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Boca Ciega graduate holds court in college

By NANCY MORGAN
Published February 11, 2007

In preparation for her final year of basketball at Georgia State, Kelcey Roegiers-Jensen Boca Ciega concentrated on getting in the best possible shape. The standout guard's performance so far this season validates her success.

Currently ranked third in the nation in assists per game (6.6) and 77th in scoring average (16.8), Roegiers-Jensen was recognized by the Colonial Athletic Association as Player of the Week twice in January.

"It's really an honor to be recognized like that by the conference," said Roegiers-Jensen, 21. "Last year, I didn't have any. ...I just want to remain consistent for the team and to have us play well and win games.

"Every year, I've just tried to get in better shape so I could go the 40 minutes in a game and then do it again the next night. This year, I can do that."

Roegiers-Jensen's opponents learned from last year she could shoot, so defenses against her come regularly. With her assist expertise, though, it's a perfect scenario for the Panthers.

"Having played point guard all my life until I came to college, setting up assists is natural for me," Roegiers-Jensen said. "You've got to be able to see the whole floor, see when your teammates are open and penetrate and be able to create opportunities for scoring."

Roegiers-Jensen credits her 80 percent plus free-throw shooting to her dad, who coached her as a youth on a co-ed team at St. Petersburg's Roberts Community Center.

"My dad always stressed how critical free throws could be in a game and to use good form in shooting," Roegiers-Jensen said. "Free-throw shooting practice is boring but critical. Sometimes, I would shoot one with my eyes open and another with my eyes closed. I repeated and repeated and repeated that."

Roegiers-Jensen is eighth in the conference in free-throw shooting and among the top 10 in nine other CAA categories, including blocked shots and 3-point field goals. In an 85-66 loss to CAA's top team Delaware last week, Roegiers-Jensen connected for 10 3s to tie the school's career record of 131 set last year.

The Panthers are among the top five teams in the conference, a position Roegiers-Jensen likes.

Five regular-season games remain for the Panthers after today's game with Towson. The CAA tournament is March 8-11.

"After college, it's up in the air what I will do," Roegiers-Jensen said. "I might play overseas or go to graduate school and do some coaching. I'm leaving that open for now and concentrating on finishing our season first."

MORE BASKETBALL: Stetson's second-leading scorer, senior guard Gabe McMillen (Indian Rocks Christian), repeated last year's feat of completing a key 3-pointer to lead the Hatters to a 62-60 overtime win against UNF.

- Senior reserve center Jordan Kolosey (St. Petersburg) had four points for Rollins in a 63-38 win over Barry and six in a double-overtime win over Nova Southeastern.

- Starting guard Deon Troupe (St. Petersburg) posted 13 points against Nova Southeastern. The senior is averaging 7.5 points and 2.7 rebounds.

TRACK: Georgia Tech senior Ashlee Kidd (St. Petersburg) won the 200 meters with a NCAA provisional time of 23.70 and was second in the 60 meters with a personal- and team-best 7.45. Kidd is ranked sixth nationally in the 200.

TENNIS: Playing No. 3 singles, George Navas (Tampa Prep) of Belleair opened his freshman season at No. 22 Michigan with a 6-0, 6-3 win over Marquette.

SWIMMING: Freshman distance freestyler Jennifer Guyler (East Lake) won the 500-yard freestyle event in Florida State's win over Louisiana State.

DIVING: FSU junior Alex Tillbrook (Osceola) was fourth in the 1-meter event against LSU.

News for this column may be faxed to Nancy Morgan, 445-4119; e-mailed to namorgan@tampabay.rr.com or sent to 710 Court St., Clearwater, FL 33756. Please include phone number.

[Last modified February 11, 2007, 00:15:11]