Shoni Schimmel and Shelby Harper, the movers on the University of Louisville women’s basketball team, share a light moment during a break in recent action at the KFC Yum! Center.
Top five recruiting class cooling its heels this week.
Watching the University of Louisvile women’s basketball team this past season, one couldn’t help but think something was missing. Mostly passion. Seemingly content with the adulation that comes with being so highly regarded. Looking good but lacking intensity, resulting in a respectable 20-12 record.
Shoni Schimmel is an exceptional player but when she’s having a bad night, well. Fun to watch but very methodical, rarely displaying any fire or emotion. Shelby Harper brings plenty of energy and intensity, but she has limitiations, easy to post up, get pushed around by the biggies.
Don’t know where Charmaine Tay has been all season, but she reminded one of Angel McCoughtry when inserted into the Notre Dame game. Her six rebounds, nine points, two steals and assists keeping UofL in the game. She also committed three turnovers and collected five fouls, but she brought the kind of intensity so often lacking this season. Her 27 minutes were not nearly enough.
Setting an example for her young teammates.
What is missing is the dominant force in the middle and it’ll be there next year. In duplicate. As far as emotion goes…the girls may not show a lot of it on court…but behind the scenes they are a very emotional and tight-knit bunch. Also, what is missing is a severe lack of respect out there for this team that basically turned it around after last year and is a definite team to be feared in the NCAA Womens’ Tournament.
Charmaine Tay will be a great contributor to future UofL teams. Sometimes, it takes freshmen awhile to “get it” and adhere to team policies on and off the court. She’s on track currently and although not nearly an “Angel”…she be a good one for the Lady Cards if she can follow the guidelines laid out for her.