Young WSU women’s team trying to build momentum

A chance to build some serious momentum heading into the second half of the Missouri Valley schedule awaits the Wichita State women’s basketball team on Saturday, as it hosts Missouri State to close out the first round.

After losing its first six games of conference play, and eight of 11 in non-conference, Wichita State swept Southern Illinois and Evansville last weekend at home.

Turning that into a winning streak against Missouri State, currently a half-game out of first place behind Northern Iowa, will be challenging for an inexperienced Shockers team still searching for its identity.

But coach Jody Adams believes Wichita State is closing in on that part.

“Obviously the past two games have given us a lot of confidence and I think we are definitely growing as a team,” Adams said. “We’re young, but we’re energetic and we want to bring that energy in everything we do.”

Wichita State is defending its three straight conference championships with the most inexperienced roster in the Valley. Missouri State brings one of the most experienced backcourts in the conference with Tyonna Snow and Kenzie Williams.

Adams is coaxing her team to bring energy to every task it does on the court. Even through mistakes, Adams wants the Shockers to do it playing hard.

Wichita State has won the last eight meetings against Missouri State and 10 straight against the Bears in Koch Arena.

“We want to focus on our strengths and I think we have a lot going for us right now, but we know that they’re a very aggressive and physical team,” Adams said. “We’re going to have to take care of the ball and control the tempo and the boards. We’ve beat them the last eight times, but we know it’s going to be a battle.”

And it’s not just the players that are bringing the energy.

After the past two victories, Adams has entertained her players with her dancing skills in the locker room after games. Maintaining a fun environment during what has become a trying season has been an emphasis for the coach.

“You didn’t see that as much the past three years because we’ve had experienced teams,” Adams said. “So now, with a young group, we really just want to celebrate and have fun with it. Sometimes the dances are a little challenging, but I’ve never been one to back down from a challenge. So I’ve got to be able to roll with it like I want them to roll with it.”

Alumni game Saturday — Around 40 former Shockers are scheduled to participate in an alumni game starting at 10:30 a.m. Saturday that is open to the public. One team will be coached by former WSU coach Linda Hargrove with the other being coached by women’s athletics pioneer Sue Bair. Jennifer Kaczka, Angela Buckner, Kim Evans, and Kiki Stephens are scheduled to play.

This story was originally published January 29, 2016 at 7:56 PM with the headline "Young WSU women’s team trying to build momentum."