Southeast Missouri State University student publication

Southeast has won two of its last three games after an 0-6 start

Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Junior forward Courtney Shiffer defends a Lindenwood player during Saturday's game. Southeast won the game 66-56. Shiffer recorded her first career double-double with 13 points and a career-high 17 rebounds. - Photo by Kelso Hope

The Southeast Missouri State University women's basketball team has had a rough start to the season, but first-year coach Ty Margenthaler and his players think of it as just a step in the process.

"I think the main thing is that so far this year our coaches have been telling us to focus on the process and the results will come," senior guard Karley Evans said. "I feel like it's finally paying off. We've been working in practice day after day and now it's starting to pay off."

Southeast has a record of 2-7 and won its first game against Arkansas State on Nov. 29. It shot 56 percent from 3-point range during the game and has improved its 3-point shooting from 16 percent in its first five games to 36 percent in the past four games.

"We're doing the same things, it's just that they've been spending a little extra time in the gym," Margenthaler said. "All of our assistant coaches have groups now and they come in about 20 minutes earlier to get extra shooting because we don't get enough in practice. I just think the practice and repetition is definitely paying off."

Evans and freshman guard Allyson Bradshaw credit Margenthaler for keeping the team positive and getting them to continue to work toward their goals. Evans said that Margenthaler doesn't put them down when giving players advice. Instead he emphasizes the positives while correcting the negatives.

Margenthaler's passion for the game and his players shows in his antics on the sideline. During the Arkansas State game, Margenthaler dropped to the floor near the end of the bench because of a missed basket by junior forward Brittany Harriel.

"I try not to go too crazy on the sideline, but I want these young ladies to do so well," Margenthaler said.

"Just to see their smiles and them feel good about themselves, that's why I coach."

Bradshaw said that he continues to believe in the team and that it will win games.

"He pretty much pumps us up before every game," Bradshaw said. "We have a losing record so far, but every game he keeps reminding us that it's a process and that's his goal for us."

The Redhawks' first conference game is against Morehead State at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 28 at the Show Me Center. Margenthaler said he believes that if the team continues to work hard it will be able to compete against conference opponents.

"We're in every ballgame, we compete every single minute, we fight every single minute, we give ourselves chances to win and they know it's going to come," Margenthaler said.

"They believe what we're selling to them, and they've bought in. When you get a young group that buys in to what you're doing, special things can happen."

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