WAVERLY, Iowa – Wartburg women's basketball head coach Bob Amsberry says this year's team has better awareness of their strengths and balance and are in contention for the conference title.
With top teams including Simpson, Wartburg, Dubuque and Loras all graduating multiple starters on their teams, the IIAC conference is wide open for conference conflict, Amsberry said.
"The teams that can consistently play well will be the best teams to emerge," Amsberry said. "If our team continues to defend and use their balance we have a shot to win.
While ending the season last year with a second place finish in conference, the Knights are returning seven players that averaged double figures in the line-up and four who averaged in games last year.
Top returner senior Carly Jacobs (Greene) is a four-year player for the Knights, contributing a strong parameter threat and leadership for the group, Amsberry said.
Juniors Holly Holstead (Hudson) and Chelsey Wedeking (Nashua) are also expected to make an impact on the team this year through playing experience and team leadership.
"The roles this year have really grown and we're pushing our top girls to lead the team," Amsberry said. "With Carly's experience being with us the past three years, she knows what we want."
Other key players include sophomore Kailey Kladivo (Traer), Allison Emrich (Vinton) and senior Mary Brown (Spirit Lake) who each bring playing experience and a different look for the team, Amsberry said.
With the Orange and Black typically in the top one or two defensively in the conference, Amsberrry says the biggest thing the team will stress will be defense and balancing their other strengths.
"We're offensively way ahead of where we were last year and are just more comfortable and know each other's strengths," Amsberry said. "They know how to use each other."
With a strong core and good nucleus of returning players, Amsberry says he feels pretty good going into this year.
Wartburg opens the season Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. at Upper Iowa University in Fayette, IA.
