ORU's fresh start - TW (3-5-2006)

[ORUTerry]

ORU's fresh start

By MATT DOYLE World Sports Writer

3/5/2006

The Eagles have three of the Mid-Con's six freshmen starters.

In Mid-Continent Conference women's basketball this season, there were six freshman players who were starters. Three of those freshmen starters are at Oral Roberts University.

"So right out of the gates, that automatically made us the youngest team in the conference," quipped ORU coach Jerry Finkbeiner.

The Golden Eagles had to endure the expected growing pains by having forward Jenny Hardin and guards Rachel Watman and Marianna Camargo playing big roles. Those growing pains have subsided considerably, and now the three freshmen are keys to ORU's pursuit of a second consecutive Mid-Con Tournament title.

Entering Sunday's 2:30 p.m. quarterfinal game against Oakland, the Hardin-Watman-Camargo combination is collectively playing its best basketball of the season.

The three freshmen are averaging just under 25 points a game and have alleviated some of the scoring pressure from standout sophomore forward Elisha Turek. In Finkbeiner's estimation, they also have been vital in transforming the Golden Eagles' style of play.

Midway through the season, Finkbeiner changed ORU from an up-tempo team to a defensive-minded, possession-oriented team. The change helped ORU as it won eight of its last 10 games.

It also benefited the three freshmen, as well. Instead of trying to learn what Turek and senior guard Leah Cannon have known for the past few years, everybody had to adapt to Finkbeiner's philosophical change.

"It gave us an advantage because the whole team had to start over, and they were learning along with us," Hardin said. "That put the three of us more on equal ground and allowed us to earn playing time."

Said Finkbeiner: "Their learning curve is faster than Elisha and Leah's because Elisha and Leah were used to doing things one way for the last two years. But they were able to learn fast because all three are very skilled players."

Hardin and Carmargo were named to the conference's All- Newcomer Team. Watman had solid outings last week in wins over Centenary and Valparaiso after missing two games with a stress fracture in her foot.

All three bring distinctive characteristics to the court.

Hardin was an All-State performer and multiple state champion at Claremore. She's been a good inside scoring and rebounding compliment to Turek.

Hardin also has provided strong intangibles, such as setting screens, blocking out and occasionally hitting outside jump shots.

Carmargo and Watman have helped establish ORU's perimeter defensive intensity. During the Golden Eagles' last 10 games, opponents are averaging just 49.2 points a game.

"Marianna has to be the strongest and most physical point guard in the conference. Physically, she's way ahead of the game," Finkbeiner said. "Rachel is just a well-rounded player. We always put her on the opponent's best perimeter player and ask her to defend that player."

The three freshmen have had big impacts in conference play. But Finkbeiner knows if the Golden Eagles are to repeat as tournament champions, the three must elevate their play more starting Sunday.

"I talked with all three about two weeks ago and told them that they are not freshmen anymore," the ORU coach said. "They have enough experience and playing time now that they should start playing like sophomores and older players."