DRC Womens BB recruit Medlock catches on fast

[OldTimer]

Basketball: Medlock catches on fast

Lady Eagles guard has already broken one record

07:44 AM CST on Friday, December 19, 2003

By Brett Vito / Staff Writer

The first few weeks of the season have been filled with surprises for North Texas guard Jill Medlock.

The transfer from Arkansas-Fort Smith Junior College didn’t expect to start in her first season at UNT or rank among the team’s leading scorers. And she certainly didn’t expect the outcome of a team meeting before the season.

The AP

North Texas guard Jill Medlock, second from right, tries to take the ball away from Texas forward Stacy Stephens, left, during their game on Sunday in Austin. Medlock, a junior college transfer, is already a team captain in her first season with the Lady Eagles.

The Lady Eagles gathered to discuss their goals and select team captains. Medlock, who had been a member of the team just a few months, was one of two players picked to represent UNT.

"That said a lot about how well things have gone since I got here," Medlock said. "It gave me chills when I found out."

Medlock has shown signs of becoming one of the Lady Eagles’ top players since receiving the vote of confidence. The junior enters UNT’s game against Houston on Friday at the Super Pit as the Lady Eagles’ second leading scorer with an average of 11.1 points a game.

The 5-7 guard has already broken UNT’s record for consecutive free throws made by sinking her first 23 attempts of the season. She is also on pace to break the school’s single-season record for 3-point shots.

Medlock has hit 20 shots from behind the arc, where she is shooting 43 percent in UNT’s first eight games. If she maintains her pace, Medlock will exceed the school record of 60 set by Ashley Norris in the 1995-96 season.

UNT coach Tina Slinker recruited Medlock because of her ability to shoot the ball from deep. What she didn’t expect were the other assets Medlock has provided the team.

Medlock leads the team with 24 assists and is also averaging 4.4 rebounds a game.

"The whole package that she brings has helped us this year," Slinker said. "She is a great shooter, but she also has great court sense."

Medlock had no idea that she would fit in right away.

"It’s surprising how well we work together," Medlock said. "We have good chemistry. So far everything has gone well and everyone has accepted me."

Senior co-captain Karolyn Haskin said Medlock’s work ethic in the preseason and her natural leadership skills have eased her transition into a leading role with the Lady Eagles.

Medlock’s teammates often encourage her to be assertive offensively.

"When we get frustrated is when she doesn’t shoot," Haskin said. "When she is making shots, it loosens up a defense inside."

Slinker credited Medlock’s ability to fit in so well early in part to the ready-made role that was there for her to assume. UNT lost guard Heather Trout to a series of foot injuries that forced her to give up basketball when she still had one year of eligibility remaining.

Slinker turned to the junior college ranks for a replacement and found Medlock, who was being recruited by several other schools in the Sun Belt Conference.

"The team needed a shooter and I like to stand outside and shoot from the perimeter," Medlock said. "One of the reasons I came to North Texas was because it seemed like a good fit."

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