Lady Colonels eyeing turnaround

The Colonel Way Destination: Katy. That’s what the red wristbands read.

The attitude brings forth a different feel than in years past.

But for the 2009-2010 Nicholls Lady Colonels basketball team, whose season began last Friday on the road against the University of New Orleans, the goal is simply to earn respectability.

“Not to sound philosophical, but my major goal for the season is that the product we put on the floor can make a difference in the community, in the classroom and at Nicholls,” second year head coach DoBee Plaisance said. “I want them to see the heart. I want everybody to say look at the heart Nicholls State plays with.”

To do so the team felt they needed to retool their roster from top to bottom. Despite losing only two seniors to graduation, the Lady Colonels brought back only four players from last year’s team.

Plaisance remains optimistic about her team’s chances this season despite a 2-25 dismal season a year ago.

The Lady Colonels’ four returning starters – sophomores Danielle Douglas (3.8 ppg), Jasmine Hoskins (7.3 ppg), Ke’arrah Jackson (1 ppg) and Portia Washington (3.8 ppg) – will be key in any Lady Colonels success this season.

The rest of the team consists of a variety of junior college transfers and incoming freshmen that Plaisance believes will make an immediate impact on the Lady Colonels.

“We don’t have one particular leader,” the coach asserted. “We have a handful of kids that have been stepping up regularly. We’ve had about four or five kids that have been the core. They said it earlier and I don’t want to steal their thunder but these players more than anything hold themselves accountable.”

When recruiting athletes to suit up for the Lady Colonels this year, Plaisance remained firm in her requirements. They must be ready academically.

All five of her junior college transfers – juniors Jamia Akins, Ricshanda Bickham, Cassie Hearon, Raneisha Hunter and sophomore Chelsea McNamee – qualified out of high school but felt the junior college route would better benefit them in the long run.

Having already played on a collegiate level is a benefit when coming into a new program according to Bickham.

“With the junior college experience and maturity we have we are going to turn this program around,” she said. “That’s the goal we set for ourselves, to turn this women’s program around.”

Fellow transfer Hearon reaffirmed the team’s goal entering the season.

“We definitely have a lot of expectations for us,” she said. “The main thing is to keep growing as a team. The bond is what makes you better on the court.”

In addition to the transfers the Lady Colonels welcome two true freshmen to the mix, Central Lafourche product Kiera Smith and Alisha Allen of Texas.

As a returner this season Hoskins admitted she sees a difference in the team’s attitude entering the season.

“The vibe is very positive,” she said. “Last year we had a lot of down in attitude and we weren’t always on the same page. This year we try to use constructive criticism to make each other better. I’m really excited about this season.”

Entering the 2009-2010 season Plaisance, who is known for her strong faith, plans to once again instill that attitude into her team.

It’s what got her through her inaugural season last year.

“People ask me how did I get through last year, and it was faith in our good Lord Jesus Christ,” she boasted. “I know I’m going to fulfill the Lord’s purpose and I was brought here for a reason and I just hope the purpose is a few more wins.”

As for expectations, the coach made it clear anything less than the season ending in Katy, Texas at the Southland Conference tournament is a disappointment.

“I expect a lot of heart, absolutely no quit,” she said. “We have our wristbands with the Colonel way. The goal is to go to Katy. I know we are a new staff in a new program but I don’t think it’s unrealistic. I am not afraid to put it out there that I will be very disappointed if we don’t make it to the conference tournament.”

Sophomore Jasmine Hoskins is one of only four players returning for the Lady Colonels this season. Head coach DoBee Plaisance said anything other than a berth in the Southland Conference Tournament would be a disappointment. * File photo / Tri-Parish Times