Nov. 27, 2006

Nine years ago, Freda Freeman-Jackson's goal was to build the Alabama State University Lady Hornets into a perennial basketball power that could compete for Southwestern Athletic Conference championships year after year. Last season proved she has accomplished her mission.

Little was expected of the Lady Hornets as they recovered from the loss of one of the program's best players, Crystal Kitt. Still, when the season ended, Freeman-Jackson's squad was only three points short of a SWAC title and a bid to the NCAA tournament.

For the 2006-2007 season, the Lady Hornets return with the conference's top backcourt and feature a slew of young but talented athletes who fit perfectly into Freeman-Jackson's up-tempo, pressure-defense philosophy.

Shantae Robinson (5-5, R-Jr., Chicago, Ill.) is arguably the SWAC's top playmaker. Robinson expects to build on last season's averages of nine points and four assists per game. Her ability to break down opposing defenses and create easy shots for her young teammates will be crucial to the team's success.

Shooting guard L'Teisha Hollaway (5-9, So., Macon, Ga.) epitomizes the aggressive style Freeman-Jackson demands of her players. Hollaway scored nine points and grabbed three rebounds per game last season. Still, it's her willingness to hit the floor for loose balls and her role as a defensive stopper that make her so valuable.

Danielle Sanders (6-2, Sr., Faunsdale, Ala.) gives the Lady Hornets size and experience at the center position. She was second in rebounds last season, with 6.4 per game, and expects to increase her six-points-per-game average in her senior campaign.

Guard Capri Taylor (5-9, So., Thomasville, Ala.) and forwards Dominique Rowe (6-2, So., Conyers, Ga.) and Erin Ethridge (6-0, Sr. Waycross, Ga.) will have the opportunity to earn expanded roles as they continue to develop and mature.

A promising crop of newcomers makes up for last year's personnel losses.

In the backcourt, Jasmon Hazley (5-6, R-Fr., Austell, Ga.) will immediately compete to back up and play alongside Shantae Robinson. Jasmine Sanford (5-8, Fr., Brewton, Ala.) and Airel Anderson (6-1, Fr., Cartersville, Ga.) will add great depth to the guard positions.

Sharpshooter Daphne Williams (5-10, Fr., Smiths Station, Ala.) and versatile Essence Butler (5-9, Fr., Huntsville, Ala.) can play both guard and forward positions.

Assunta Fulgham (6-2, Fr., Lithonia, Ga.), Donniece Vestal (6-0, So., Arlington, Texas) and Shanice Merritt (6-2, Fr., Tuscaloosa, Ala.) offer the ability to play power basketball in the paint.

A difficult schedule, including three Southeastern Conference teams (Auburn, Florida and Kentucky), should prepare the Lady Hornets for a run at a SWAC championship.