Nov. 20, 1997
Wake Forest Women's Basketball at the Coca-Cola Billiken Classic
When: November 21-22, 1997, St. Louis, MO
Record: (1-0)
The Wake Forest women's basketball team travels to the Midwest this weekend to take part in the 1997 Coca-Cola Billiken Classic, hosted by Saint Louis University in St. Louis, MO. The Demon Deacons will face the University of Texas at Arlington in the first round of the tournament on Friday at 8:30 pm Central time (9:30 Eastern) and then take on either Tennessee State or Saint Louis in the championship or consolation game on Saturday night.
Exhibition Wrap-Up
The Deacons dropped two preseason exhibition contests by tight margins, as new Waken head coach Charlene Curtis got a good look at her new team. The Deacs took to the court for the first time against the Moscow Dynamo on Nov. 8 and fell by a 64-59 score. The Deacs trailed 32-26 at the half but rallied late in the game, closing to within one point with 1:25 remaining. WFU was unable to close the gap, in the final seconds, however. Sophomore guard Alisha Mosley led Wake Forest with 17 points, while junior guard Cynthia Kelley added 16 points and five rebounds. Freshman Kristen Shaffer came off the bench to add eight points and a team-best seven boards.
On Nov. 17, Wake hosted the Baltic States All-Stars in an exhibition game, after having already opened the regular season. Poor shooting and turnovers plagued the Deacs, who were edged 60-58. Trailing 31-23 at the half, WFU mounted another comeback, tying the game at 55-55 with just 1:38 to go, but again fell short. Mosley again paced the Deacs with 18 points, hitting 4-of-9 three-pointers and pulling down seven rebounds. Freshman forward Olivia Dardy netted 10 points and a team-high eight rebounds.
Deacs Stomp VCU in Season Opener
Sandwiched between those two exhibition games was the Deacons' season opener against Virginia Commonwealth on Nov. 15. Wake used a 14-0 second half run to break open a close game and earn their first win. Four Deacons posted double-figure scoring, including sophomore guard Alisha Mosley (16 pts), junior point guard Heidi Coleman (14 pts), junior forward Emon McMillian (12 pts), and freshman guard/forward Kristen Shaffer (10 pts). McMillian recorded a double-double, pulling down 11 boards to go with her career-high 12 points. Mosley tied her career best in points and set a new personal best with six rebounds. Wake controlled the boards by a 48-36 margin and held VCU to just 25 percent shooting in the second half.
Scouting the Opposition
Texas-Arlington (1-1) is coming off a 17-11 season, losing all-time leading scorer Natasha Johnson (13.5 ppg, 5.5 rpg) and starting guard Gayle Haynes (4.8 ppg, 4.2 apg) to graduation. The Lady Mavs opened the season with a 66-50 win over Cal State-Northridge on Nov. 14, as senior center Tanya Strong and senior guard Stacie Terry recorded 19 and 18 points, respectively. On Nov. 18, UTA received a 55-36 drubbing at the hands of No. 20 Auburn. Terry was the only Mav in double figures with 20 points.
Tennessee State (0-0) returns four starters from last year's 11-16 team, including leading scorer Cari Hassell (17.3 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 3.0 apg in 96-97). In an 88-82 exhibition loss to the Freestyle Express on Nov. 14, Hassell poured in 27 points on 12-of-18 shooting. Saint Louis (0-1) returns three starters from last year's 10-18 team, including senior guard Shatoya Likely (13.7 ppg, 3.2 apg in 96-97) and junior center Jamie Cavaness (13.0 ppg, 6.4 rpg). SLU opened the regular season with a 73-55 loss to Central Michigan on Nov. 15, as Likely scored a team-best 14 points.
Series History
The Coca-Cola Billiken Classic marks the first-ever meeting between Wake Forest and Texas-Arlington, and possibly the first meeting between WFU and Saint Louis. Wake and Tennessee State have met twice before, splitting the two games. They last met in 1994-95, when TSU earned 1 74-54 win behind Carol Aldridge's amazing 51-point performance.
Probable Starters
Pos. No. Name Ht. Yr. GP/GS PPG RPG Notable
F 5 Emon McMillian 6-1 r-Jr. 1/1 12.0 11.0 Averaged 3.3 ppg and 3.9 rpg as a reserve last year
C 44 Liz Nelson 6-4 r-Jr. 1/1 2.0 5.0 Saw time in only six games in 1996-97
G 11 Alisha Mosley 5-6 So. 1/1 16.0 6.0 Named to the ACC All-Rookie Team in 96-97 (7.0 ppg)
G 14 Cynthia Kelley 5-10Jr. 1/1 6.0 6.0 Started 22 games last year, averaging 8.2 ppg and 4.0 rpg
G 22 Heidi Coleman 5-6 r-Jr. 1/1 14.0 2.0 Led WF in assists (2.8) and 3-pt FG (2.2 per gm) in 96-97
Key RESERVES
F 12 Jenn Miklic 6-1 Jr. 0/0 0.0 0.0 Sat out first game; averaged 5.3 ppg and 3.5 rpg in 96-97
G/F 20 Kristen Shaffer 5-10 Fr. 0/1 10.0 5.0 Netted 8 pts and 7 rebs in exhibition vs. Moscow (11/8)
F/C 23 Carri Walker 6-1 Sr. 0/1 2.0 0.0 Team's only true senior; 1.8 ppg and 1.2 rpg last year
Head Coach Charlene Curtis
Charlene Curtis is in her first season at Wake Forest, bringing a wealth of coaching experience, a commitment to excellence, and a drive to bring the program to new heights. Curtis came to WFU from Connecticut, where she served as an assistant coach for two seasons and helped the Huskies to a 67-5 record, two Big East championships, and an NCAA Final Four appearance. Prior to UConn, Curtis' was the head coach at Temple (1991-95), where she compiled a 41-97 record and coached four Atlantic 10 All-Rookie players, and Radford (1985-90), where she was named Big South Coach of the Year twice and compiled a 121-53 record. Curtis was also an assistant at Georgetown (1984) and Virginia (1982-83) and has also been an assistant coach with USA Basketball and a floor coach for the Olympic Trials. A 1976 graduate of Radford, Curtis was the school's first 1,000-point scorer, a team captain, and named team MVP in 1975 and 1976. In 1995, she was inducted as a charter member of the Radford Sports Hall of Fame. She received a master's degree in secondary education administration from Virginia in 1982. Curtis is currently 1-0 at Wake Forest (1.00) and 163-150 overall (.520) as a head coach.
1996-97 Recap
Expectations were high for the Demon Deacons last fall, but the season didn't live up to those high hopes. The Deacs posted a seven-game winning streak early in the year, but that early success was followed by a 12-game losing streak which sent the Deacs into a tailspin in the conference standings.
Senior center Tracy Connor led the team in scoring (12.9 ppg) and rebounding (7.4 rpg), while senior forward Lindsay Seawright was the top Deac defensively, averaging 1.1 blocks plus 6.4 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. Sophomore point guard Heidi Coleman started every game and finished second on the team in scoring (10.2 ppg) and first in assists (2.8 apg). She was also the team's top three-point threat, connecting on a school-record 61 of 179 (.341). In addition to the above three, the Deacon starting five featured sophomore guard Cynthia Kelley (8.2 ppg, 4.0 rpg) and freshman Alisha Mosley (7.0 ppg, 2.2 rpg), a member of the ACC's All-Rookie team.
Preseason Prognostications
The Demon Deacons were picked to finish eighth in the conference in the 1997-98 ACC Preseason Media Poll, right where they finished last year. North Carolina was the unanimous first-place choice with 153 votes, followed by Virginia (119), Duke (112), NC State (107), Clemson (83), Maryland (81), Georgia Tech (57), Wake (27), and Florida State (26).
Oh Captain, My Captain
Three Deacs were selected to captain the 1997-98 squad: senior forward Carri Walker, redshirt junior point guard Heidi Coleman, and redshirt junior forward Emon McMillian. All three will be looked to for leadership, both on the court and off.
Coleman Climbs the Career Charts
Junior point guard Heidi Coleman already ranks among the top five three-point shooters in Wake Forest history with still two years of eligibility remaining. Coleman currently ranks fourth all-time in both three-pointers made and attempted, and already holds the school single-season records in both categories (she went 61 of 179 last year to set the marks). A look at the top five career leaders:
3-Point Field Goals Made
1. Nicole Levesque (1990-94) 193
2. Sabrina Sloane (1989-93) 113
3. Gretchen Hollifield (1992-96) 104
4. Heidi Coleman (1994-pres) 87
5. RaeAnna Mulholland (1993-97) 65
3-Point Field Goals Attempted
1. Nicole Levesque (1990-94) 550
2. Sabrina Sloane (1989-93) 328
3. Gretchen Hollifield (1992-96) 284
4. Heidi Coleman (1994-pres) 245
5. RaeAnna Mulholland (1993-97) 202
Mosley Off to Strong Start
Sophomore guard Alisha Mosley has quickly set to rest any thoughts of a "sophomore slump" with strong performances in the Deacs first three games. In Wake's two exhibition games and the regular-season opener, Mosley is averaging 17.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game and has led the Deacs in scoring each time. Mosley is coming off an outstanding freshman season which saw her break into the starting lineup midway through the season and earn ACC All-Rookie honors.
Kelley Adds a Physical Edge
Junior swing-guard Cynthia Kelley brings a physical edge to the Deacon backcourt with her slashing style and tenacious defense. Kelley, who started 22 games last year and averaged 8.2 points and 4.0 rebounds per game, has picked up where she left off. In two exhibitions and one regular season game thus far, Kelley has contributed 9.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per contest, including a 16-point performance vs. Moscow.
Walker Returns Home
Senior forward Carri Walker, a native of Chesterfield, MO, gets to play in front of her hometown crowd this weekend as the Deacs head for Saint Louis. Walker was an all-state player at St. Joseph's High School, on a team that ranked No. 5 in the nation in her senior year. A talented high school player (14.0 ppg, 4.2 rpg), Walker was often overlooked on the national recruiting scene, having played alongside Stanford-bound Kristin Folkl. Walker has been a key reserve for the Deacs for three years, and came off the bench to contribute two points in WFU's season-opening win over VCU.
Stepping Up in the Paint
With two starting post players gone to graduation, the Deacs will be looking to some younger players to step up in the paint this season. Junior forward Emon McMillian has earned the starting job at power forward after serving as a key reserve off the bench last year. In the Deacs' two exhibition and one regular season game thus far, McMillian is averaging 8.0 points and 6.0 rebounds per game, including a double-double (12 pts, 11 rebs) in the opener vs. VCU. Junior Liz Nelson has started those three games at center, providing much-needed size in the middle. Nelson has contributed 2.7 points and 3.0 rebounds in those three outings.
Junior small forward Jenn Miklic sat out two games due to a violation of team policy but chipped in four rebounds, two assists, and two steals vs. the Baltic team. Redshirt freshman forward Brenda Mock Kirkpatrick got her first taste of collegiate action, contributing nine points and two rebounds in an impressive performance vs. the Baltic All-Stars. Other key frontcourt reserves include senior Carri Walker (see above) and freshman Olivia Dardy (below).
A Look at the Rookies
Wake Forest welcomes four freshman to the Deacon ranks in 1997-98, all of whom should make significant contributions. Guard/forward Kristen Shaffer has been particualry impressive in the early season, collecting eight points and seven rebounds vs. Moscow and 10 points and five boards vs. VCU. Forward Olivia Dardy has averaged 12 minutes per game in the Deacs' three outings and posted 10 points and eight boards vs. the Baltic team. Guard Janae Whiteside missed the first exhibition after having her knee scoped, but averaged three points and 3.5 rebounds in the other two games. Forward Megan Anderson is still recovering from offseason knee surgery but hopes to be ready to play by January.
Helms Inspires From the Bench
Senior center Nancy Helms has hung up her playing shoes but remains a one of the Demon Deacons' most inspirational team members. After struggling with recurrent knee and foot injuries throughout her career, the 6-3 Helms received a permanent medical hardship waiver last year and will finish her career from the sidelines.
Injury Report
Freshman F Megan Anderson (knee), out indefinitely; freshman G/F Kristen Shaffer (tailbone), probable.
Next Up for the Deacs
Wake Forest returns home to host Appalachian State on Wednesday, Nov. 26 at 7 p.m. Please note: the game will be played in Reynolds Gym, not Joel Coliseum as originally scheduled.
Deacs on the Tube
Four WFU games will be televised on the ACC's regional sports network, which includes Home Team Sports, Fox Sports South, and Sunshine Networks. The following Wake Forest games will be televised: Jan. 8 at Florida State; Feb. 2 at Duke; Feb. 8 vs. Florida State at home; and Feb. 15 at Clemson.
Individual Highs
34 - Megan Anderson
1997-98 Highs
Points
Rebounds
Assists
Steals
Blocks
Minutes
Career
Points
Rebounds
Assists
Steals
Blocks
Minutes
22 - Heidi Coleman
1997-98 Highs
Points 14 vs. VCU (11/15/97)
Rebounds 2 vs. VCU (11/15/97)
Assists 1 vs. VCU (11/15/97)
Steals 2 vs. VCU (11/15/97)
Blocks
Minutes 33 vs. VCU (11/15/97)
Career
Points 26 vs. Clemson (1/2/97)
Rebounds 6 vs C. Fla. (11/26/94)
Assists 11 vs UNC-A (12/19/95)
Steals 5 vs UNC-G (12/7/94)
Blocks 1 twice
Minutes 40, six times
32 Olivia Dardy
1997-98 Highs
Points 6 vs. VCU (11/15/97)
Rebounds 5 vs. VCU (11/15/97)
Assists
Steals 1 vs. VCU (11/15/97)
Blocks
Minutes 19 vs. VCU (11/15/97)
Career
Points 6 vs. VCU (11/15/97)
Rebounds 5 vs. VCU (11/15/97)
Assists
Steals 1 vs. VCU (11/15/97)
Blocks
Minutes 19 vs. VCU (11/15/97)
14 Cynthia Kelley
1997-98 Highs
Points 6 vs. VCU (11/15/97)
Rebounds 6 vs. VCU (11/15/97)
Assists 3 vs. VCU (11/15/97)
Steals
Blocks
Minutes 22 vs. VCU (11/15/97)
Career
Points 17 vs. Ga.Tech (2/16/97)
Rebounds 10 vs. Florida State (2/27/97)
Assists 8 at Canisius (11/30/96)
Steals 3 at Canisius (11/30/96)
Blocks 1 seven times
Minutes 36 twice
50 Brenda Mock Kirkpatrick
1997-98 Highs
Points
Rebounds 3 vs. VCU (11/15/97)
Assists
Steals
Blocks
Minutes 2 vs. VCU (11/15/97)
Career
Points
Rebounds 3 vs. VCU (11/15/97)
Assists
Steals
Blocks
Minutes 2 vs. VCU (11/15/97)
5 Emon McMillian
1997-98 Highs
Points 12 vs. VCU (11/15/97)
Rebounds 11 vs. VCU (11/15/97)
Assists 2 vs. VCU (11/15/97)
Steals 1 vs. VCU (11/15/97)
Blocks
Minutes 33 vs. VCU (11/15/97)
Career
Points 12 vs. VCU (11/15/97)
Rebounds 12 at App State (11/26/96)
Assists 3 twice
Steals 2 three times
Blocks 2 vs. Campbell (12/3/96)
Minutes 34 at App State (11/26/96)
12 Jenn Miklic
1997-98 Highs
Points
Rebounds
Assists
Steals
Blocks
Minutes
Career
Points 15 at App St (11/26/96)
Rebounds 10 vs. ECU (12/15/96)
Assists 4 twice
Steals 3 at Canisius (11/30/96)
Blocks 1 three times
Minutes 33 three times
11 Alisha Mosley
1996-97 Highs
Points 16 vs. VCU (11/15/97)
Rebounds 6 vs. VCU (11/15/97)
Assists 2 vs. VCU (11/15/97)
Steals
Blocks
Minutes 32 vs. VCU (11/15/97)
Career
Points 16 three times
Rebounds 6 vs. VCU (11/15/97)
Assists 5 at Ga.Tech (2/16/97)
Steals 2 five times
Blocks
Minutes 38 vs. UNC (2/28/97)
44 Liz Nelson
1997-98 Highs
Points 2 vs. VCU (11/15/97)
Rebounds 5 vs. VCU (11/15/97)
Assists 1 vs. VCU (11/15/97)
Steals
Blocks
Minutes 18 vs. VCU (11/15/97)
Career
Points 2 twice
Rebounds 5 vs. VCU (11/15/97)
Assists 1 vs. VCU (11/15/97)
Steals
Blocks
Minutes 18 vs. VCU (11/15/97)
20 Kristen Shaffer
1997-98 Highs
Points 10 vs. VCU (11/15/97)
Rebounds 5 vs. VCU (11/15/97)
Assists
Steals
Blocks
Minutes 13 vs. VCU (11/15/97)
Career
Points 10 vs. VCU (11/15/97)
Rebounds 5 vs. VCU (11/15/97)
Assists
Steals
Blocks
Minutes 13 vs. VCU (11/15/97)
23 Carri Walker
1997-98 Highs
Points 2 vs. VCU (11/15/97)
Rebounds
Assists
Steals
Blocks
Minutes 8 vs. VCU (11/15/97)
Career
Points 14 vs Ga. Tech (1/12/95)
Rebounds 7, twice
Assists 2 vs Canisius (12/21/95)
Steals 1, 11 times
Blocks 1 vs. Maryland (1/26/97)
Minutes 34, twice
21 Janae Whiteside
1996-97 Highs
Points 3 vs. VCU (11/15/97)
Rebounds 3 vs. VCU (11/15/97)
Assists 1 vs. VCU (11/15/97)
Steals 2 vs. VCU (11/15/97)
Blocks
Minutes 20 vs. VCU (11/15/97)
Career
Points 3 vs. VCU (11/15/97)
Rebounds 3 vs. VCU (11/15/97)
Assists 1 vs. VCU (11/15/97)
Steals 2 vs. VCU (11/15/97)
Blocks
Minutes 20 vs. VCU (11/15/97)
