Lady Rams want to turn up pace, score more points

The Lady Rams want to start fresh this season with new players and a new philosophy on how to play.

With 10 new players on the team, head Women's Basketball Coach Stephen Joyner says that they have to develop chemistry as a group.

"Once we do that, the sky's the limit," Joyner said.

The new players are guards McKenzie Weston and Niya Phillips; forwards LaQuanda Williams, Dionna Scott, Schatavia Gray, Briana Wilder, Monique Williams, Isis Miller and Jovanah Graham.  

This is Joyner's second season as head coach.  

Last season, the team had a 17-11 overall record and finished second in the division with an 11-6 conference record.

Joyner says the team has several goals, but his No. 1 goal is to play hard with every possession.

He said he is placing a lot of this responsibility on the team's defense.

That would be a good idea. Last season the Lady Rams defense allowed 57 points per game.

"We have to stick together, believe in one another, and stick to the system," Joyner said.

 Joyner said this system consists of having the team play a more up-tempo style.

"We want to average as close to 80 points a game as possible."

The Lady Rams averaged 62 points per game last season.

They scored more than 80 points in a single game only once last season.

To do this, Joyner said he plans to push the ball more to give the team more scoring opportunities.

"We have an exciting group of young ladies, and I know they all plan to play hard."

Players say they feel ready for the upcoming season.

"As long as we work hard and do what we're asked to do, we'll be a very successful team," Wilder said.

Wilder is an exercise science major from Lenoir, N.C.

When the 2011-12 CIAA Basketball Season Predictions were released, Winston-Salem State was chosen to finish third in the Southern Division.  

Joyner says he is not surprised.

"That sounds about right based on our performance last season."

The Lady Rams have two starters returing, guards Courtney Medley and Jasmine Newkirk.