When N.C. State exited this year’s Women’s NCAA Tournament during the Sweet 16, not only did it mark the end of the Wolfpack’s season, but it also marked the end of the collegiate careers for six seniors on the team.
With those six seniors, this past season’s team was filled with experience — players that had been there before and could be counted on when it mattered most. With their exit, next season’s team will be filled with youth and inexperience — four freshman, six sophomores, one junior and one senior.
Returning Upperclassmen
The only two returning upperclassmen will be looked upon to provide most of the leadership to a team that is full of youth. In order to be successful next season, both will have to be vocal and learn to carry the load when needed.
Khadijah Whittington Senior Forward 6-foot-1
Whittington will be the lone senior on next year’s team, and will be looked upon to provide leadership to a young and inexperienced team. This role should not be uncomfortable to Whittington who at times last season appeared to be the most vocal leader on the court for State, despite playing with seniors most of the time. Also, Whittington will be expected to be a work-horse in the post with no returning inside players with experience.
Shayla Fields Junior Guard 6-foot-1
Fields was the most improved player on last season’s team, finding herself in the starting lineup most of the season after only playing in a total of five games in the 2005-06 season. Fields was the third-leading scorer on the team last season with 10 points per game and will be looked upon to be a more consistent player next season.
Rising Sophomores
The success of next season’s team hinges on this group of players’ ability to develop and become more accustomed to the pace of college basketball.
Amber White Sophomore Guard 5-foot-6
White arrived at State as one of the best guards in her class and was a McDonald’s All-American. Last season, White slowly worked her way into the lineup, but struggled at times with defense and with making smart decisions with the ball. Next season, White will be looked at to handle the ball more and will have to mature.
Nikitta Gartrell Sophomore Guard 5-foot-9
Like White, Gartrell arrived at State as a highly-regarded recruit. Gartrell appeared to hit the ground running at the beginning of last season as she was part of the starting lineup. Gartrell’s main weakness last season was her lack of control — sometimes she seemed to shoot too early in the offense or force things that weren’t there. Gartrell will most certainly be a contributor next season on both ends of the floor — especially defense where she could be the teams best perimeter defender.
Sharnise Beal Sophomore Guard 5-foot-9
Beal didn’t see a wealth of playing time last season, but could definitely be a contributor next season. Beal appeared to be a young leader on last season’s team, often being an emotional leader from the bench. Beal could be the “glue” player on next year’s team, doing the things that really hold the team together.
Chanita Jordan Sophomore Center 6-foot-3
Jordan missed the first month of last season due to injury, but made appearances in several games for the Pack. Jordan is very agile and quick for her size, and will most certainly be looked to increase production next season. Jordan will have to work on her defense and toughness in order to improve.
Megan Zullo Sophomore Guard 5-foot-8
Zullo, after seeing a considerable amount of playing time early last season, missed a majority of the season due to a stress fracture in her leg. Zullo will be a contributor next season as long as she can recover from her injury, and could possibly be next seasons best long-range shooter.
Lucy Ellison Sophomore Forward 6-foot-1
Ellison struggled most out of last year’s freshman class. When Ellison received playing time, she often seemed frustrated and out of place. An extra season of experience should serve Ellison well, as she has the size and fundamentals to improve.
Incoming Freshman
According to Scout.com, N.C. State has the 22nd best recruiting class coming to campus next season. This class will add depth and size to the team, as three of the incoming players will become three of the four tallest members on the team.
Tia Bell Freshman Forward 6-foot-2
Bell is the most-heralded recruit in this year’s class, being the 67th best recruit in the country according to Scout.com. Bell was the 2006 Gatorade D.C. Player of the Year.
Gloria Brown Freshman Forward 6-foot-3
Brown is the 96th best recruit in the country, according to Scout.com. Brown was a first-team Philadelphia All-Catholic team her senior year and finished her career averaging 17.7 points per game, 13.5 rebounds per game and 4.9 blocks per game.
Brittany Strachan Freshman Center 6-foot-3
Strachan is North Carolina resident, coming from Winston-Salem. Strachan was the Player of the Year for the Triad 3A and averaged 17.7 points per game. Strachan is considered to be one of the best recruits coming out of North Carolina, according to Scout.com.
Emili Tasler Freshman Guard 5-foot-8
Tasler is another North Carolina resident coming from close-by Apex. Tasler is considered to be one of the best recruits coming out of North Carolina, according to Scout.com.
