Three keys to the season:
Replace Danielle Hagen. Last season as a senior, she averaged 16.3 points in Big Sky Conference play. White is looking to Courtney Stoermer, a defensive-minded sophomore guard, and Kate Kevorken, a 3-point specialist.
Jamie Schroeder. She earned Big Sky newcomer of the year honors last season with a 17.8 scoring clip in conference games (43.1 percent 3-point shooting).
On-court combinations. The goal is to find the right mix for a rebuilt team infused by six freshmen. With five other newcomers, the squad is learning the offense.
Most improved part of team: Team depth, thanks to improved recruiting, White says. Team talent runs 10 deep, in her estimation. With fresh legs off the bench, her players can push the pace.
Biggest surprise: Kaisha Brown. The freshman from Iowa is a catch-and-shoot specialist from the 3-point line.
Who has to take ownership of the team? Schroeder. Instead of going home this summer, the team’s only senior stayed in Greeley improving her strength. Said White, “This is Jamie Schroeder’s team.”
Game/stretch most worrisome: UConn, Florida State and Washington in the Caribbean Classic (Dec. 18-21) in Cancun, Mexico. The trip should bolster recruiting, along with a trip to San Francisco over Thanksgiving.
Roster adjustments: Guard Whitley Cox, the first of a higher-caliber talent to come to UNC in 2005, is coming off an ACL tear suffered last December. She is still regaining speed, strength and jumping ability.
Coming out strong: If the Bears retain confidence after running the gauntlet, they’ll be more than tested for the Big Sky and could settle in behind Montana and Portland State to finish in the upper half of the conference.
Theresa Smith, Special to The Denver Post
