2004

WEEKOF kn 2& J

East Central CC women, 16·2, surprise coach With a wealth of sopho–

back isn't part of the Lady Warriors' mindset. "It's just the next one," he said. "We lostto themat their place, andwe need to get that back for the split. It's at home, andwe always want to protect the back– yard. But thegirls are look– ing at it as just the next game on the schedule." Hodge said that kind of focus has been one of the key ingredients in this team's success. "We've got good bal-

ance, good depth and the girls take a lot of pride in theirdefense,"Hodgesaid. "A lot of things have come together. I haven't been able to put a finger on one specialty ofthisgroup." Co-captains Rita Bird· en and Kimyatta Viverette have been the emotional leaders, Hodge said, and another sophomore, Lenore Gray, tops a bal· anced bunch of scorers at 13 points per game. Apleasant surprise has

been the play of 5-foot-5 freshroon point guard Kristen Chaney, who passed up soccer offers to playhoops at ECCC. Hodge's hope now is that the team's good start won't be spoiled by a lack– luster finish. "It's been like we've got nine lives," he said. "We've dodged some bullets. We've just been able to make the right play at the right moment. - Mike Christensen

SPOTLIGHT

mores on the roster, third– year EastCentralCommu– nity College coach Brad Hodge was optimistic when the 2003-04 season tipped off. "We had positive feel– ings," Hodge said, "but to be 16-2? I'd have had a hard time believingthat." Believe it: The Lady Warriors' 16-2 start is one of the best in school histo– ry. They are ranked 17th in the latest NJCAA poU.

Hodge A hard– earned win over Gulf Coast on Monday moved ECCCto6- 1 in the South Division, alone in first place. Pearl River, the only South teamto beattheLady Warriors, comes to Decatur tonight. Hodge said pay-

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