Troy women’s basketball balanced with experience, newcomers

By Drew Champlin

Published: November 13, 2008

TROY — Troy women’s basketball head coach Michael Murphy expects growing pains early with this year’s Trojan team, which includes seven newcomers among its 15-woman roster.

He’ll find out how much of one is needed Friday, when Troy plays at Georgia Tech in its season opener today at 5 p.m.

“When half of your squad is first-year players, there’s a learning curve that requires some hard work and probably some heart ache,” Murphy said.

Back are guards Kylie Morrissy, who could end up in the top 5 in Troy’s career scoring, and point guard Larelle Roper, a four-year starter who could be top 5 in assists. Forwards Danielle Realph and Alyce Shearing have started games, and guard Brittnie Davis has played extensive minutes as a reserve.

That five could be the starting lineup — all but Shearing are seniors. The 6-foot-2 Shearing is a junior.

Beyond that, sophomore forward Donnette McNair is expected to contribute, but from there it gets tricky, while Murphy searches for two or three more freshmen to round out his playing rotation.

He said Monday he isn’t sure which ones will step up, but the group includes guard Sarah McAppion, guard/forward Jacklyn Selfe, guard Kirsten Smith, guard Maggie Wright, guard Tenae Kamp and forwards Aarika Howard and Tenia Manuel.

“Time will tell,” Murphy said. “Let’s wait and see what happens after that first game. We’re going to learn a lot after that first game as to who can handle things and who needs a little bit more time and more seasoning.”

Troy lost guards Amy Lewis, Laura Lee Holman and Audrey Muse — all of whom played extensive minutes from the time they stepped on campus.

“Between the three of them, that’s 3,000-plus career points, 1,200-plus career rebounds, not to mention game minutes,” Murphy said. “All three of them at one time were all-conference, whether it’s in the Sun Belt or Atlantic Sun.

“That being said, Kylie can walk out of here probably being one of the school’s all-time best players. She’ll be top 5 in scoring if everything goes well.

“Larelle can go down as one of the best point guards since we’ve been playing Division I. She’ll probably be in the top five in assists.

“She needs to score a little bit, and she’s ready to take that on.”

Morrissy averaged 13.9 points per game last year and 14.7 ppg as a sophomore. Her buzzer-beater at UL-Monroe helped Troy advance in the Sun Belt Tournament last year.

Roper has only averaged 2.4 points per game in her career, but she averaged 4.4 assists per game last year while ranking in the top five in the Sun Belt in minutes played (32.8 mpg).

“The wheel constantly revolves,” Murphy said. “The earth doesn’t stop turning because somebody graduates. The hardest thing to replace is the leadership and the experience.

“Somebody will find a way to make shots, but the intangibles make a difference from a good and great season, a great and championship season.

“Two of the new kids are going to have to come through sooner than later if we’re going to have a chance at success.”

The Trojans play at Austin Peay Nov. 21 and open their home schedule Nov. 25 against Jacksonville State at 5:15 p.m.