One could point out to Kansas University women’s basketball coach Bonnie Henrickson that the West Coast All-Stars — the last team the Jayhawks will play before the regular season begins — have been outscored, 532-308, in six exhibition losses.
But Henrickson will point right back to the All-Stars’ up-tempo, physical style and say she’s more than a little wary of the test her squad could receive at 7 p.m. tonight in Allen Fieldhouse.
The All-Stars are a squad comprised of former college players.
“We have to control the tempo,” Henrickson said. “I know that they haven’t won a game yet, but look at some of the teams they have played.”
All but one team the All-Stars have played received votes in the latest Associated Press poll. The All-Stars’ latest loss was a 77-36 setback Sunday against top-ranked Tennessee.
Henrickson was pleased after reviewing the tape of her team’s first exhibition win, an 88-49 victory over in-state school Fort Hays State a week ago. But she said the most glaring deficiency — weak-side rebounding — had created concerns.
“We have to do a much better job of boxing out and getting the boards so we don’t allow another team so many opportune second-chance opportunities,” Henrickson said.
A frigid shooting percentage forced Fort Hays State out of the game against the Jayhawks, but Henrickson credits that to the play of her perimeter players.
“I thought that we were very unselfish last week,” she said.
“We did a good job of knocking down the open shots, but that passing is what set up those opportunities.”
Junior guard Kaylee Brown scored a career-high 17 points mostly on outside shots, while senior guard/forward Aquanita Burras added 15. Point guard Erica Hallman nailed three three-pointers.
“Obviously, with some of the things that we have working against us, that kind of play will be necessary every single time out,” Henrickson said.
KU-West Coast All-Stars game notes (.pdf)