Women’s basketball starts preseason practices

Matthew Stoss / senior photographer Sophomore guard Shirley McCall dribbles during practice Monday. McCall and the Dukes open their regular season Nov. 23 against Virginia Tech.

The women’s basketball team opened up practice Oct. 16 and since then, things seem to be going well for the youthful Dukes.

"We are much more consistent than we were last year," coach Kenny Brooks said. "There’s a lot of teaching and learning going on. We have more veterans and everyone seems very pleased with where we are."

Strangely, the veterans Brooks referred to happen to be primarily sophomores. They include guard Lesley Dickinson, forward Meredith Alexis, point guard Andrea Benvenuto, guard/forward Shirley McCall and guard Shameena Felix.

"They’ve been through the fires and the battles together," Brooks said. "They hang out together. You can see the chemistry developing. The scary part for the league is they are together for three more years."

The Dukes lost two players from last year’s 13-18 squad — one to graduation (guard Jody LeRose) and the other transferred (center Denae Dobbins).

Returning to the floor of the Convocation Center is the reigning Colonial Athletic Association Rookie of the Year in Dickinson. Her CAA accolades continued this season as she was named to the All-CAA preseason first-team.

"It’s an honor," Dickinson said. "I try not to get caught up in it, though. There are bigger things at hand and team goals always come first."

Dickinson also was JMU’s leading scorer last season. The 5-foot, 10-inch guard averaged 15.4 points per game. She attributes her success to the significant playing time she saw as a freshman.

"That was a main reason why I am here," Dickinson said. "It’s different as opposed to watching someone from the bench. I’m glad that they just threw me in and it’s been a great advantage."

The Dukes also return Alexis. As a freshman, the 6-foot, 3-inch Alexis averaged a double-double a game with 10.2 points and 10.4 rebounds.

Alexis was named third team, All-CAA to close last season and in this year’s preseason poll, she was named to the second team.

"It’s quite an honor," Alexis said. "I didn’t even know until one of my friends who plays at Towson told me."

"Second team is great, but there is always room for improvement."

Newcomers to the Dukes include freshman guard/forward Tamera Young, who averaged a double-double in high school with 20 points and 10 rebounds a game. Other freshmen are guard Jasmin Lawrence and forwards Nina Uqdah and April Gratton.

JMU also picked up a transfer in junior forward Karolina Sokalska. The Poland native came from Weatherford Community College.

"It’s a different style of basketball over there," Brooks said. "It relies on cutting and passing, as opposed to the American style that is more physical.

"She will be a contributor and could bring a lot of the game, playing American-style defense."

The Dukes were picked to finish fourth in the CAA in the preseason media poll.

"They’re always close, give or take a spot or two," Brooks said. "It’s a good measuring stick and I like the attitude of the team toward it. They’re not discouraged.

"ODU is the clear-cut favorite; after that, it’s a toss-up."

Old Dominion University was the consensus No. 1, garnering 18 first-place votes. The Monarchs have won the past 13 CAA titles.

The University of Delaware was picked to finish second and Virginia Commonwealth University third, receiving one first-place vote.

Five through 10, the preseason picks went Hofstra University, the College of William & Mary, George Mason University, the University of North Carolina-Wilmington, Drexel University and Towson University.

The Dukes open their season Nov. 23 at home when they take on Virginia Tech in a 7 p.m. tip.