THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, November 21, 1995 TAG: 9511200149
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C10 EDITION: FINAL
SERIES: College Preview Basketball
SOURCE: BY RICH RADFORD, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 52 lines
Gone are All-Americans Kristi Greene and Lisa Rice.
Gone are any chances for a Division II national title.
The two, however, have nothing to do with each other. But they have everything to do with the chemistry and goals of this year's Norfolk State women's basketball team.
With the school applying for Division I status, the Spartanettes are ineligible for the NCAA Division II playoffs.
``We'll be playing for pride and to win the CIAA championship,'' Sweat said. ``If we win it, that will be four out of five years. We know what we're shooting for and we'll do what we can.''
Shooting most often will be junior LaTina Bullock, a 5-foot-11 power forward who averaged 14 points and six rebounds a game last year.
``We'll look to LaTina for 20 points a game this year,'' Sweat said.
That won't be new for Bullock, who averaged 20 a game as a freshman before her average dropped off last year in favor of more team scoring balance.
Joining Bullock along the front line will be vastly improved Michelle Sessoms (6-1, Jr.) and junior college transfer Selena Edwards (6-3, Jr.).
In the backcourt, Lamonica Filer (5-8, Sr.) will step in at point guard and Sweat is looking at 5-11 junior Patonya Dixon as a possible off guard.
Two others who should gain considerable playing time are 5-11 freshman guard Tarsha Bowers and 5-9 freshman guard Raymona Jackson.
``Jackson is a very aggressive player and we'll toss her into the fire early,'' Sweat said.
At any rate, the Spartanettes will be a much larger team this season, taller at nearly every position.
``And we don't lose much quickness,'' Sweat said. ``I expect us to have a pretty good defensive squad, maybe better than last year's.''
The Spartanettes, in spite of the key losses, are picked once again to win the CIAA's Northern Division. That comes as little surprise to Sweat, who has a career record of 363-83.
``I think we're a top-20 team,'' Sweat said, ``whether we can go to the playoffs or not.'' ILLUSTRATION: [Side Bar]
Spartanettes at a Glance
For complete listing, see microfilm.
KEYWORDS: SPECIAL SECTION by CNB