.
Graham Steps Up ? With Iowa’s leading rebounder sidelined indefinitely, Jenee Graham has stepped up and filled the rebounding void. The junior pulled down a career-high 10 rebounds in each of Iowa’s first two contests. She also averaged 5.0 points, 3.0 assists and 2.0 steals.
Streaking ? Sophomore Megan Skouby has scored double figures in 18 consecutive games, two this season, dating back to Iowa’s road game at Michigan (1/5/06).
All-Big Ten Recognition ? For the second straight year, Iowa has been picked to finish fifth in the Big Ten by the media and coaches. Individually, Megan Skouby was named to the pre-season all-conference team by the media and coaches. Skouby is the only sophomore to be recognized; the team is comprised of three seniors, one junior and one sophomore.
Iowa Ranked 24th by Lindy’s ? Iowa is ranked 24th in Lindy’s pre-season poll. The Hawkeyes are one of four Big Ten teams ranked; Ohio State is 10th, followed by 11th-ranked Purdue and 20th-ranked Michigan State. In addition to the ranked Big Ten teams, which Iowa will play twice each, Rutgers (ninth) and Louisiana Tech (23rd) are also on the Hawkeyes’ schedule.
Gunning For Seven ? Iowa has posted a winning season each year Coach Bluder has been on the Hawkeye sidelines. The Hawkeyes have strung together six straight winning seasons since the 2000-01 campaign, earning an NCAA Tournament berth four times. The school record for consecutive winning seasons is 11, established 1984-1994.
Challenging Schedule Awaits ? Iowa’s schedule looks to be just as challenging as last year’s, if not more so. The Hawkeyes have the potential to play 16 teams that competed in 2006 post-season tournaments, including eight that participated in the NCAA Tournament. Iowa will play 17 games (two exhibitions) inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena, the most regular season home contests in school history.
20-Year Anniversary ? This season marks the 20-year anniversary of Iowa’s first Big Ten regular season championship. Iowa’s 1986-87 team finished the league campaign 17-1 and shared the title with Ohio State. The squad advanced to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament before falling to eventual NCAA runner-up Louisiana Tech. Michelle Edwards earned all-America honors, while Franthea Price was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year.
Hawkeyes on the Tube ? Seven regular season games are already scheduled to be televised by either KCRG or Comcast SportsNet Chicago. KCRG will televise home contests vs. Iowa State (Nov. 30), Northern Iowa (Dec. 19), Michigan State (Jan. 14) and Wisconsin (Feb. 25). Comcast SportsNet Chicago will air home games vs. Minnesota (Jan. 25) and Michigan (Feb. 8) and the Hawkeyes’ road game at Penn State (Jan. 28).
Senior Update ? Redshirt senior Johanna Solverson, who is Iowa’s lone senior on the roster, suffered her second ACL tear on her right knee in late June. She is currently rehabbing and it is hopeful that she will return to game action in February.
Bluder Approaches Milestones ? After garnering her 300th Division I victory in Iowa’s regular season finale vs. Indiana last season, Bluder will reach two additional coaching milestones in 2006-07. She will coach in her 700th career game and 200th on the Iowa sidelines, both during conference play. The Marion, IA, native has coached in 682 career games (469-213, .688) and 184 contests (113-71, .614) on the Hawkeye sidelines.
During her six years at Iowa, Bluder has guided the Black and Gold to four first division finishes in the highly regarded Big Ten Conference. Iowa’s 56 league wins the last six seasons rank as the fourth-highest total in the Big Ten behind Purdue (75), Penn State (69) and Ohio State (64). She has coached five Hawkeye players to all-Big Ten first team status, three to the second team and three that were named to the all-freshman team.
Hawkeyes Return Two All-Big Ten Performers ? Iowa returns sophomore center Megan Skouby and junior power forward Krista VandeVenter. Skouby was the consensus Big Ten Freshman of the Year and earned second-team all-league accolades. Skouby became the third Hawkeye to earn Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors, joining Franthea Price (1987) and Tiffany Gooden (1995). The 6-6 center is also the sixth Big Ten post-player to earn the award since 1983 and the first since Ohio State’s Jessica Davenport in 2004. VandeVenter was named honorable mention all-conference and was a nominee for the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award.
Iowa Returned to NCAA Tournament ? A season that was filled with numerous knee injuries did not keep the 2005-06 Iowa Hawkeyes from achieving success. Three starters suffering season-ending ACL injuries and two reserves missing substantial time due to knee injuries only propelled the freshman class to contribute and help lead the Hawkeyes to a first-division finish in the Big Ten and an at-large berth to the NCAA Tournament.
Iowa finished the season 17-12 overall and placed fifth in the Big Ten with a 10-6 mark. Playing in its 16th NCAA Tournament, Iowa lost to 20th-ranked BYU (67-62) in the first round.
The Hawkeyes were led by senior Crystal Smith, who was a consensus first team all-Big Ten selection, and Big Ten Freshman of the Year Megan Skouby. The inside-outside punch of Skouby and Smith ignited the Hawkeye offense, which was tops in the Big Ten.
No Senior Starters ? For the first time under Coach Bluder, Iowa will not have a senior in the starting lineup. Iowa’s probable starting lineup includes four sophomores (Wendy Ausdemore, Lindsey Nyenhuis, Kristi Smith, Megan Skouby) and one junior (Krista VandeVenter).
The last time Iowa did not have a senior starter was the 1999-00 season (two juniors, three sophomores). Iowa has had at least two senior starters every year under Bluder, except the 2002-03 season (center Tracy Schrupp). Below is a list of Iowa’s senior starters under Bluder:
2000-01: Cara Consuegra, Randi Peterson2001-02: Leah Magner, Lindsey Meder, Jerica Watson2002-03: Tracy Schrupp2003-04: Kristi Faulkner, Jennie Lillis2004-05: Jenna Armstrong, Jamie Cavey2005-06: Tiffany Reedy, Crystal Smith="https://hawkeyesports.com/http:%3E%3C/ahref="http:>="https://hawkeyesports.com/http:%3E%3C/ahref="http:>
Underclassmen Stepped Up in 2005-06 ? Last year’s freshman class of Megan Skouby, Kristi Smith, Wendy Ausdemore, Nicole VanderPol and Lindsey Nyenhuis stepped up and accounted for 42.5 percent of Iowa’s offense. The sophomore class of Krista VandeVenter, Abby Emmert and Stacy Schlapkohl was responsible for 20.6 percent of Iowa’s offense. Combined, the underclassmen accounted for 63.1 percent of Iowa’s offense, which bodes well for the future.
Hawkeye Fast Breaks ? 2005-06 marked the first time Iowa ever placed fifth in the Big Ten standings.
? Eight of Iowa’s 12 losses came to ranked opponents in 2005-06. The four losses to unranked foes came on the road at Louisiana Tech (2OT), Iowa State, Indiana and Penn State. Iowa was 11-3 in home games, with its three defeats coming to No. 6 Rutgers, No. 8 Ohio State and No. 12 Minnesota.
? Krista VandeVenter finished the season with 61 steals, the most ever by a Hawkeye sophomore. The 61 thefts topped Toni Foster’s 56 established in 1990-91.
? Kristi Smith finished the season with 82 assists, the most ever for a Hawkeye freshman. Smith bested Necole Tunsil’s 78 set in 1990-91. Smith also ranks fourth in 3-pointers made (22).
? Wendy Ausdemore made 20 triples in 2005-06, which ranks fifth for a Hawkeye freshman.
? Iowa freshman Megan Skouby ranked third in conference scoring, averaging 16.8 points. She is the highest ranking freshman scorer, since Penn State all-American Kelly Mazzante ranked first in 2000-01, averaging 19.7 points.
? Skouby’s 414 points ranks second in Iowa single-season freshman scoring, only two points from matching Lisa Becker’s school freshman (416). She also ranks second in freshman single-season blocks (47).
Home Grown Hawkeyes ? Iowa’s 2006-07 roster features four players from the state of Iowa (Wendy Ausdemore, Abby Emmert, Stacy Schlapkohl and Nicole VanderPol). The Hawkeyes also have two players from Illinois (Jenee Graham and Johanna Solverson) and Minnesota (Krista VandeVenter and Zoraa Quoie). Iowa’s 12-person roster also features players from Colorado (Kristi Smith), Kansas (JoAnn Hamlin), Michigan (Lindsey Nyenhuis) and Ohio (Megan Skouby).
Hawkeye Newcomers ? Iowa’s only freshman is Zoraa Quoie, from Woodbury, MN. Quoie was named to the Miss Minnesota Basketball Senior All-State team her senior season. She was also named to the Star-Tribune third defensive team as a senior. Quoie was a 2005 and 2006 all-conference selection and earned 2004 and 2005 honorable mention all-state laurels. Quoie holds her high school’s record for single-season steals.
Also on the roster this year is JoAnn Hamlin, who transferred from Kansas State. Hamlin cannot compete due to NCAA transfer rules, but can practice with the team and will have three years of eligibility remaining starting in 2007-08. Hamlin played in 33 games last year, with 31 starts at center for the Wildcats. The 31 starts were the fifth-most in the nation among freshmen. She scored in double figures 15 times, reaching the 20-point plateau four times. Hamlin averaged 10 points, 4.6 rebounds, had a total of 22 blocks and 26 steals.
Hawkeyes Ink Two ? Kachine Alexander and Kelsey Cermak have signed National Letters of Intent to attend the University of Iowa.
Alexander, a native of Minneapolis, MN, is a three-time all-conference honoree. She earned the Best Defensive Player Award at Benilde-St. Margaret’s High School her freshman and sophomore seasons. Her team was three-time conference champions and won the Minnesota State AAA Championship in 2006. The 5-9 forward was named state tournament MVP and earned honorable mention all-state honors her junior year. She averaged 12.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.5 steals and 3.0 assists in 29 starts her junior season.
Cermak, who hails from Norwalk, IA, is a two-time first team all-state honoree and a three-time first team all-conference and all-district selection. She was the Norwalk High School MVP her first three years. The 6-1 guard holds her school’s single-season record for steals (90). She averaged 17.2 points, 7.4 rebounds and 2.8 steals in 26 starts on a team that won the Iowa state and conference championship her junior season. Cermak averaged 18.9 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.6 steals her sophomore campaign. Norwalk placed second in its conference her freshman and sophomore seasons.
“We are excited to sign these two talented recruits,” said Head Coach Lisa Bluder. “We welcome both of these new Hawkeyes to our family!”
Blogging ? Hawkeye fans will be treated to behind-the-scenes information this season as sophomore Wendy Ausdemore and junior Abby Emmert will have their own blogs, which will be posted on the women’s basketball page of hawkeyesports.com. The duo will share their thoughts on practices, games, road trips, and everything else surrounding the program.
Hawkeyes Traveling Overseas in 2007 ? The women’s basketball team will be traveling overseas for 12 days to Greece, August 2007, to play four exhibition games and do some sightseeing.
Hy-Vee Cy-Hawk Series ? Iowa currently leads the third annual Hy-Vee Cy-Hawk Series 5-2. Iowa was victorious in women’s soccer (1-0, OT) and football (27-17), while Iowa State won volleyball (3-2). The next event is women’s basketball on Nov. 30 in Iowa City.
The nine-sport series awards two points (except football, which is worth three) to the winning school in each head-to-head match-up between the two institutions. Additionally, two points are awarded to an institution if the graduation rate of its student-athletes is greater than the national average as reported each fall by the NCAA.
Iowa Information on the Web ? Statistics and play-by-play accounts of all Big Ten Tournament games will be available live on the internet. The statistical program allows viewers to read the play-by-play action just moments after it takes place, and to view all individual and team statistics while the game is in progress.
The program can be accessed through hawkeyesports.com and then clicking on the `Gametracker’ link.
“Hawk Talk with Lisa Bluder” ? Catch “Hawk Talk with Lisa Bluder”, the radio call-in program Monday nights featuring Iowa Hawkeye women’s head coach Lisa Bluder, on KXIC-AM 800 in Iowa, WHO-AM 1040 in Des Moines and WMT-AM 600 in Cedar Rapids from 7:30-8:30 p.m. The first show is set for November 27.
Fans can call toll-free at (800) 332-5401 or locally at (319) 365-0600. The show originates from Bob’s Your Uncle restaurant on the eastside of Iowa City.
On the Horizon ? Iowa remains home this weekend when it hosts the four-team KCRG-TV9 Hawkeye Challenge Friday and Saturday. The Hawkeyes’ four-game homestand concludes against Louisiana Tech, Nov. 21.