Women's Basketball February 29, 2008

Big Ten Title at Stake Sunday at Madison

Feb. 29, 2008

THE SETTING
The Iowa Hawkeyes (19-9, 12-5) play their regular season finale Sunday at Madison, WI, when it faces the Wisconsin Badgers (16-11, 9-8) on its “Senior Day”. Tip-off is slated for 12:05 p.m. at the Kohl Center. It marks the second straight season Iowa plays Wisconsin in its last regular season game.

Two of the league’s hottest teams will clash in Madison Sunday. The Badgers have won five straight contests, with three coming on the road. The Hawkeyes have won 10 of their last 12. Wisconsin’s five-game winning streak is the longest active streak in the conference.

An Iowa win Sunday will earn it at least a share of the Big Ten championship, with Ohio State. A Wisconsin victory will give the Badgers their 10th conference win and a possible five-way tie for fourth place.

WEB VIDEO CAST
Hawkeye fans can watch the game for free on the University of Wisconsin’s web site: uwbadgers.com. Click on “Live Webcasts” to catch the action. Ken Syke and Karie Cattanach will call the game.

ON THE RADIO
Brent Balbinot and Shelley Till will call Sunday afternoon’s game for the Hawkeye Radio Network. Hawkeye fans can listen to the contest on WHO 1040-AM in Des Moines, WMT 600-AM in Cedar Rapids and KXIC 800-AM in Iowa City. Balbinot is in his fourth season as Iowa’s play-by-play voice, while Till is in her third providing analysis.

IOWA HISTORY
Iowa has played 966 games since beginning basketball in 1974. Overall, Iowa’s record is 587-379 (.608). That includes a 295-146 (.669) mark in Big Ten contests and 272-81 (.771) in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

IOWA TIED FOR FIRST
Iowa and Ohio State are tied for first place in the Big Ten standings with 12-5 league records. Iowa plays at Wisconsin, while Ohio State entertains Northwestern. Purdue (11-6) is one game back and visits Illinois Sunday. This is the latest, in a single-season, the Hawkeyes have been in first place under Coach Bluder. The last time Iowa was in first place this late in the season was 1998, when the Black and Gold last won a regular season title.

PRE-SEASON RANKINGS
Iowa was picked to finish fifth in the Big Ten by a selected media panel and seventh by the league coaches. Ohio State, a team that has won, outright or shared, the last three regular season conference titles, was picked to win its fourth straight. Wisconsin senior Jolene Anderson was selected as the pre-season Player of the Year by both voting groups.

EIGHT IS ENOUGH
Iowa had an eight-game winning streak snapped at Purdue Feb. 14. The streak is the longest by any Big Ten team this year, besting six-game winning streaks by Ohio State and Minnesota earlier this season. The eight-game winning streak is the longest under Coach Lisa Bluder, during Big Ten play. Iowa’s 2000-01 squad strung together six-straight in Bluder’s first season on the sidelines.

BLUDER CAPTURES WIN NO. 500
Lisa Bluder, the dean of Big Ten coaches captured her 500th career win at Penn State (Feb. 10). Bluder became the 35th Division I head coach to amass 500 career victories. There are currently 36 coaches with 500 career wins, as Texas A&M’s Gary Blair reached the milestone two weeks ago.

NUMBER OF THE WEEK – – 7
Iowa missed its first 3-point attempt vs. Minnesota (Feb. 17), but then sank a school single-game record seven-consecutive triples (Ausdemore 3; Solverson 2; Smith 1; Skouby 1).

BLUDER AMONGST FINALISTS
Iowa Head Coach Lisa Bluder is one of 25 finalists for the 20008 Naismith Coach of the Year. Bluder, who is in her eighth season on the Iowa sidelines, is the only Big Ten candidate listed.

ALL-TIME SERIES
Sunday will be the 53rd meeting between Iowa and Wisconsin, with the Hawkeyes boasting a 32-20 advantage. Iowa owns a slim 12-11 edge in games played at Madison. The Black and Gold have won four of the last five contests at the Kohl Center. The Badgers snapped a four-game losing skid to Iowa at home last season (84-73) on Feb. 11, 2007.

The Hawkeyes have won eight of the last 10 in the series. Iowa won this season’s first meeting, 78-74, in overtime Jan. 13, in Iowa City.

SCOUTING WISCONSIN
Wisconsin enters Sunday’s game riding a five-game win streak, winning its last two games on the road, each by two points. The Badgers became only the second Big Ten team (Iowa) to win at Minnesota last Saturday (59-57) and only the second conference team (Illinois) to win at Michigan (69-67) Thursday night.

Wisconsin erased a 20-point deficit with 14:45 left in the second half en route to its win at Michigan. The Badgers amassed 23 offensive rebounds, scoring 24 times off second chance opportunities. Senior Jolene Anderson, the Big Ten Preseason Player of the Year, played all 40 minutes and scored a team-high 14 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Classmate Danielle Ward was one rebound shy of a double-double, totaling 11 points and nine rebounds. The Badgers drained 10 triples and out-rebounded the Wolverines by seven (40-33).

Anderson is this week’s Big Ten Player of the Week, collecting the honor for the third time this season and fifth time during her career. The senior helped lead the Badgers to three wins last week, averaging 17.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.3 steals. She became Wisconsin’s all-time leading scorer, male or female, against the Hoosiers, surpassing Alando Tucker’s mark of 2,217 set last season.

As a team, the Badgers rank first in rebounding margin (+6.8), rebounding (40.9) and offensive rebounding (16.81) and second in scoring offense (71.3), assists (15.96) and steals (8.89). Individually, Anderson ranks first in league scoring (20.1), fourth in rebounding (7.7) and eighth in assists (3.59). Senior Janese Banks ranks 10th in Big Ten scoring (13.5). Ward ranks eighth in rebounding (6.4) and field goal percentage (.478).

Wisconsin is 10-4 at home, including a 5-3 mark during conference play. The Badgers boast a +10.6 scoring margin in home league contests. Wisconsin recorded three Big Ten home wins by 25 points or more this season (Penn State, Northwestern and Indiana). The Badgers average 5,896 fans at the Kohl Center in 14 games.

Lisa Stone is in her fifth season (72-75, .490) as Wisconsin’s head coach and 23rd year (447-193, .698) as a head coach.

LAST MEETING
In a thrilling overtime game the Iowa Hawkeyes defeated Wisconsin 78-74, Jan. 13 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

Badger guard Jolene Anderson came into the contest averaging 17.9 points and 7.6 rebounds and was well on her way by the end of the first half. Anderson had 17 points in the first half on 6-14 shooting, including 2-4 from behind the arc. She finished with a game high 42 points on 13-27 shooting including 13-13 on free throws. Anderson tied an arena record with her 42 points and set the record for free throw percentage.

In an up-and-down battle, the Black and Gold dominated the boards as they pulled down 53, including 22 on offense, which alone was more than Wisconsin had on defense. The Badgers had only 32 rebounds. Iowa was led by Alexander, who had a game-high 10 rebounds.

Megan Skouby provided a spark off the bench for the Hawkeyes. Iowa went on a 12-6 run thanks in part to Skouby’s nine points as Iowa led 32-23 with 2:39 left in the first half. Skouby finished with 11 points. Anderson continued to lead the Badgers as they created a 13-7 run of their own to make it 39-36, Iowa, at intermission.

Both teams struggled on offense as the Hawkeyes shot 26-65 (40 percent) and 2-16 (12.5 percent) from three point land. The Badgers went 24-61 (39 percent) from the floor and 4-15 (26 percent) behind the arc.

A couple of Anderson free throws with 46 seconds left trimmed Iowa’s lead to 65-64. A few possessions later, Anderson fumbled the ball into the Hawkeyes hands with 12.9 seconds remaining. Wisconsin’s Teah Gant fouled Alexander who made 1-2. Wisconsin rebounded the ball and gave it to Anderson, who made the layup and knotted the game at 66-66.

In overtime, the Badgers took a quick four-point lead before Solverson converted on a conventional three-point play closing the Wisconsin lead to 70-69. The lead went back and forth until Schlapkohl and Alexander hit key foul shots to seal the deal as Iowa won 78-74.

IOWA, WISCONSIN NOTES
? Iowa mounted one of its most exciting and improbable comebacks on Feb. 12, 2004, at the Kohl Center. The Hawkeyes overcame an eight-point deficit with 39 seconds left in regulation to defeat Wisconsin 87-82 in overtime. Iowa guard Kristi Faulkner scored an astonishing 15 points (four 3-pointers, one lay-up and one free throw) in the final 1:50 of regulation to help send the game into the extra session.
? Iowa defeated Wisconsin in the first-ever game played in the Kohl Center (Jan. 20, 1998). The Hawkeyes downed the Badgers (66-63) in front of 16,296 fans.
? Both Iowa and Wisconsin start three seniors.
? Wisconsin Head Coach Lisa Anderson Stone (1980-84) and Assistant Coach Donna Freitag (1981-83) both played basketball for the Hawkeyes. Stone currently ranks 18th in Iowa career scoring (1,129), eighth in assists (322) and eighth in steals (177).
? Wisconsin Director of Basketball Operations Stephanie Schmitz was recruited and played two seasons for Lisa Bluder when she coached at Drake. Lisa Stone followed Lisa Bluder as head coach at Drake after Bluder left to become the Hawkeyes’ head coach.
? Iowa won a total of six conference games last season (6-10). The Hawkeyes are 12-5 after 17 games this year.
? Iowa has had seven players lead the team in scoring at least once during the season (Kristi Smith, Wendy Ausdemore, Megan Skouby, Johanna Solverson, Krista VandeVenter, Stacy Schlapkohl and Lindsey Nyenhuis).
? Iowa’s Johanna Solverson averaged 6.1 assists per game the last eight contests. She ranks fourth in Iowa career assists (380) and is seven dimes from tying Franthea Price for third (387).
? Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan State and Ohio State lead the conference, each winning four Big Ten road wins. The Hawkeyes will be the only team gunning for their fifth league road victory on Sunday.
? Iowa boasted a 12-3 record in home games, including 8-1 in Big Ten play.
? Iowa has four players average double figures vs. Wisconsin in their career: Nicole VanderPol (16.0), Wendy Ausdemore (14.5), Megan Skouby (13.7) and Kristi Smth (13.0). Johanna Solverson averages 7.2 points and 5.8 rebounds in six games against the Badgers.
? The Hawkeyes have defeated every Big Ten team at least once this season, except Ohio State.
? Iowa is 19-2 when scoring 60 points or more and 17-1 when having a higher field goal percentage than the opposition.
? Iowa has held 13 opponents to 58 points, or less, this season (11-2).
? Kristi Smith has netted 15 points, or more, a team-best 11 times this year. She has topped 20 points three times this season.
? Iowa concludes playing its last 10 regular season games, a stat the NCAA Committee looks at when determining at-large berths for the NCAA Championship on Sunday. The Hawkeyes are 7-2 in this stretch.
? Iowa has four wins over top-50 RPI rated teams (Minnesota – twice, 30; Purdue, 41; Michigan State, 48). Iowa ranks 45th in the latest ratings, while Wisconsin is 59th. The Badgers have played the 44th toughest schedule in the country, while the Hawkeyes’ schedule ranks 57th.
? Iowa is 119-15 when leading at the half in eight years under Coach Bluder. The Hawkeyes have led at half in 13 of their 17 conference games this year. Iowa is 100-21 when holding opponents to 69 points or less, including a 45-4 mark when opponents score 59 points or less.
? Kristi Smith collected seven assists four times this year (Dartmouth, Mississippi State, Western Illinois and Minnesota). Johanna Solverson has led the team in assists a team-best 14 times, including 10 of the last 11 games.
? Iowa played five non-conference games against teams from a major conference: SEC (Mississippi State), Pac-10 (Arizona State), ACC (Georgia Tech), Big XII (Iowa State) and MWC (Wyoming).
? Iowa’s 44-point win over N. Illinois (87-43) tied the program’s 17th-largest margin of victory, equaling its 93-49 win over Iowa State (Nov. 29, 1987).

SKOUBY REACHES MILESTONE
Iowa junior Megan Skouby scored six points at No. 20 Ohio State (Feb. 21) to become the 24th Hawkeye to amass 1,000 career points. Skouby, who is a native of Mentor, OH, accomplished the feat in only 82 games and she did so in front of family and friends.

Skouby, who was recognized as the 2006 Big Ten Freshman of the Year, is coming off the bench this season averaging 9.2 points and 3.2 rebounds. She ranks fourth in team scoring.

Skouby was 0-2 in 3-point attempts her first 79 career games. She attempted and made one 3-point attempt in back-to-back games two weeks ago (Purdue and Minnesota).

TRIFECTA
Iowa has three players who have scored over 965 career points: Johanna Solverson (1,067), Megan Skouby (1,014) and Kristi Smith (968). Solverson ranks 20th in Iowa scoring, followed by Skouby (24th) and Smith (25th).

THREE FOR ALL
Iowa has knocked down 169 triples this season, the fourth-most in school single-season history. The record of 199 was established during the 1999-00 season, followed by 176 (2003-04) and 175 (2000-01). The Hawkeyes play only one more regular season game and at least two post-season contests.

THE LAST TIME…
? Iowa won eight-straight games was during the start of the 2004-05 season. The Hawkeyes started the year 13-0 and were the last Division I team to lose.
? Iowa won eight-consecutive conference games was during the start of the 1995-96 Big Ten season. The Black and Gold started league play 12-0, before falling at Purdue. Iowa finished the 1995-96 season as Big Ten champions with a 15-1 record.
? Iowa won 20 games in a season was during the 2004-05 season. The Hawkeyes have topped the 20-win plateau 13 times in 33 seasons, including two times under Coach Bluder.

BIG TEN TOURNAMENT TALK
? Iowa has secured itself no worse than a third seed. A Hawkeye win Sunday or a Purdue loss at Illinois will garner the Hawkeyes a No. 2 seed. An Iowa win and an Ohio State defeat will give the Hawkeyes the top seed.
? Illinois (9), Penn State (10) and Northwestern (11) have locked-up spots in the Big Ten Tournament.
? With one contest left, only one game separates the fourth place team from the eighth place team.

IOWA CRUISES TO HOME WIN OVER NORTHWESTERN ON SENIOR NIGHT
Iowa sent its five seniors out in style with a 68-42 triumph over Northwestern Thursday night at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The win was Iowa’s 10th in 12 games and seventh consecutive home victory.

All five seniors (Abby Emmert, Jenee Graham, Stacy Schlapkohl, Johanna Solverson and Krista VandeVenter) scored at least two points. Solverson tallied 13 points and collected a game-high six assists. Junior Wendy Ausdemore netted a game-high 16 points, bolstered by 4-5 shooting from 3-point range, and junior Megan Skouby scored 14 points.

Iowa’s lead swelled to 16 points midway through the first half after a 13-0 run. The Hawkeyes coasted the rest of the game, leading by as many as 28 points.

The Hawkeyes collected a season-high 14 steals and out-rebounded the Wildcats by six (41-35). Additionally, Iowa had assists on 21 of its 27 field goals.

Iowa shot 48 percent (27-56) from the field, while Northwestern was held to only 29 percent (18-62).

LAST OUTING TIP-INS
? Iowa has won 14 straight games over Northwestern with the 26-point triumph Thursday night. The Hawkeyes improved to 40-12 all-time against the Wildcats and 19-4 in games played in Iowa City. ? Iowa allowed only 42 points, equaling a season-low for an opponent (42 by Detroit on Dec. 2, 2007). ? Iowa was 7-17 (.412) from 3-point range. The Hawkeyes have made seven or more triples in five of their last seven contests. ? The Hawkeyes were whistled for a season-low eight fouls. ? Wendy Ausdemore has led the Black and Gold in scoring three of the last four games and four of the last six. ? Wendy Ausdemore made four 3-pointers vs. the Wildcats, which gives her 70 for the season. The 70 triples moves her past Lindsey Meder and into first place in 3-pointers made by an Iowa junior.

AUSDEMORE, VANDEVENTER EARN ACADEMIC HONOR
Wendy Ausdemore and Krista VandeVenter were named to the 2008 ESPN The Magazine Academic all-District third team, Feb. 7.

Ausdemore boasts a 3.67 cumulative GPA and is majoring in business. The junior ranks second in team scoring (11.4), second in Big Ten 3-point field goal percentage (.432) and second in 3-pointers made (2.28). Ausdemore, who was recognized on the all-district second team a year ago, ranks third in Iowa career 3-pointers (139). The native of Neola, IA, has netted double figures in 18 of Iowa’s 25 games this season, including the last eight.

VandeVenter has a 3.52 cumulative GPA and is majoring in integrative physiology. The senior has started 104 of 110 career games, averaging 7.3 points and 6.9 rebounds. She ranks seventh in Iowa career rebounding (757).

Iowa and Minnesota were the only Big Ten teams with at least two student-athletes honored.

CLEANING THE GLASS
Since Big Ten Conference play began, Iowa ranks second in rebounds allowed (33.8), rebounding margin (+3.6) and rebounding (37.4) and third in offensive rebounding (12.82).

Iowa boasted a +7.1 rebounding margin in its last six victories. Iowa boasted a +15 rebounding edge (49-34) at Northwestern, +18 (44-26) vs. Indiana, +13 (43-30) vs. Michigan State, +5 (29-24) at Penn State and +6 (41-35) vs. Northwestern. The Hawkeyes out-rebounded seven opponents during the eight-game winning streak.

Iowa’s leading rebounders are Jenee Graham and Krista VandeVenter, both averaging better than five rebounds per contest. In fact, Iowa has four players (Graham, VandeVenter, Wendy Ausdemore and Johanna Solverson) who average more than four boards per contest.

IMPROVED DEFENSE
Last season Iowa ranked last in Big Ten scoring defense (71.7) and field goal percentage defense (.447).

Through 27 games this year, Iowa ranks first in conference field goal percentage defense (.379) and 3-point field goal percentage defense (.297) and third in scoring defense (59.4).

SMITH AND SOLVERSON’S NUMBERS RISE DURING BIG TEN PLAY
Point guard Kristi Smith and small forward Johanna Solverson’s numbers have improved since conference play.

Smith averaged 11 points and 3.2 assists in Iowa’s 11 non-conference games. In 17 Big Ten games, she is averaging 14.1 points and 3.2 assists. Furthermore, she is averaging 14/3 points and 3.3 assists the last 15 games.

Solverson, a team co-captain, averaged 5.8 points and 1.8 assists during non-league play and 11.8 points and 4.5 assists during conference action. In Iowa’s last 15 games, she averaged 12.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.7 assists. She is Iowa’s assists leader during conference play (76).

SOLVERSON JOINS ELITE COMPANY
Johanna Solverson joined elite company when she collected 18 points and eight assists vs. Michigan State (Feb. 7). She became one of only two Hawkeyes to ever amass over 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, 350 assists and 175 steals (Franthea Price). Solverson currently has 1,067 points, 541 rebounds, 380 assists and 190 steals. Price totaled 1,742 points, 726 rebounds, 387 assists and 321 steals.

HOME, AWAY COMPARISONS
Iowa averages 8.6 more points at home than on the road. The Black and Gold also averages three more assists and 3.2 more rebounds at home than on the road. Iowa has a higher free throw percentage on the road (.753) than at Carver-Hawkeye Arena (.715). Here are the home and away comparisons:

    FG%  3-PT%   FT% REB AST TO  PTSHome    .451    .399    .715    38.2    17.1    16.5    68.8Away    .417    .365    .753    34.8    13.9    17.1    60.2

WINS, LOSSES COMPARISONS
The Black and Gold average 16.2 more points in their victories (70.3) than their losses (54.1). Furthermore, Iowa shoots 7.8 percent better from the foul line and pulls down 5.5 more rebounds in wins. Here are the wins and losses comparisons:

    FG%  3-PT%   FT% REB AST TO  PTSWins    .457    .407    .748    38.5    16.8    16.3    70.3Losses  .392    .333    .670    33.0    13.4    17.7    54.1

DOWNTOWN SUCCESS
Iowa has been very accurate shooting the ball behind the arc this season. The Hawkeyes rank third in the Big Ten, shooting 38.5 percent (169-439) from 3-point range. Three Hawkeyes have combined for 147 of their 169 triples (Wendy Ausdemore, 70; Kristi Smith, 44; Johanna Solverson, 35). Iowa has shot 40 percent or better from 3-point range 13 times this year, including a season-best 62.5 percent (10-16) against Northern Illinois. Iowa was 10-20 (.500) vs. Indiana and 10-18 (.556) vs. Minnesota. Last season, Iowa ranked third nationally in 3-point shooting percentage (157-391, .402).

Ausdemore ranks first in 3-pointers made by an Iowa junior (70), besting Lindsey Meder’s previous record of 68 established during the 2000-01 season. Ausdemore’s 3-point percentage (.452) ranks seventh in the country. She has attempted the second-most triples amongst the nation’s leaders.

BIG TEN RANKINGS
Iowa ranks in the top three in 11 Big Ten statistical categories. The Hawkeyes rank first in field goal percentage defense (.379) and 3-point field goal percentage defense (.297), second in scoring margin (+5.7), 3-pointers made (6.04), defensive rebounding (25.07) and field goal percentage (.437) and third in assists (15.75), 3-point field goal percentage (.385), free throw percentage (.730), scoring defense (59.4) and assist/turnover ratio (0.94). Individually, Wendy Ausdemore ranks first in 3-point field goal percentage (.452), second in 3-pointers made (2.5) and 17th in scoring (12.0). Kristi Smith ranks sixth in assist/turnover ratio (1.38), eighth in 3-pointers made (1.57), ninth in 3-point field goal percentage (.349), 11th in free throw percentage (.800), 12th in scoring (12.9) and 13th in assists (3.21).

HOME GROWN HAWKEYES
Iowa’s roster features five players from the state of Iowa (Wendy Ausdemore, Kelsey Cermak, Abby Emmert, Stacy Schlapkohl and Nicole VanderPol). The Hawkeyes also have two players from Illinois (Jenee Graham and Johanna Solverson) and Minnesota (Kachine Alexander and Krista VandeVenter). Iowa’s 13-person roster also features players from Colorado (Kristi Smith), Kansas (JoAnn Hamlin), Michigan (Lindsey Nyenhuis) and Ohio (Megan Skouby).

SOLVERSON TABBED BIG TEN CO-PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Johanna Solverson was named co-Player of the Week with Purdue’s FahKara Malone on Feb. 11.

Solverson took home the first weekly honor of her career after helping the Hawkeyes claim sole possession of first place in the conference with wins over Michigan State and Penn State.

The sixth-year senior netted her 1,000th career point with 18 against the Spartans, also adding a season-high eight assists. Against the Lady Lions, the forward scored 16 points, including Iowa’s first seven, and also pulled down a game-high seven rebounds in just 24 minutes on the court. For the week, Solverson averaged 17 points, 6.5 rebounds and six assists per game while shooting .609 from the floor and .500 from 3-point territory.

The native of Lake Zurich, IL, is one of only two Hawkeyes to ever amass over 1,000 career points, 500 rebounds, 350 assists and 175 steals (Franthea Price).

Iowa’s last Player of the Week was Crystal Smith on Nov. 28, 2005.

SOLVERSON RETURNS FOR SIXTH SEASON
Johanna Solverson was granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA after missing the last two seasons due to consecutive ACL tears in her right knee. Solverson has played with 27 different players during her six years at Iowa.

The 6-2 small forward played in all but one game her first three seasons. One of Iowa’s most versatile players, she boasts a career average of 8.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.6 steals in 122 games.

Solverson is only the second Iowa women’s basketball player to receive a sixth year from the NCAA. Simone Edwards (1993-97) received a sixth year after suffering two season-ending knee injuries. Edwards played two full seasons and a partial third with the Hawkeyes after transferring to Iowa from Seminole Junior College.

BIG TEN TOURNAMENT TICKETS ON SALE
All-session tickets for the 2008 Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament presented by Xbox 360 Live are $65, while single-session tickets range from $12-16. Tickets can be purchased at the Conseco Fieldhouse box office, Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com or by calling Ticketmaster at (319) 363-1888.

The tournament returns to Indianapolis for the 13th time in 14 years and has attracted more than 29,000 fans for each of the last six events. The 2006 tournament attendance of 38,638 and session average of 7,728 were both event records. In the past 13 years of Big Ten Tournament play, the conference has welcomed more than 382,000 fans. Six different league representatives have become tournament champions. Purdue leads all teams with six titles followed by two championships for both Iowa and Penn State and a single title for Indiana, Michigan State and Ohio State.

HAWKEYES PEN FIVE TO NATIONAL LETTER OF INTENT
Hannah Draxten, Shante Jones, Kelly Krei, Tia Mays and Kamille Wahlin have signed National Letters of Intent to attend the University of Iowa.

“This is a large balanced class that covers every position,” said Head Coach Lisa Bluder.

Draxten, a 6-0 wing player, has been a varsity starter since eighth grade, starting in 104 consecutive games for Fergus Falls High School in Minnesota. She has been the team’s leading scorer all four years. A two-year team captain, Draxten holds the all-time Fergus Falls High School records (boys and girls) for scoring (1,830) and rebounding (755). She has averaged 17.6 points and 7.3 rebounds over her career. Draxten is a two-time Class 3A first team all-state and all-conference honoree.

Wahlin, a native of Crookston, MN, is a 5-8 left-handed point guard who averaged 19.9 points for her Crookston High School basketball team that went 24-3 a year ago. A third-year captain, she boasts career averages of 16.5 ppg, 4.8 apg and 3.0 spg. Wahlin established school records in scoring, assists, steals and field goals. Her team finished second in the Minnesota state tournament her sophomore campaign, where she was recognized on the all-tournament squad. She was tabbed Minnesota Coaches Association All-State and was her team’s MVP the last two seasons. Wahlin sank 47 consecutive free throws last year. Wahlin played on the same AAU team (North Tartan Larson) as Draxten last summer.

Krei, a native of Iowa City, has averaged 17.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.5 steals and 2.1 assists the last three years for City High. A two-time captain, she was a first team all-state honoree her freshman and junior years and was a second team selection as a sophomore. Krei is a three-time first team all-conference, all-district and all-area honoree. The 6-2 forward was named the 2007 Mississippi Valley Conference Player of the Year in basketball and track.

Mays, a native of Des Moines, is a four-year starter for Des Moines East High School. She was a pre-season Street & Smith’s honorable mention all-American in 2006. Last season as a junior, she was an all-state, all-conference and all-district performer. A second-year captain, she helped lead her team to a school-best 19-5 record and a berth to the Girls State Tournament. A 6-1 forward, she led the Lady Scarlets in points (15 ppg), rebounds (10 rpg), blocks (4 bpg) and field goal percentage (63%).

Jones is a 5-9 guard/forward from Dayton, OH. Jones played her first two years at Stivers School for the Arts and competed for Carroll High School last season. She averaged 17.8 points her junior year and was tabbed first team all-league and second team all-conference, all-district and all-southwest. Jones was named MVP of Carroll High School her junior season. She was selected first team all-league, all-conference and all-district her sophomore campaign. Jones was the highest scorer in the area her sophomore year (28.0 ppg) and named Stivers High School MVP.

BLOGGING
Iowa Hawkeye fans will again be treated to behind-the-scenes information this season as seniors Jenee Graham and Johanna Solverson and junior Lindsey Nyenhuis will blog during the season, which will be posted on hawkeyesports.com. The trio will share their thoughts on practices, games, road trips, and everything else concerning the program.

UI TO HOST NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES IN 2009
The UI has been selected by the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Committee to serve as one of 16 first and second round hosts for the 2009 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship. Games will take place Saturday, March 21, and Monday, March 23 or Sunday, March 22 and Tuesday, March 24, 2009.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to host the first and second rounds of the NCAA Championship in 2009,” said Iowa Head Coach Lisa Bluder. “It has been a long time since Iowa has hosted the NCAA Championship and we are excited to bring the competition and atmosphere back to Carver Hawkeye Arena!”

The UI first hosted a NCAA Championship site in 1986. Carver-Hawkeye Arena has hosted NCAA Women’s Championship games 11 years (1986-90, 92-94, 96-98). The last time Iowa City hosted a first and second round site was in 1998.

ON THE HORIZON
All 11 Big Ten teams will converge in Indianapolis to compete in the 2008 Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament. The Hawkeyes will be either a one, two or third seed, playing on Friday.

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