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2007-08 OUTLOOK
By Matt Schill, Publications Editor
Big changes may be afoot for the
University of North Dakota athletic
department as the school transitions
to the NCAA Division I level, but
you may not know it by looking at the
women’s basketball team.
It’s business as usual for the Fighting
Sioux – success.
Head coach Gene Roebuck, who has the
highest winning percentage in Division II
women’s basketball history, enters his 21st
season at UND. The Fighting Sioux are
coming off of their 11th North Central
Conference championship, a North
Central Region title, an Elite Eight appearance
and are ranked No. 1 in the 2007-08
national preseason polls.
Business as usual.
Roebuck said UND has a solid group of
returning players and class of newcomers
that will maintain the tradition of Fighting
Sioux basketball.
“I look forward to watching our team grow
throughout the season,” Roebuck said.
“We have a solid nucleus coming back of
players who played a big part of our success
last season. We expect to be successful
every season.”
12
UND returns nine letterwinners, who
Roebuck says have worked hard during
the offseason. “We had a great offseason in
the weight room, preparing for this season,”
Roebuck said. “Hard work in the offseason
makes the difference. Everyone
chose to stay and work out together this
past summer. By that, they have developed
the team chemistry needed to be successful.”
The Sioux add four freshmen, who
Roebucks says are great fits for the team’s
needs both now and in the long run.
“Our incoming freshmen are very athletic,”
Roebuck said. “In time, they will be a
vital part of our program.”
POSTS
On of the strongest parts of UND’s game
this season will be at the post positions.
The Sioux return four centers and power
forwards that are athletic both inside and
out.
Senior Ashley Langen leads the way.
Langen, a three-time All-NCC selection,
averaged 14.4 points and 8.5 rebounds last
season.
“Ashley is our captain and is a force to be
reckoned with inside,” Roebuck said. “She
works extremely hard and has the skills to
score inside and out.”
On the other side will be junior Kierah
Kimbrough, a second-team All-America
selection and four-time NCC Player of
the Week last year. Kimbrough led the
Sioux in scoring last year with 15.5 points
and 8.6 rebounds per game, and Roebuck
expects her offensive and defensive game
to improve.
“Kierah will continue to get better on the
offensive end,” Roebuck said. “A shot
blocker along with scoring, she will work
to become a force on the defensive end.”
Kierah
Kimbrough
Whitney Ledger, a medical redshirt last
year, is also expected to play a role at the
power forward and post position.
“She competes hard on every play and will
see extensive playing time at the power
forward position,” Roebuck said.
Fifth-year senior Val Sannes rounds out
the talented group, coming off of a personal
breakout season.
“Val gives us experience at the post and
leadership on the court,” Roebuck said.