This is the second in a series of four posts on the Bobcat women’s basketball team, discussing the past season and a look ahead to next season. Part 1 Season Wrap up, Part 2 Look ahead: Bigs, Part 3 Look Ahead: Wing players and Part 4 Look Ahead: Recruits.

The Bigs

This is the area, that will obviously, be hit hardest with the graduation Garcia (12 pts/ 8 rbs) and Hoefer (6 pts/ 3 rbs). These players would represent 2 of the 3 players on the 2008-09 that could possibly called “bangers”. As I mentioned before Binford is not about having the biggest women on the court but rather to have someone who can hold down the middle defensively. To that extent I think 6-4 senior to be Jamie Thorton should get some looks, as well as incoming 6-4 freshman Chelsea Banis at the center position. Having said that, though, I do not think Binford will hesitate for a minute to go with a quicker line up of 3 guards and 2 forwards. At the 4 spot I think you will be looking at the very skilled 6-1 Sarah Strand. While Strand has the size to play the “power forward” spot, she also has the skills commonly associated with a small forward. Sarah will need to pick up her scoring and rebounding next year to offset the loss of Garcia, but look for another break out year for Strand. Another intriguing prospect for the 4 spot is incoming freshman 6-0 Rachel Semansky. Rachel has all the tools to be a very good power forward in Binford’s system. She is physical, does not shy away from contact, she is athletic and can get up and down the floor. The big question will be how soon will, she be ready. Returning guard / forward and general do it all Rachel Pauli as well as freshman Ashley Albert could also figure into the mix. I also would not be surprised if Binford and here staff did not sign one more big woman with their last scholarship.