Jan. 25, 2008

Before fall basketball practice started at Alabama State, women's head coach Freda Freeman-Jackson knew that she and her staff had their work cut out for them.

They would be fielding a team with only one senior, while trying to integrate eight new players into their program. ASU would be guard-heavy, she knew, but they'd counter with their trademark pressure defense to make up for a lack of size.

Then came a season-ending anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury to Essence Butler, perhaps the hardest-working player in the conference. Soon after, smooth scoring guard L'Teisha Holloway suffered the same fate.

"Tough things happen," Freeman-Jackson thought, as she set about preparing remaining players for new roles in the absence of Butler and Holloway. But the tough times continued, as Capri Taylor and then Airel Anderson were also lost to ACL tears.

Still, the team marched on as freshmen Erica Lumpkin and Tanika Jackson became one of the top scoring and rebounding duos in the SWAC. Then, Monday, the unthinkable occurred. Jackson collided with a Savannah State player and fell to the court. Freeman-Jackson's face fell and she slowly shook her head. "Not again," she thought. "Not again."

Tuesday morning, their worst fears were realized. Jackson became the fifth Lady Hornet to lose the season to an ACL injury.

With world-renowned surgeon Dr. Larry Lemack performing their surgeries and a talented team of athletic trainers at their disposal, the prognosis for return is good for all of the injured players - next year. But there is still the matter of this season and the conference race.

"I was really amazed by our players," Freeman-Jackson said. "After I told them about Tanika, they practiced so well. I was so pleased with their attitudes and their ability to stay positive."

Still, losing Jackson - the SWAC's second leading rebounder (8.6 per game) and ASU's third leading scoring - was a huge blow to the Lady Hornets. And, her statistics aren't the only thing ASU will be missing.

" Tanika is just tough," Freeman-Jackson said. "I'm not really surprised by the success she's had because she just plays so hard. Before the Alabama A & M game, I had all of the players write a paragraph about what a rivalry game meant to them.

"Tanika wrote, `it's just another game when you go out and play as hard as you can for 40 minutes.' And I thought, this is a freshman writing this and I completely agree with her."

But now, without Jackson and the other injured players, Freeman-Jackson has to focus on her team (6-10, 2-3 SWAC) on who is actually on the court, instead of who is missing.

Senior Shantae Robinson continues to lead the conference with 5.9 assists per game. Lumpkin's 14.6 points per game is third in the SWAC.

"Despite losing Tanika and the other ladies, we are definitely not giving up on this season and the players we have left," Freeman-Jackson said. "I thought our team did a great job of keeping their heads up and practicing well after I told them that Tanika wouldn't play again this year. "

There are a few more reasons that Freeman-Jackson remains optimistic.

Assunta Fulgham (9.1 ppg, 5.1 rpg) is beginning to show the form that made her one of the SWAC's top freshmen last year. LaShundreya Townsend had a breakout game at Grambling State (17 points) and since has been solid in the backcourt.

Kim Davis has emerged as a shooter, forcing defenders to "stay home" and not cheat towards Lumpkin. Shanice Merritt and Candice Delaney will get even more minutes as they patrol the middle. Merritt's physical play has been a been plus around the basket - especially defensively.

However, it is Britney Harris will probably pick up many of Tanika Jackson's minutes, and she has quickly impressed Freeman-Jackson.

"Britney is so smart and really understands the game," Freeman-Jackson said. "She may not be the best athlete, but she plays smart and tough. And, she is already accepting a leadership role."

All of the pieces must come together in a hurry as the Lady Hornets travel this weekend for what is traditionally one of the toughest road swings of the season. Saturday, ASU faces Shirley Walker's Alcorn State Lady Braves. Monday, the Lady Hornets take on Southern.

"Everything that has happened to us means that young players have to step up," Freeman-Jackson said. "That will definitely make us stronger next year. But I'm proud of this group.

"The adversity has made them grow stronger, and we can definitely be a team to keep your eye on."