 |
||||||||
 |
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
Lions teams looking ahead to brighter future
By STEVE LEE, Times Staff Writer
SAINT LEO -- For local fans, senior Jackie Pugh is the most recognizable name on the Saint Leo roster. But the former Pasco High standout is not the lone focal point. Ebony Winn and September Harrison join Pugh up front to give the Lions talent and depth at forward. In Friday's 79-60 loss to Lake Superior State, the 19th-ranked Division II team in the nation, Pugh had team-highs of 14 points and 10 rebounds. Harrison, a junior, had 11 points and four rebounds. And in a preseason Tipoff Classic at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex, Winn made the all-tournament team, also earning Sunshine State Player of the Week honors for her efforts. Winn, a senior center, averaged 11.3 points and 10.3 rebounds last season and was named to the All-SSC second team. "She's just a workhorse," said first-year coach Kerri Reaves, a former Providence assistant. "She does everything we ask her to do and she does it at 100 percent." Pugh, a transfer from Auburn, has missed two seasons because of injuries and academic troubles. Reaves declared the 1997 All-Suncoast Player of the Year fit to play after a preseason ankle injury, adding that Pugh has been diligent in her studies. Aware that Pugh acted as an assistant coach while academically ineligible last season, Reaves views Pugh as the team leader. "She's so tremendously gifted," Reaves said. "She's hungry for the competition." The Lions are deep at guard. Stepping to the forefront from a pack of nine guards are Maria Martin, Brillion Williams and Lisa Cronauer. At 0-4, the Lions have struggled out of the gate. So far, inconsistency has plagued the team. "We have to do a better job of executing our offense on every possession," said Reaves, who in May took over for Jodi Beth Kent, a brief replacement for Dave Wilson. New players and lingering injuries (Pugh and Cronauer have been slowed by ankle sprains) are keeping Saint Leo from developing a strong transition game. But Reaves said the effort has been there. "We play hard," Reaves said. "We never quit playing." Like men's coach Dave Madagan, Reaves will not predict where her team will finish. "There's only one way to go and that is up," she said. "If we continue to play hard and as smart as we have lately, I think we can improve in the standings." Still, a win is needed soon for the Lions to get started on besting last year's 8-19 record.
 © 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111 
|
From today's Pasco Times |
