Post by PAmedic on Nov 30, 2005 13:19:02 GMT -5
Watkins plays key role for LU women
By Chris Lang
Lynchburg News & Advance
November 30, 2005
Last year, Courtney Watkins was an unknown bench player who provided the occasional spark for Liberty's women's basketball team. She wasn't necessarily counted on for night-in, night-out production. That was the job of the Flames' many veterans.
Now, Watkins is a veteran on a team filled with newcomers, and she's slowly adjusting to her steadily increasing responsibilities.
"I think I'm getting there each game," the 5-foot-10 guard from Bristol, Tenn., said Tuesday. "I think I need to handle pressure better and play with more poise."
Watkins came off the bench as a freshman to spell starters Kristal Tharp and Rima Margeviciute last season and averaged 3.1 points per game. With those two gone, Watkins was in the mix to start at shooting guard and she outworked several Flames to gain the starting nod.
Her consistency in practice was her strong point, Flames coach Carey Green said. But she hasn't been as steady in games, something she readily admits.
After starting the year with 12 points against Virginia Union, she was a combined 1-for-8 from the field against North Carolina and William & Mary. Against the Tribe, she played just 18 minutes and had three turnovers.
"Unfortunately, I've been missing that consistency out of her," Green said. "She's a much better ball player than she's shown in the last three ball games, and I expect to her just continue to improve."
By Chris Lang
Lynchburg News & Advance
November 30, 2005
Last year, Courtney Watkins was an unknown bench player who provided the occasional spark for Liberty's women's basketball team. She wasn't necessarily counted on for night-in, night-out production. That was the job of the Flames' many veterans.
Now, Watkins is a veteran on a team filled with newcomers, and she's slowly adjusting to her steadily increasing responsibilities.
"I think I'm getting there each game," the 5-foot-10 guard from Bristol, Tenn., said Tuesday. "I think I need to handle pressure better and play with more poise."
Watkins came off the bench as a freshman to spell starters Kristal Tharp and Rima Margeviciute last season and averaged 3.1 points per game. With those two gone, Watkins was in the mix to start at shooting guard and she outworked several Flames to gain the starting nod.
Her consistency in practice was her strong point, Flames coach Carey Green said. But she hasn't been as steady in games, something she readily admits.
After starting the year with 12 points against Virginia Union, she was a combined 1-for-8 from the field against North Carolina and William & Mary. Against the Tribe, she played just 18 minutes and had three turnovers.
"Unfortunately, I've been missing that consistency out of her," Green said. "She's a much better ball player than she's shown in the last three ball games, and I expect to her just continue to improve."
