Tulsa World: Cowgirls' 'Big 3' looking for help

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Cowgirls' 'Big 3' looking for help

Budke

By LYNN JACOBSEN World sports writer
Published: 10/23/2008 2:13 AM
Last Modified: 10/23/2008 3:15 AM

OKLAHOMA CITY — Andrea Riley, Taylor Hardeman and Shaunte' Smith are the known commodities for coach Kurt Budke as Oklahoma State looks to build on its success from a year ago, which included a Sweet Sixteen appearance.

The trio accounted for 52 percent of OSU's scoring in the Cowgirls' 27-8 season, led by Riley with 23.1 points per game.

Smith returns as the team's leading rebounder at 9.0 per contest. Hardeman, who moved into second place in 3-pointers made, is another perimeter threat.

The three players took center stage Wednesday at the Big 12 Women's Media Day at the Cox Convention Center.

In addition, excitement is high for newcomers Kelsey Hatcher and Tegan Cunningham.

The latter should fill the void of graduated senior Danielle Green. The 6-foot-1 Cunningham averaged 23.1 points and 7.9 rebounds to earn WBCA first-team All-America honors out of Seward County (Kan.) Community College.

Hatcher, 5-10, is capable of playing either guard position and should provide key back-up for Riley.

"We expect Tegan and Kelsey to play immediately," Budke said. "Tegan will take a lot of Danielle's minutes and points and Kelsey shoots the 3-pointer really well."

Still, it could take Hatcher and Cunningham time to adjust to play in the Big 12, which is why it is so important that Budke find some reliable role players, much like what the Cowgirls relied so heavily on last season.

Those at the forefront include guard Kristin Hernandez, forward Shyvon Spears and post Megan Byford.

"Those three are the key," senior guard Taylor Hardeman said. "They've been in the system, they understand what is expected. They just need to relax."

Byford has shed some weight and looks strong in the low post.

"Shyvon and Megan have to jump in and take Maria's time," said the OSU coach. "Megan was playing great basketball at the end of the year last year. She pushed on Sylvia Fowles for 40 minutes and I think she did a great job. So, Big Country, as we call her, is coming on. She's trimmed down and looks very good.

"Shyvon has to step up and be ready to play. And Kristin is another one who will play more with the departure of Danielle."

Of the three, Hernandez saw the most minutes, averaging 13.1 per game. She also is the top scorer of the trio at 5.7 points per game.

Byford averaged nine minutes a game with 2.7 points and 2.8 rebounds per game. Spears played an average of 11.4 minutes and scored 2.2 points and 3.8 rebounds.

"We know what we have in Andrea, Taylor and Shaunte' and how much they will give us," Budke said. "Now it's a matter of finding who else will step up and fill those other spots."

Lynn Jacobsen 581-8461
lynn.jacobsen@tulsaworld.com By LYNN JACOBSEN World sports writer

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Dave in Houston, Houston (10/23/2008 11:48:50 AM)

I thought this was going to be a story about the Dallas Cowboys. :)

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