SPORTS
Big Ten names Anderson P.O.W.
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by Tyler Mason
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
After two all-around dominating performances in two Wisconsin victories, UW guard Jolene Anderson was named the Big Ten Player of the Week. It was the second time this season Anderson has received the award.
"You could say Jolene throws the team on her back because she does so many great things in terms of rebounding, defense, steals, anticipation, and played with foul trouble yesterday and still scores," Wisconsin head coach Lisa Stone said in a press conference Monday. "Obviously, she's going to draw a lot of attention each game."
However, Stone gives partial credit for Anderson's success to other members of the team, particularly point guard Rae Lin D'Alie. The freshman D'Alie, who had a career high 11 assists Sunday against Iowa, has matured quickly. And Stone feels her on-court awareness has resulted in points for Anderson.
"I think it starts with Rae Lin D'Alie," Stone said. "If you look at Rae Lin and what she's been doing on the court, … (she) finds Jolene in transition."
In those two games against Iowa and Indiana, Anderson averaged 24.5 points per game on 50 percent shooting. She also grabbed 16 rebounds, including 10 boards in the game against the Hawkeyes.
"The last two weeks, Jolene's been playing at a very, very high level," Stone said. "When her feet are set, she's very prolific. She can shoot the ball, there's no question.
"Then people take her outside shot away and she's been getting to the rim a lot better, getting to the foul line, and that's what we need."
Racing bye to 20 wins
Following Sunday's win, the Badgers currently sit at fourth place in the conference standings with a 7-6 conference record. In order to gain a first round bye in the Big Ten tournament, Wisconsin will need to finish in the top five. With two of their last three games against ranked opponents, and sitting just ahead of Illinois and Minnesota, they will certainly have their work cut out for them.
Despite the tough road ahead against No. 4 Ohio State, who is 14-0 at home, and No. 16 Purdue, Stone stresses the mental toughness and optimistic attitude her team needs to embrace.
"We respect every team that we play," Stone said. "That's just the way it is. You respect all, but you don't fear anybody either. …We've got some confidence, some momentum going right now."
Besides securing a bye in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament, Stone has proposed another goal to her team. She wants to get to the 20-win plateau.
"We hit the 18-(win) mark and we want to keep going," Stone said. "Our goal is 20. You've got to take one at a time, and we've got some tough tasks in front of us, but our team is not afraid of that."
Coach Stone hopes her team's intensity during practice and in the past few games will carry on through the rest of the schedule.
"How you practice will be relayed in the game, and we've practiced at a high level," Stone said. "I think the whole game (Sunday) gives you a great example. Every time they made a run, we answered. That mentality has to maintain. The belief, the faith, the winning attitude, it's a look on our team that puts us in a position to hopefully accomplish some goals this year."
Notables
Stone also sang the praises of Danielle Ward's play against Iowa. Ward scored in double digits for the first time in six games, and her 15 points and nine boards gave what Stone felt was a much-needed confidence boost for the junior forward.
"She's a very gifted player," Stone said. "(Sunday) was a very good game for her, a boost of energy for her and our entire basketball team. … When things are going well for you, you're mentally stronger. … We've stood by Danielle the entire time and she had a great game (Sunday) for us."
Contributions from Ward like Sunday's will be much-needed for Wisconsin to succeed in the coming weeks.
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