Basketball season has officially kicked off for the women’s team. They defeated Wingate 83-57. This was an exhibition game, so everyone can see how the team plays this year.
The first half was a little rough for ETSU. They had many turnovers and looked a little rusty.
They had a nice lead at halftime, after three straight jump balls gave the ball back to ETSU each time. Near the end of the first half, the women had a very nice pass sequence and made a tough shot in the paint.
With team under the leadership of Siarre Evans, TaRonda Wiles, and sometimes Tara Davis, nerves are a big factor. “We are being run by a freshman now, so as she goes along in the season she will learn. Also, if I take her out, all I am doing is subbing in another freshman,” said coach Karen Kemp.
Wiles was the top scorer for ETSU with 21 points. She went 9-16 on field goals, one three-pointer, two free throws and six rebounds. She also had four assists.
“We knew she had that in her when we recruited her last year. She had a few injuries last year, so if we can keep her healthy, then she will be a big help this year,” said Kemp.
After a rousing halftime speech, the girls went on a tear. They stepped up the defense and used the advantage of size to beat Wingate for rebounds. ETSU out-rebounded Wingate 28-26. The Lady Bucs did have a problem holding on to the ball. They had 26 turnovers while Wingate turned the ball over 38 times. So both teams had a little bit of nerves.
Fouls were also a problem as Michele DeVault, Jenny Norman and Brittany Daniels all had three fouls. Tara Davis picked up four fouls in 20 minutes.
This did provide some game experience for all the girls though.
Evans and Belcher helped with the scoring as they put up 13 and 12 points, respectively. “Latisha came up big off the bench. She really had great defense in the paint and put up some tough shots,” said Kemp.
The ladies were glad to play a team for the first time. “We just got tired of the same plays and same people all the time,” said Wiles.
“We are getting better all the time now and we always have a leader on the court, on the bench, in the crowd. They are always there,” said Wiles.
Assessing the game, Belcher said, “We need to do some work all around, but mostly our defense needs work,” she said. “I was glad to play against people who don’t cheat. I was pretty happy with the way we kept playing, but we really need some defensive work,” she said.
The ladies go on the road to play Western Kentucky on Nov. 9 in the WNIT.

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