DRC Bobo's game comes easier now

OldTimer · November 22, 2003

Basketball: Bobo’s game comes easier now

Blanton’s, Bobo’s experience gives Lady Eagles good base for opener

08:13 AM CST on Saturday, November 22, 2003

By Brett Vito / Staff Writer

To Erika Bobo, the game of basketball seems easier these days.

Setting up the North Texas women’s basketball team’s offense and finding the open player are that much simpler now that she has one year of experience on the college level. Bobo was one of several young players who filled prominent roles for UNT last season when she started at point guard.

Bobo will be back in that position once again Saturday when UNT opens its season at the Indiana Tournament with a game against Indiana State at 8 p.m..

UNT enters its opener hoping the added experience Bobo and a series of other young players gained will help the Lady Eagles improve on a 12-16 campaign last year.

"There was a lot of pressure last year when I started as a freshman that has been taken away," Bobo said. "I feel more comfortable. There are a lot of players on the team who are stepping up."

Finding players to fill critical roles is one of UNT’s main concerns heading into the season. The Lady Eagles have a pair of starters returning in Bobo and All-Sun Belt Conference forward Kim Blanton, but need to round out their lineup.

Bobo ranked among the top 10 players in the Sun Belt Conference in steals and assists in her first collegiate season. Blanton averaged 12.5 points and 5.2 rebounds a game.

Outside of those two, UNT had only a few players who started games last season.

One of the most encouraging developments of the preseason for UNT was the emergence of a few players who might be able to fill those roles.

Junior college transfer Jill Medlock posted a double-double in each of the Lady Eagles exhibition games.

Sophomore Jamie Armstrong also showed signs of having a breakout season when she scored 19 points in UNT’s first exhibition game.

"We had players who were capable of scoring last year, but sometimes we were scared to take advantage of opportunities," Blanton said. "This year we are thinking to shoot or drive as soon as we catch the ball. Everyone is looking to score."

The prospect of having more players capable of scoring is a development Blanton welcomes because it could take pressure off of her inside.

UNT adapted quickly to its new-look lineup in its exhibition games, both of which it won handily.

"We are excited about our chemistry, which looks good for this early in the season," UNT coach Tina Slinker said. "We also have solid depth."

The Lady Eagles’ depth and chemistry will be tested this weekend when they travel to the Indiana Tournament.

UNT will open with a game against Indiana State, which captured the Missouri Valley Conference championship before falling to Ball State in the first round of the Women’s National Invitational Tourn-ament last season.

UNT will be better prepared to face the challenge of playing a team like Indiana State than it was in the early stages of last season.

Slinker said UNT’s players are making better decisions and are more efficient on offense this season.

Both are key reasons the Lady Eagles believe they can be a better team.

Bobo played a critical role in helping UNT get off to a quick start in the exhibition season. She believes the start is one the Lady Eagles can carry into the regular season.

"We have good team chemistry," Bobo said. "Everyone contributed to our last exhibition win. The added depth will help us this season."

BRETT VITO can be reached at 940-566-6870.

North Texas Women at a glance

ROSTER

Erika Bobo G 5-8 So.

Kim Blanton F 6-1 Sr.

Jamie Armstrong F 5-11 So.

Jill Medlock G 5-7 Jr.

Karolyn Haskin C 6-3 Sr.

Mia Ajekwu F 6-3 Fr.

Marquita Carter F 5-11 So.

Kelsie Edwards F 6-0 Fr.