WOMEN'S BASKETBALL Beggin Is Lobos' 'Energizer Bunny'

[Mark]

Wednesday, October 24, 2007
http://www.abqjournal.com/sports/604...ts10-24-07.htm
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL Beggin Is Lobos' 'Energizer Bunny'

By Ken Sickenger
Journal Staff Writer
Amy Beggin squares up to set a screen, gets blasted to the floor by a defender and is quickly informed her nose is bleeding.
As she scrambles to her feet, Beggin first locates UNM women's basketball teammate Christian Shelter for a quick slap of hands. (Shelter swished a 3-pointer after curling off Beggin's screen.)
Beggin then sprints off the court, attends to her nosebleed and returns perhaps a minute later to finish her workout.
The snapshot from Tuesday's practice at the Rudy Davalos Center reveals much about Beggin. At 5-foot-8, the sophomore point guard will be the smallest Lobo in uniform this season— and have one of the biggest roles to fill.
New Mexico's primary ballhandlers from 2006-07, Katie Montgomery and Julie Briody, graduated and took a significant portion of the team's scoring with them. It falls on Beggin to run the show, provide leadership and produce points in 2007-08.
Pressure? Nah.
Beggin sees it as a challenge.
"I have to try to be that leader," she said, "get the offense set up, make sure people are in the right places. It comes with the point guard position. I feel I'm ready."
UNM coach Don Flanagan agrees. He said he likes Beggin's familiarity with the system, her toughness and determination to keep improving.
"Amy is our Energizer bunny," Flanagan said. "She gives 100 percent effort all the time. When you give that kind of effort, you can overcome any weaknesses, and we're seeing that with Amy."
Beggin saw a reasonable amount of playing time last season and was productive. She averaged 4.5 points and had 62 assists, 41 turnovers and 27 steals.
Flanagan, however, has a tendency to keep his starting point guards on the floor for extended minutes. Again, Beggin expects no problems.
"I'll be ready to play the whole game," she said with a grin. "I've been working hard with (UNM strength and conditioning coach) Aaron Day, and adrenaline takes over during games.
"Besides, (freshman) Amanda Best has been doing a great job, too. I'm pretty sure she'll take some of the load."
Beggin, however, is taking nothing for granted. An outstanding defender, she figures to create some offense with steals. She also spent significant time during the offseason working on perimeter shooting and creating quick attempts when the shot clock is nearly expired.
To some extent, Beggin is preparing to fill roles handled by Montgomery and Briody.
"Obviously, they were really good shooters," Beggin said. "I don't think we have to fill their shoes, but we do have to hit enough (perimeter) shots to open things up inside for Dionne (Marsh). She's the focus of our offense, and we can't let people swarm her. We have to keep teams honest, and I know I have to do my part."
SATURDAY SCRIMMAGES: Junior Angela Hartill had 23 points, six rebounds and seven assists for the Silver squad, but the Flanagan-coached Cherry team won Saturday's officiated intrasquad scrimmage 66-62 at the Pit. Shelter (17 points) and freshman Jessica Kielpinski (14 points, 14 rebounds) paced the Cherry team. Brandi Kimble had 13 points and nine rebounds for the Silver, coached by Yvonne Sanchez.
Roughly 400 fans turned out to watch the free scrimmage, which was held at the same time as the United States- Mexico women's soccer game. The Lobos will hold another open scrimmage this week, Saturday at 6 p.m. at the Pit.
SEASON TICKETS: As of Tuesday, women's basketball season ticket sales were slightly behind last season's pace. The Lobos had sold 6,544 season tickets as compared with 6,609 on Oct. 23, 2006. Overall UNM sold 6,905 season tickets for the 2006 season.

[Protege1212]

Nice to see revived interest in the men's season tickets has not really affected the ladies that much. Sales might be a little behind but by only less than 100. Go Lady Lobos!

[LIDOakaLJT]

Wow, a double-double from Jessica....I like it!!! :D

I have a strong feeling that this team, although young, will be incredibly successful and fun to watch!!!


GO LOBOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!