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Published on 11/16/1998 All articles from this issue

Owls hope they're on the rebound

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By Pete Borello / Town Crier Staff Writer

Foothill College women's basketball coach Jody Craig describes last season in one word: "Disappointing."

The Owls finished 14-15 and lost in the first round of the Northern California playoffs.

Believing her team was in serious need of an attitude adjustment, Craig made some dramatic personnel changes over the summer.

"I cleaned house," the third-year coach said. "We could have returned seven players, but I only asked three back. The others didn't have the attitude and work ethic I was looking for."

The changing of the guard - among other positions - has involved bringing in nine freshmen to fill out the roster. And so far, the coach likes what she sees from her revamped team.

"The attitude is 100 percent better," Craig said. "I'm so pleased with the effort and intensity on the floor."

The player who exemplifies such play is Heather Green, voted the team's most inspirational player a year ago. "She plays every play like it's the state championship," Craig said.

Green, a forward, earned all-conference honors last season by averaging 9.3 points and 8.6 rebounds per game.

Foothill's other returning players include 6-foot-1 center Diseph Igoni and guard Shawna McGlennon. The steadily improving Igoni averaged 8.9 points and 10.6 rebounds last year. St. Francis High product McGlennon "is a tenacious defender and a tremendous floor leader," Craig said.

The trio is surrounded by a flock of freshmen Craig seems extremely excited about.

"They have a huge amount of potential," Craig said. "This is a really good group."

Leading the list of newcomers is Stacy Hanstad, touted as Wisconsin's top unsigned freshman in 1997.

"She's probably one of the best guards I've had here," Craig said of the 5-7 shooting guard.

Forward Ekuah Ramsey of Sacramento has also impressed the coach. She was recruited by Old Dominion and a few other NCAA Division I schools before suffering a knee injury last year.

Then there's versatile forward Line Kongeskov of Denmark.

"She's good inside and outside," Craig said. "She's a three-point threat and also knows how to play in the post. I expect good things from her."

Rounding out the freshman class are guards Jennifer Tsang, Erin Stanbridge and Mia Sibug, plus forwards Ariana Daggett, Sheree Taft and 6-foot-4 Alyssa Johnson.

Craig is confident the Owls have enough talent to compete in the tough Golden Gate Conference North Division. It's the lack of experience she worries about.

"If this was a team of sophomores we'd contend for the state title," Craig said. "But with so many freshmen, I expect a roller coaster ride when it comes to focus and intensity."

Foothill took third in the division last season with an 8-3 mark, finishing behind eventual state champ San Jose City and rival De Anza. Craig sees San Jose as the team to beat again, but hopes the Owls can shoot for the second spot.

"My goal is to finish in the top two and get a good seed in the playoffs," Craig said.

Foothill plays its home opener at 5 p.m. tonight against Merced.