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Around the state, women's basketball

By Compiled by JAMAL THALJI

© St. Petersburg Times, published November 17, 2000

MIAMI

COACH: Ferne Labati (218-132, 12th season; 354-254 overall).

1999-00: 14-15, 7-9 Big East Conference (tied for sixth).

LAST SEASON: The 'Canes have not been to the NCAA Tournament since 1998 and the women's NIT since 1999.

RETURNING STARTERS: Alicia Hartlaub, F, 6-2 So. (11.4 ppg., 6.4 rpg.); Sheila James, G, 5-5 Jr. (11.7 ppg., 4 rpg.); Camilla Osth, F/C, 6-2 Sr. (8 ppg., 3.9 rpg.); Meghan Saake, G, 5-10 So. (6.7 ppg., 4 rpg.). TOP RETURNEES/NEWCOMERS: Kathryn Fowler, F, 6-0 Jr. (5.5 ppg., 4.6 rpg.); Dalia Clarke, G, 5-11 Sr. (7.1 ppg., 5.4 rpg.); Amanda Papuga, G, 5-10 So. (3.8 ppg., 1.3 rpg.); Chanivia Broussard, F, 6-0, Fr., Miami Northwestern High; Lindsey Peavey, G, 5-9 So., Longwood College, Central Square, N.Y.; Shannon Presswood, C, 6-4 Fr., Orangeville, Ontario; Yolanda Whigham, G, 5-8 Fr., Plant City High; Shaquana Wilkins, F, 6-2 Fr., Winter Park High; Hutashi Wilson, G, 5-6 Fr., Michael Power High, Toronto).

OUTLOOK: Miami has just about every weapon back from last season, returning nine players who totaled 85 percent of the scoring and 92 percent of the rebounding. Replacing departed point guard Gina Graziani in the backcourt is the key to a successful campaign in the Big East and a possible post-season berth.

INFORMATION: Call 800) 462-2637.

CENTRAL FLORIDA

COACH: Gail Striegler (9-20, second season).

1999-2000: 9-20, 5-13 Trans America Athletic Conference (ninth place).

LAST SEASON: The defending conference champions were thwarted by a constant stream of injuries, and at times Striegler could only dress seven healthy players.

RETURNING STARTERS: LaToya Graham, F, 6-0 Sr. (6.4 ppg, 14 blocks, 36 steals); Khaliah Guillory, G, 5-10 Jr. (6.1 ppg, .697 FT%); Erin Paige, F, 5-11 So. (9.1 ppg, 5.7 rpg); LaDonna Larry, G/F, 5-8 Sr. (5.4 ppg, 5.3 rpg).

TOP RETURNEES/NEWCOMERS: Diana Hill, G, 5-10 So. (5.3 ppg, 2.8 rpg); Adrienne Billings, C/F, 6-1 Fr. Titusville High; Kristy Colligan, F, 6-2 Jr., Frank Phillips College, Texas; Lanetra Cooks, G, 5-7 Jr., Tallahassee Community College; Nicole Dunson, G, 5-8 Fr., Mary Carroll High, Texas); Nichole Hearns, G, 5-3 Jr., Pearl River CC; Molly McGriff, G, Fr., Gainesville Buchholz High. OUTLOOK: Striegler said the Golden Knights will play a more up-tempo style. Despite the return of six players, four starters and an influx of junior college talent, Striegler considers this season's squad a young one. The leadership challenge falls on Graham, who was picked to the preseason All-TAAC team, and Larry. The decision of Camille Howard not to return leaves a void in the frontcourt.

INFORMATION: Call (407) 823-4653.

FLORIDA A&M

COACH: Claudette Farmer (176-110, 11th season).

1999-2000: 12-16, 9-9 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (tied for sixth).

LAST SEASON: The team survived an early dispute between players and coach, but a return to the NCAA Tournament was not in the cards. Nor were the Rattlers as successful in the MEAC. But FAMU did make some noise in the conference tourney, beating South Carolina State in the opener.

RETURNING STARTERS: Akita Heatley, G, 5-7 Sr. (8.8 ppg, 4.5 rpg.); Phaedra Mashburn, F, 5-10 Jr. (7.7 ppg., 5.2 rpg.); Kim Watson, C, 6-3 So. (6 ppg., 3.5 rpg.).

TOP RETURNEES/NEWCOMERS: Neisha Cameron, G, 5-7 Jr. (4.1 ppg., 1.8 rpg.); Deidra Bateman, F, 5-10 So. (3.7 ppg., 3.1 rpg.); Tene Miller, G, 5-7 Fr. (St. Martin De Porres High, Detroit); Courtney Leonard, G, 5-4 Fr. (Newton North High, Boston); Tawanda Melvin, F, 5-9 Fr. (Ely High, Pompano Beach); Sikithea Collins, F, 6-0 Fr. (Juneau High, Milwaukee); Tanise Thomas, F, 5-9 Fr. (Rickards High, Tallahassee); Nena Dixon, F/C, 6-3 Fr. (West Bloomfield High, Mich.); Sheleey Harp, G/F, 5-10 Fr. (North Clayton High, Riverdale, Ga.).

OUTLOOK: A very young team takes the court this season. FAMU brings seven freshmen, three sophomores and juniors and one senior to camp. A return trip to the NCAA Tournament might be asking too much.

INFORMATION: Call (850) 599-3230.

BETHUNE-COOKMAN

1999-2000: 13-15, 9-9 MEAC (tied for sixth)

LAST SEASON: The Wildcats finished sixth in the MEAC. They were inconsistent at home and on the road. B-CC never has made it to the NCAA Tournament in the 71-year history of the program.

RETURNING STARTERS: Exzavia Cunningham, G, 5-7 So. (18.4 ppg., 5.1 rpg.); Dena Thomas, G, 5-6 Sr. (7.4 ppg., 4.9 rpg.); Janice Haynes, G, 5-9 So. (7.0 ppg., 4.4 rpg.).

TOP RETURNEES/NEWCOMERS: Jashell Mitchell, F, 5-10 So. (4.9 ppg., 2.7 rpg.); Katrina Thaxton, G, 5-5 Jr. (4.6 ppg., 2.1 rpg.); Brandee Moses, G, 6-0 Fr. (Willingboro High, N.J.); Edna Lastrapes, G, 5-5 Fr. (Lenoir City High, Knoxville, Tenn.); Nikki Mason, G, 5-7 Fr. (Washington Marion High, Lake Charles, La.); Sharita Tisdale, G, 5-5 Fr. (Dwuer High, West Palm Beach); Tamara Tillman, G, 5-5 Fr. (West Orange High, Orlando); Lauren Forsthoff, F, 6-0 Fr. (Lafeyette High, La.).

OUTLOOK: Cunningham returns and brings her prolific scoring touch with her. But the team needs to find rebounding help. There are seven freshmen and four sophomores and just two seniors on the roster, so another rebuilding season might be in order.

INFORMATION: Call (904) 255-1401, ext. 225.

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