By Bryan Holmgren '02
Terrence Phox has already come to expect a lot from Ashia Woods. Lockdown defense, shooting, scoring, speed, athleticism. In a word – everything.
This year, he’s hoping for a little more.
“It’s a given that she can average 20-plus points, eight to 10 boards, 6 steals,” said Phox. “My challenge for her is to make her teammates better.”
That could mean the difference between another good season and a potentially great one. The Lady Spartans are coming off back-to-back 20-win campaigns. Two years ago, they were state runners up. Last season ended with a painful substate finals loss to Garden Plain. Woods’ ability create open looks for teammates may be just the thing to finally get them over the hump.
Woods, who averaged 22.7 points, 7 rebounds and 6 steals per game as a junior, recently signed a letter of intent with Kansas State
“Obviously having Ashia helps tremendously,” said Phox. “But a lot of my excitement for this year stems from our ability to score from other places.”
In addition to Woods, senior Katie Broberg (8 ppg) returns to shoulder some of the load. Broberg, a three-year letter winner, has the height to contribute in the post but also possesses a nice shooting touch from the perimeter.
With the graduation of guards Kamri Phox and Mariah Green, junior Sidney Lower (5.1 points) will be called on to handle the ball more. 5’9 sophomore Kelly Dunn could also play a prominent role as a scorer.
The Lady Spartans will be tested early, with several players making the jump from JV to varsity and others taking on expanded roles, but Phox isn’t overly concerned.
“We have a lot of kids without varsity experience, but they have a great deal of basketball experience. They’ll be able to step into this level and feel comfortable,” he said.
“We’ll just have to be a little more structured this year. Give them a short leash and help them along.”
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