Someone – it could be anyone on the Oregon women’s basketball team – needs to step forward and say, “Enough.”
Oregon watched another lead in a road game vanish in minutes last Thursday at Washington. Oregon’s eighth consecutive road loss, and ninth two days later against Washington State, in reality held little value beyond seeding in the upcoming Pacific-10 Conference Tournament.
With seniors Chelsea Wagner and Brandi Davis sidelined, the game against Washington gave Oregon a glimpse into the future. The players Oregon used, minus senior Kedzie Gunderson, will form the core of the Ducks’ roster next season. New players must deliver the long-distance shooting provided by Wagner and Davis.
I have my ideas, starting and ending with Cicely Oaks, Kaela Chapdelaine, Kristen Forristall, Jamie Hawkins and Carolyn Ganes. Forristall, remember, made 18 three-pointers at a 38 percent clip – second on Oregon – last year as a freshman before regressing this season.
Continued improvement by the aforementioned players is crucial if this team is going to end its winless conference road woes or contend for an NCAA berth anytime soon.
There will be no savior on the horizon for next season.Oregon gains two freshmen for next season in Taylor Lilley and Mary Sbrissa, and as fans have seen with guard Tamika Nurse, time and patience is required before freshmen become consistent contributors. Boise State transfer Hawkins practiced with the team all year and should make an immediate impact as a senior.
But for the most part, improvement must come from within and as part of that, the Ducks need a player to move into the leadership role soon to be vacated by Wagner. That person needs be the one that tells her teammates, “We aren’t going to lose,” and backs it up when momentum swings and leads disappear. Gabrielle Richards and Oaks are prime candidates for this leadership position.
Richards is capable of overpowering opponents in the post as well as drawing opponents’ focus and her teammates respect. Her demeanor, whether guiding teammates in practices or games, can set an example.
Oaks played regularly and even started to open conference play. As of late, Oaks’ role has diminished as Davis’ minutes have increased. Oaks, though, in the bigger picture, can be a two-way threat with her physical, in-your-face defense and scoring ability from inside and out. The Portland native always makes interviews interesting with her fierce personality and to-the-point approach.
These are two possibilities in a deep roster. Finding this leader is an important part of getting Oregon to the NCAA Tournament this season and next.
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