Lady Vikings sought talent upgrade

The Lady Vikings have experience at the point with senior Jordanne Walker, a three-year letterman. (Chris Allen/Democrat-News) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

Now Jolene Christensen believes she has time to do it her way.

When Christensen was hired last year as Missouri Valley College head women's basketball coach, there was only time to grab whatever players she could find. However, with one season in the bag, she's had more of an opportunity to find talent.

"One thing I focused on was recruiting, and recruiting early," Christensen said, including the "quick fix" of junior college transfers. "We tried to fill spots."

If the Lady Vikings are not yet a finished product, at least they have more depth.

"I have a lot more I can choose from that are ready to go," Christensen asserted. "I'm excited about how many players I can rotate in and not miss a beat."

Evidence of that is profound in the paint. Last year, Valley only had one true post -- with 5-foot-11 junior Chelsea Quiring returning -- but now there are four forwards. In 6-1 junior Dana Schoeneman and 6-2 junior Leesa Barnes -- out two years since playing at NCAA Division II California-Bakersfield -- the Lady Vikings have capable defenders and rebounders who can match up better around the bucket.

More help can come from 5-11 junior Gita Grava, a Wyoming transfer who can both clean the glass and offense inside and out.

"With the type of offense we have, we do a lot of backdoors," Christensen described her system, not unlike legendary coach Pete Carril's Princeton offense. "We like to get it inside and then pass out of it."

Although naturally a shooting guard, senior Jordanne Walker will return to the point. In her fourth year at Valley, Walker provides good court awareness and a perimeter jumper. At the "two" guard spot, senior MaCall Budke came on last year and senior Imogene "Jean" Dooley showed promise two seasons ago.

"This team is a smarter team basketball IQ-wise," Christensen said. "It takes a while to build that in, but I think it will pay off at the end."

A key may be the performance of junior Rachel Harrison on the wing. She fits a motion offense with her passing and penetrating, and also is strong on defense -- which is a necessity for a Lady Viking squad which was last in the Heart of America Conference in scoring defense (76.3 points per game).

"This team is a little different because they're so focused on defense," Christensen said. "Our guards are good about getting into the passing lane."

It may take longer for the offense to come around, especially after losing all-conference forward Ashley Sequeira -- fifth in the league with 13.9 points per game.

"I still don't know who my big scorers will be," admitted Christensen, who had no players in double figures Tuesday during a respectable 68-55 loss to perennial NAIA Division II power College of the Ozarks in the season opener.

Still, Christensen believes the parts are there for Valley (5-26, 3-17 HAAC in 2009) to climb back into a state of competitiveness.

"It takes a little time with a new coach to build cohesiveness," Christensen noted. "This team is a little closer than it was last year."