Open Practice

[jusme828]

So, did any of you all go to the practice today? It was GREAT...the ladies look incredible!

At least we can put to rest the dilemma of the "3 Ashleys". Our senior Ashley is still "Ashley", Ashley Gayle is referred to as "A.G.", and Fontenette is called "Fon". At least that's my perspective of what i heard.

Coach G said at the end of the practice that she feels like they are all in the best shape they've ever been in...and it shows. They all seemed to have a lot of stamina. She also commented that they all have "great chemistry" together.

Anyway, that's my observations. I'm ready for some b-ball!!!!

 

[OrangeForLife]

I didn't get to go as the time was not compatible for me. I actually wondered how many people were able to make it. Could you give an estimate? I'm hoping that maybe we can have another open practice on a WEEKEND! Also, anyone want to give a summary of how players did? I'm especially interested in how Erika looked . Thanks.

 

[mb227]

Erika looked good...commented that the only time she really thinks about the knee is when someone asks her about it. THAT is a good sign.

 

[Driftwood]

Erika's knee injury may turn out to be a blessing in disguise. She has lost some weight as a result of rehab workouts and she looks to be in great shape. Her stamina is improved.

Our three freshmen will likely get a lot of playing time.

Ashley Gayle made a couple of awesome spin moves under the basket and finished the shots. She also blocked several shots of taller male players.

Yvonne Anderson is tenacious on defense and a great ball handler.

Ashleigh Fontenette is the real deal. She showed some excellent ball handling skills and was draining 3s during some of the offensive drills.

Welcome ladies!

The rest of the team is way ahead of where they were this time last year. They ran some wonderful fast break drills where the ball never touches the floor as they pass it down the court. A year ago they were chewed out for failure to execute the layup at the end of the run. Those lay ups were going in this year.

This is going to be a very exciting season.

 

[OrangeForLife]

Thanks for the updates. Great news about Erika! I can't wait until the first game to see the team in person.

 

[BabHorn]

I spend the practice at one end where the post players were getting coaching from Mickie. We’re kinda thin there but the ones we got looked pretty good. AG will definitely make a difference defensively. She reacts well and rebounds with a lot of authority.

She looked like she was thinking about the moves the coaches were teaching offensively but she was smooth every now and then. She will be an awesome player once she develops her offensive game a bit more.

Both Yvonne and Ashleigh are pretty fast. They push the ball up the court and both got some nice moves getting to the basket. But I have to admit that Ashleigh showed a couple that left the defender going one way while she went in the other direction. I can’t remember the last time someone displayed that kind of shake and bake for the Horns. Maybe Edwina Brown.

Erika looked pretty good. Solid running and good shot. She and Kat will be our best 3pt shooters. Someone said that Ashleigh was pretty solid from BTA but I was at the other end and didn’t see that. Earnie, Carla and Brit will hit the three but they don’t put it up like Kat and Erika. Everyone really looked relaxed but focused. Kristen had some nice shots inside as did Aubry when they were going against the male practice players. They may be a thin line inside but they are going to be tough. Players on both sides ended on the floor a number of times when they went inside. Posts look to be Earnie, Kristen, Aubry, Ashley, AG and Kat with Earnie and Kat going back and forward between the posts and wings/guards.

I like this group. They were really working hard on D all over the court. They were really impressive when they worked on denying a pass into the wing.

It was fun to see them on the fastbreak and layup drills. They looked awfully quick during the first and rarely did they not make the layup during both drills. Quite a difference from last year’s open practices.

November 9 is the first and only exhibition game. It can’t get here quick enough.

 

[Moooooo]

Thanks for the observations. Here's the write-up and photo gallery . . .

The Link

 

[cynt]

I can't wait to see them in action.

Thanks for everyone's input. It is greatly appreciated from those of us who live in DFW. My 1st trip to Austin will be when they play TN on 12/14. I don't know if I can wait that long to see them in person. LOL!