Open AU women’s basketball practice a preview for upcoming season
By Shelbie Summerlin | Sports writer
The Augusta University women’s basketball team held an open practice on Saturday, Oct. 30, at Christenberry Fieldhouse.
AU will host the PBC/Conference Carolinas Crossover and open its season on Friday, Nov. 12, against Southern Wesleyan University, and having an audience was a preview for the Jaguars as they continue to prepare for the opener.
“It was a pleasure to have people in the stands, and our players getting used to the fans being back,” said AU Coach Millette Green. “Some of them played nervous to me, sped up, but overall, I think it was good knowing other people were watching, not just the coaches, not just the camera. The fans were observing them as well.”
Green saw some positives in her women on the defensive side. She said she saw some progress in the team working on different plays.
In the next couple of weeks, Green would like the team to focus on some things before competition starts, such as making floor shots and free throws, and cutting down on turnovers.
“Getting into an offensive rhythm, playing inside and out, not so many empty possessions when we’re turning over and not getting anything out of our offense,” said Green. “We need to be executing at the half-court and still improving our transition game.”
Green is looking forward to this season with the team she has put together.
“We talk about defending our home court,” said Green. “And win on the road and play in front of fans again. I know the returners missed a lot that last year, so that’s an additional energy.”
The Jaguars had quite a few games cancelled last season, and they went nearly six weeks without playing due to the pandemic. AU finished 5-5 in the Peach Belt Conference and 6-8 overall.
Contact Shelbie Summerlin at ssummerlin@augusta.edu.
Kiera Howard (with the ball) gets a screen from Michaela Lane (4) as Mone Florence (1) watches from behind the 3-point line during an open practice at Christenberry Fieldhouse. At the top of the page, Kennedi Manning goes in for a layup. (photos by Shelbie Summerlin)
