University of Minnesota Athletics
Women's Basketball Preview: Frontcourt
11/2/2010 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Senior Kristen Dockery's career has been hampered by injuries, but she enters this season healthy. Dockery, a tri-captain with guards China Antoine and Kiara Buford, is certainly one of the team's leaders off the court. Being healthy this year, the 6-4 forward has a chance to contribute more on the court, especially since the Gophers graduated two major post players last season.
"Out of any player that I've ever coached, I think Doc has been a winner," Gophers head coach Pam Borton said. "She's accepted her role. She's been through a lot with injuries each year that she's been here. She's been one of the most positive players on this team during the time that she's been here, she speaks her mind, and she's a great leader. Hopefully, she stays in the coaching profession, because she would be a great coach in the future. Doc's healthy this year and we're hoping that Doc can help us out on the court, as well, this year."
Though Dockery is a fifth-year senior, 6-1 junior Jackie Voigt is the Gophers' most experienced forward. Voigt has started in all but one of the 62 games in her career at Minnesota. She has 13 career games in which she's scored in double figures, five games with double-digit rebounds, and two double-doubles. With her shooting touch, Voigt has the ability to play on the outside, as well.
"I think Jackie's work ethic is second to none," Borton said. "She's a blue collar worker, and I think she exemplifies what Minnesota basketball is all about on the court. She is a go-getter, she's a winner, and her ability to play in and out is also very vital for this team, as well."
Sophomore Katie Loberg played in 25 games last season, averaging 8.4 minutes per game. She posted a double-double in the regular season finale at Michigan State, scoring 10 points and pulling down 11 rebounds. With Ellis-Milan and Harper graduating, the 6-4 Loberg has a chance to play more minutes and have more games like the one against the Spartans.
"I thought Katie ended her year last year on a real upswing," Borton said. "I think her length and her athleticism, obviously, are her biggest strengths-she can score over the top of people and run the floor, and she's a presence in the paint for us with a 6-foot-4 athletic frame. We're really excited about Katie, and looking for some big things from her this year."
The Gophers' final frontcourt returner, redshirt freshman Amber Dvorak, could provide more size for the Gophers in the post this year. Standing at 6-7, Dvorak is tied for the tallest player in Minnesota women's basketball history.
"I think Amber has done a lot of growing and maturing, and just getting stronger and learning the college game," Borton said. "I think last year has really done her some good, and I think this year Amber is looking to take another jump and help us out in the post by bringing that presence and that size that we've been missing and that we need."
The Gophers have several newcomers in the frontcourt. Shonté Clay, a 6-2 Chicago native, brings both rebounding and scoring ability to the team. In one of her high school games, Clay scored 34 points and grabbed 27 rebounds. She is also a strong defender.
"Shonté brings a great work ethic and a great competitive attitude to our team," Borton said. "Her strengths are rebounding and defense, and I think she is going to help us out immediately in that area. I think, as her development continues, she can be a good offensive player for us and hopefully her learning curve as a freshman can be sped up. Shonté's attitude and her competiveness is definitely a breath of fresh air to this team. I don't know the last time I met a kid this competitive."
Kionna Kellogg, a 6-1 forward out of Ames, Iowa, was a McDonald's All-America nominee last year. She has the potential to help Minnesota in several areas.
"I think she's an extremely versatile player, she's athletic, and she can play inside and out," Borton said. "She's got a 3-point shot, she's got post moves, she's a good rebounder, and she can run the floor... I think we will be able to use her at the small forward position on the wing. The quicker that Kionna picks up and learns the game, the quicker she can help us out on the court. We are really excited about her versatility and athleticism for us on the wing."
Besides Dvorak, Micaëlla Riché is perhaps the team's only true center. Being one of the few true posts, the 6-2 Gloucester, Ontario, native could get the opportunity to play significant minutes as a freshman.
"I think she has a chance to be special," Borton said. "She's got the total package with her strength, her athleticism, and her jumping ability. She can play inside and on the perimeter. She has a great mindset. She played on the Canadian Junior National team this summer, so she's played at a pretty high level. Obviously, she has a lot to learn about the college game, but we're really excited about Micaëlla making some contributions very early in her career."
--Athletic Communications student assistant Justine Buerkle
