2007-2008 Hurricane Women's Basketball Outlook

LOUISBURG -- Mike Holloman isn’t in Kansas anymore, and he’s not the least bit happy about it. Throughout his storied coaching career, Holloman has made a habit of taking his team to Salina, Kansas for the National Junior College Athletic Association National Women’s Basketball Tournament. However, the tradition-rich Lady Hurricanes have been derailed in the last three seasons by Georgia Perimeter in the district championship game -- with a berth in the nationals at stake.

Holloman is hoping to return to the midwest in 2007-08. While lacking some of LC’s past star power, the team is blessed with depth and all-around talent. Of course, the goal for this club is the same as it is every year at Louisburg -- nationals or bust. It’s been bust for LC three years in a row, each time at the hands of Georgia Perimeter. That’s a trend Holloman would love to see come to an end this winter.

“Georgia Perimeter has a good team, and they have played well against us,’’ Holloman said. “I think we are due to have some good luck and circumstances in the districts. Anytime you get into the playoffs, you need to have a little bit of luck on your side. Our goal is always to make the national tournament. This year, the kids will always end practice by saying the word ‘ Kansas’.’’

For LC to make it that far, several intangibles will have to come into play. The sophomores, who once served as apprentices behind Cane’s veterans who went 24-4, must become leaders. Louisburg lost five starters from that crew, including Region X Player of the Year Kevina Ransom, who is now a starting point guard for Francis Marion University. Even though Ransom was a dynamite performer who made each of her opponents better, Holloman isn’t worried about the point-guard position. That’s because Whitney Simmons returns for her second season. Simmons saw plenty of action in 2006-07, and she went up against Ransom every day at practice. Freshman Niesha Searle’s has also shown promise for LC as a combo guard who can replace Simmons at the point.

“I feel confident about our point guards,’’ Holloman said. “You can’t replace someone like Kevina. That said, I still think that position is one of the strengths of our team. We just won’t have Kevina’s speed, quickness and decision-making. But we have good players there.’’

Louisburg’s top returning scorer is Marquena Delk. Delk provided instant offense to the Lady Hurricanes last year on the wing. She finished with an 11.2-point-per-game clip, and she is being counted on to increase that number this time around. Returnee Jessica Nelms is another strong wing performer who averaged 9.8 points per outing in 2006-07. Nelm’s is also regarded as a strong defender. Jasmine Whitby, who enjoyed a solid all-around campaign as a freshman, will share power forward duties with freshman Allegra King from Hopewell, Va.

LC’s fortunes last winter took a hit when All-American center Brittney Wilkins was only able to compete in 18 games because of a knee injury. Wilkins is now on the squad at George Mason University. Her injury allowed then-freshmen Dorothy Corbett and Jazman Ramsey to receive considerable playing time, a factor Holloman hopes will pay dividends this season. Adding depth to LC’s roster are guards Tiffany McAdoo, Aminah Davis, Janelle Harrison and Whitley Ouzts. The club will also lean on frontliners Tiffany Brown and Ashlynn Massey.

“We have good quickness on this team, but not exceptional quickness,’’ Holloman said. “We will need to be good with our rebounding and our defense in order to be successful. We also have the ability to shoot the ball well. When we do that, I feel like we have the potential to play with anybody. But if we’re not shooting well from the perimeter, we are going to struggle to score points.’’

It’s clear that Coach Holloman is still trying to figure out systems and rotations to put LC in the best possible position to journey back to Kansas.

“It’s just a caveat for our kids,’’ Holloman said. “It’s a great opportunity for them to receive some national exposure. There are a lot of four-year coaches there who are recruiting players. And it’s a chance to go up against some of the top competition in the country.’’

For more information, contact:
Head Coach Mike Holloman
919.497.3249
mholloman@louisburg.edu