Judson women hope to overcome injuries soon

If the Judson University women's basketball team ever gets healthy, the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference might want to watch out.

But with three returning starters from last year's CCAC runner-up team out with injuries to start the season, coach Jim Cook's Eagles will have to rely on youth instead of experience.

We're down in numbers because of the injuries," said Cook, now in his fifth season as Judson's women's coach. "We have some great experience back but right now the newcomers are getting a lot of reps because of the injuries."

When they return healthy, Cook expects seniors Alicia Rovertoni (6-0 foot guard; Columbia, IL), Aubrey Parsons (5-7 guard; Sterling, IL) and Crystal Goodall (5-5 guard; Atlanta, GA) to lead the team.

While the three injured Eagles accounted for about 30 points per game of the team's scoring last season, Cook does have back one of the leading scorers from last year's 18-12 team in 5-7 senior guard Kristin Johns (Belvidere). She averaged 12 points per game and 14.3 in CCAC play.

Other returnees include 5-6 senior guard Kristi Siemers (Bensenville), 6-0 senior forward Tianna Forrest, a Prairie State transfer, 5-7 sophomore guard Lindsay Jordan (West Lafayette, IN), 5-7 sophomore guard Kim Peek (Springdale, AR) and 6-1 sophomore forward Daisy Jara (Huntley).

Added to the Eagles' roster this season are newcomers Ima Petion (5-10 forward; Fort Lauderdale, FL), ShaRhonda Huff (5-10 forward; Chattanooga, TN) and 5-11 forward Rachel McBride of Decatur, IL.

"The younger kids need to step up now and be a part of the offense," said Cook, whose team is off to an 0-2 start heading into Thursday's home game against Aquinas College.

"We're not going to use (the injuries) as a crutch. We worked all summer to be in good condition and we still think we can give it a run in the conference."

Judson will host its annual tournament next weekend before traveling to St. Xavier on Nov. 24. The Eagles also make a trip to Florida just before Christmas, which is when Cook, who guided the 2005 Eagles to the NAIA National Tournament, hopes he has his three injured starters back.

"All the freshmen are going to have to play an important role," Cook said. "Right now they're still figuring out the system. It's a faster and more aggressive game than high school and they have to adapt to it."