Women open with Texas Tech in the State Farm Classic in Lubbock. This will be a challenging match-up: playing a challenging foe on their home court. It will be an early test for the Tigers. Starting line-up prediction: pg: Erica White/Rashonta LeBlanc - starting nod may be on a game by game basis. 2g: Scholonda Hoston - the best defender on the team w: - Seimone Augustus PF: - Florence Williams P: Sylvia Fowles The first off the bench will probably be 1. whoever does not start b/t White and LeBlanc, 2. Chaney (most often for Hoston, less so for Augustus), and 3. Ashley Thomas in the post. Texas Tech returns a very solid core and has a strong point guard in Erin Grant - one of the tops in the country at this position. Additionally, Chelsey Dabbs, Alesha Robertson, and LaToya Davis are all double digit scorers for this team.
Coach Chapman also has Michigan State, Minnesota, and Baylor scheduled, as if the SEC isn't tough enough. Sunday night she said point guard will be by committee.
I like Pokey's philosophy of scheduling tough teams that will prep her squad for the SEC and more importantly the NCAAs. Michigan State, and Baylor are obviously two very good teams and both return lots of fire power. Minnesota lost a lot in McCarville but have Jamie Broback in the post and their entire backcourt returning. Should everyone stay healthy, LSU should be in good position relative to the NCAA once the conference season is done. The
Florence earned an extra year back by finishing her degree in four years. Lucky for the Tigers, she opted to take that final year.
