Jimenez shows improvement in Dukes' win
Posted on January 11, 2008
The size, strength, and athleticism of the JMU’s frontline was key in their 93-49 win over Georgia State. Freshman Lauren Jimenez, Junior Kisha Stokes, and Senior Jennifer Brown combined for 34 points and 20 rebounds in the game. Overall JMU out-rebounded Georgia State 54-32.
“When we are playing great, we are out-rebounding our opponents,” JMU head coach Kenny Brooks said. “We take pride in our rebounding and other teams understand that we are a good rebounding team.”
What made the performance more impressive was that Stokes and Brown were both under the weather with mild sickness. Georgia State Head Coach Lee Henry was impressed with JMU’s inside play.
“They did a great job getting the ball inside,” Henry said. “Their inside players were a little quicker and had more energy.”
Perhaps the most consistent inside force came from Jimenez. The true freshman center who was recruited North Bergen, NJ to replace center Meredith Alexis, scored 15 points and eight rebounds. Playing more over the last few games, Brooks was impressed in her improvement.
“She had a slow start, coming in a bit overweight and out of shape. I told her after the Wagner game that she was averaging a foul every other minute because she was out of shape,” Brooks said. “Now she has made a commitment to get in better shape and has been a force for us over the last few games.
Even with the height advantage over Georgia State, Jimenez focuses on being consistent while gaining confidence.
“I have to play hard inside regardless of the size I am playing against,” Jimenez said. “I have felt more conferrable as I have been getting the ball more.”
As Brooks views it, the trio of Jimenez, Stokes and Brown are tough for most teams to match up against.
“I call them thunder and lightening,” Brooks said. “We start off bringing the quick and fast Stokes and Brown then all of the sudden we wear them down and bring on the strong Jimenez.”
