|
The GATOR NATION Source
|
|
for University of Florida News, Sports & Everything Gator Shopping
|
|
Disclaimer: This site is in no way affiliated with the University of Florida, the University
of Florida Athletic Association, or any sponsor or organization associated with UAA. |
|
copyright 2002-2007 OasisEarth Internet Group All Rights Reserved
|
|
The GATOR NATION Source
gatorsUF.com
110 Coliseum Crossing #316
Hampton, VA 23666
(757)-788-8791
|
|
Gator
Shopping
|
|
The GATOR NATION Source
|
|
The GATOR NATION Source
|
|
The GATOR NATION Source
|
|
The GATOR NATION Source
|
|
Quick Links
|
|
Credited Sports Sources:
espn.com, msn.foxsports.com,
gainesvillesun.com, ufl.edu, alligator.org, gatorsports.com, jacksonville.com, tbo.com, orlandosentinel.com, gatorzone.com, alligatorsports.org, miami.com |
|
[continued below]
|
|
for Gator Women's Basketball
|
|
The GATOR NATION Source
|
|
The GATOR NATION Source
|
|
Credited Source: gatorsports.com 12/27/06
|
|
[continued below]
|
|
Your source for Gator Women's Basketball coverage!
|
|
Gator Women's
Basketball
|
|
Sha Brooks evolving into complete player - 12/27/06
Sha Brooks is a shooter. Sha Brooks is a scorer.
That was the scouting report on Brooks last year when she became a
second-team All-SEC selection as a freshman by averaging 13.7 points per game.
Now, in her second season with the Gators, Brooks is proving she is
more than a scorer. This 5-foot-7 guard has proven to be an effective rebounder, a disruptive defender, and a heady point guard over the past few weeks.
Brooks' maturation is something coach Carolyn Peck has noticed.
"I think Sha has improved her all-around game," Peck said. "Whether it's
to step up on defense or rebounding, she's such a competitor and trying to be a great contributor." |
|
The Gators (5-7) hope Brooks continues her improved play today when
they host Alabama State (3-6) at 7 p.m. in the 16th annual State Farm Classic in the O'Connell Center. Nebraska (10-2) and N.C. State (10-2) open the tournament when they face off at 4:30 p.m.
For Brooks, today will be another chance to showcase her improvement
in all facets of her game. In addition to her team-leading 14.0 points per game average, Brooks is averaging 4.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.3 steals per game.
One of the more surprising additions to Brooks' game is rebounding.
Brooks, typically one of the shortest players on the court, has been
attacking the glass of late, grabbing at least five rebounds in four straight games.
"That is just her stepping up to what this team needs," Peck said.
Brooks also fulfilled one of Florida's big needs Dec. 21 against No. 16
Louisville. With freshman point guard LaToya Bullard sidelined with an injury, Brooks played all 40 minutes and posted a career-high-tying five assists. |
|
Brooks has also been a pest on defense. In Florida's Dec. 19 win over
Stetson, Brooks produced a career-high nine steals.
"I think that Sha has very good anticipation skills," Peck said. "Whether
it's watching the eyes of a passer or paying attention to the scouting reports. She gets into the passing lanes."
Helping take some pressure off Brooks today will be the return of junior
guard Depree Bowden, who missed Florida's loss to Louisville with an ankle sprain. Bowden is second on the team in scoring (11.5 ppg) and is tied with Marshae Dotson for first in rebounding (7.1 rpg).
"She averages close to a double-double for us and her defensive
presence is really big for us," Peck said. "She also adds additional speed and quickness and is a good leader for us."
Peck said the absence of Bowden against the Cardinals didn't put too
much pressure on Brooks.
"Sha played a decent game against Louisville," Peck said. "But it always
helps to have a good player there beside you." |