Don’t judge the University of Hawaii women’s basketball team by how it fares early in the season. ADVERTISING Don’t judge the University of Hawaii women’s basketball team by how it fares early in the season. So says head coach Laura
Don’t judge the University of Hawaii women’s basketball team by how it fares early in the season.
So says head coach Laura Beeman as she gets set to start for her fifth season with a replenished roster of nine newcomers.
“This is a group that will really shine after having some game experience,” Beeman said in a university release. “Our freshmen have a great work ethic in practice and willingness to learn.”
Fresh off its first Big West champion and an NCAA tournament appearance, the Rainbow Wahine start their season at 3 p.m. Friday at Southern California.
UH might not be able to think big to start the season, but they are prepared to go big. Hawaii must replace its top three leading scorers, so much will be expected, eventually, of the newcomers, including five post players:
Unable to play until the second semester, 6-foot-4 center Adrienne Darden is redshirt freshman and a two-time all-state performer from Delaware; Taylor Donohue, 6-3, started at center in an 84-63 exhibition victory against UH-Hilo and scored eight points with three rebounds; Makenna Woodfolk, 6-2, comes from Tacoma, Wash., and was ranked No. 20 nationally among forwards by ESPN; Keleah-Aiko Koloi, 6-0, is a Lahainaluna graduate who averaged 16.3 points as a senior in leading the Lunas to a fourth consecutive Maui Interscholastic League championship; Australian Amy Atwell, 6-0, earned four Western Australia Basketball League all-star selections and is a possible redshirt candidate.
“It’s still early to pick out a standout player with the post group. I think all of our newcomers have had their moments, but they’ve also had their stumbles,” Beeman said. “That’s very natural for freshmen, but our positivity as a coaching staff comes from the fact that their desire to contribute to this team and make an impact hasn’t wavered.”
Until the freshmen catch up to speed, holding down the fort will be point guard Briana Harris, the team’s lone senior, and junior guard Sarah Toeaina. Harris is the team’s leading returner at 8.4 points per game, and Toeaina was just behind at 6.7 points. Also returning are sophomore forward and twins Leah and Lahni Salanoa.
“We have a steep learning curve at this time, but with the attitude everyone brings every day, we can’t help but grow as a team,” Beeman said.
The Wahine are 0-4 all-time against USC. On Sunday, they travel to CSU Bakersfield.
