Lady Rams ready for CIAA play

Despite early losses, the Lady Rams (2-4) basketball team understands that they decide how much they can accomplish this season.

"I think that whatever this team decides they want to do, they will be able to do it," said Head Coach Steven Joyner Jr.

"But we must [as a team] decide what we want to do and go out and work every day to do that."

The Lady Rams had a challenging schedule to open the season.  

Within the first six games, they played four Division I schools including UNC-Asheville and Campbell University.

They were victorious against Tuskegee University 69-62, Nov. 19 and Georgia College 71-46, Nov. 22.

"We came out with a very tough schedule knowing that we would face some good competition," Joyner said.

"I'm not so satisfied or happy with the outcome of some of the games, but I do see continued progress in each game."

Working toward progress as a team is something that the coaching staff is hoping will continue through the season.

The freshman that is contributing the most is Briana Wilder.  

She is averaging 3.2 points per game, which is more than any other freshman on the roster.

Wilder said that the Ladies will continue to improve if they keep building chemistry as teammates.

"I think that over a time period we will get better, but it's going take a lot of bonding as a team to get together and learn each other."

Joyner said the biggest surprise so far is how long it has taken his new players to learn the team system.

He said that he knew it would take his new players time to learn the system, but he didn't anticipate it would take this long.

Joyner said that he is just keeping in mind that learning a new offense and defense is an ongoing process.

"We are going to continue to work at it and put pressure on each other to do the right thing so that we can be successful."

Assistant Coach Shenika Worthy said that the team should continue to do what it takes to be successful.

"We preach a lot on being talented in the areas it doesn't take talent to do.  For example boxing out [for rebounds] on every possession, free throws, and just the simple things in basketball," Worthy said.

They know playing a tough schedule will benefit them against their conference foes.

The team starts conference play on the road against Virginia Union Dec. 10.