Rookies Igniting Jayhawks
Jan. 28, 2010
LAWRENCE, Kan. –
There have been a few changes in the Kansas women’s basketball lineup and freshman guard Monica Engelman and freshman forward Carolyn Davis are taking advantage of their new found minutes in the rotation.
Both Davis and Engelman are becoming key contributors on the floor and they helped propel the Jayhawks to a 75-64 victory over Colorado on Jan. 27th, to continue a Jayhawk winning streak at home.
“They have been adding a spark,” guard Sade Morris said. “Davis has come in and done a great job as a freshman in a starting role. She has been putting up a lot of great points and defending and Engelman has been doing the same thing.”
Davis has started in the last four-straight games and her high-level energy play stands out on the hardwood.
She recorded 10 points and 10 rebounds to log her first double-double of the season and along with the double-double she recorded a season high number of rebounds. She also worked in one assist and one block in her 26 minutes of play.
“She is a good catch and finish player,” Kansas head coach Bonnie Henrickson said. “She has done a really good job of keeping the ball high. When we throw her the ball high she usually finishes. She has good footwork; she naturally catches and gets her inside foot down. As she becomes more and more aggressive she will be more and more productive for us. I really like where she has come and the confidence she has played with.”
Even though Engelman didn’t start versus the Buffaloes she put her time in on the court playing a total of 20 minutes. Engelman put up seven points, one rebound, one block and one steal to round out the end of the night.
“Offensively I have been very aggressive and I think that has been helping me to contribute more while I am in the game,” Engelman said.
On Jan. 23 at Oklahoma, Engelman played a total of 26 minutes, recorded a season high 12 points and six rebounds and for the fourth time this season knocked down two three-point field goals, infusing confidence in her game.
“I love the fact that Monica (Engelman) drives the ball,” Henrickson said. “She is probably a better a driver finisher than either than Sade (Morris) and Danielle (McCray). We have encouraged her to be more aggressive off the dribble.”
Both players are stepping up their game up and finding their rhythm, proving to fans and teammates that they are focused and have the drive to get things done on the court.
“I think I run the floor really well, so it helps us in transition,” Davis said. “When guards are pushing up the floor it leaves Sade (Morris) and Danielle (McCray) open if I up running the man up and if the dynamics change and they go out on Morris and McCray, then I am open in the middle. I think it really helps our transition game.”
Look for Davis and Engelman to continue to play with a spark when the Jayhawks go for the second win this season against Border Showdown rival Missouri in Columbia on Jan. 30. Game time is slated for 5 p.m., at Mizzou Arena.
