The look on Kennesaw State women’s basketball head coach Nitra Perry’s face says it all.
It’s a look of confidence.
At 11-3, there is reason to be confident, but with the Atlantic Sun Conference slate just one game away, Perry says they need to focus on what they do best.
“We cannot rely on the last-second shot or the last-second comeback to win ball games and three-point shots,” explains Perry. “We have to go inside-out, which is what we have been doing and where we have been successful. We are going to grow from it.”
A 79-58 rout over Florida A&M this week should be a boost after a disappointing loss on the road at Alabama A&M.
Sophomore Deandrea Sawyers led the Owls (11-3) with her second 20-point contest of the season with 20 points on 7-of-13 shooting, including five three pointers and five rebounds. Senior Kristina Wells had another all-around game with 16 points on 6-of-13 shooting, including a 4-of-5 effort from the free throw line, a game-high six assists, four rebounds and four steals.
The Owls, which have a nice blend of experienced players and some up and coming young talent next face Mercer before conference play starts.
Success in the Atlantic Sun will depend on balanced scoring and good defense.
“Several times we’ve has four players in double figures,” explained Perry. “It’s about everyone contributing.”
The truth is, it’s not only Perry who is walking with a confident walk. Her players now have an air about them that says, “come and get us.”
“Since the first day of practice, I’ve noticed it,” admitted Perry. “We’ve done a lot of team building and you know that has helped to build that trust. When you get in a game, you can say, “I don’t care who takes that last shot” and spending a lot of time together.”
The schedule gets tougher in January in February, but I have to think Perry and her Owls are looking forward to the competition and spending more time together on the court and off.
“We do team building every day,” adds Perry. “We come to the circle and reveal something about ourselves. We are a lot more open. I’m open with my players and they are open with me.
Follow the Owls throughout their 2014-15 campaign at www.ksuowls.com.
