Women’s Basketball: Starters

CenterErin Yankus6-2Sophomore Keizer, Ore.Strengths: Rebounding, defensive presence Much will be riding on Erin Yankus’ shoulders this season, as she is the only returning true-interior player on the roster.

The sophomore is a solid defender and looks to help her teammates’ penetrating player frequently on the defensive end. She will be counted on for defensive rebounding and providing an anchor inside to jump-start the Vikings’ transition offense by cleaning up opponents’ shots and running the floor.

For the Vikings to enjoy a successful season, Yankus will need to improve her average of five points and five rebounds per game, and luckily, she will have every conceivable opportunity if she can stay out of foul trouble.

Forward Kelsey Kahle5-10JuniorAurora, Ore.Strengths: Rebounding, interior offense Kelsey Kahle, the most decorated Portland State women’s basketball player of this century, returns to the Vikings this season, and she has only gotten better.

A two-time first team All-Big Sky performer, Kahle will be leaned on more heavily than ever this season for her tenacious interior play and ability to score the basketball at will.

“We’d love to get her outside more, but she is a really amazing interior player,” said Murrell of Kahle’s versatility.

What she may lack in size at only 5-foot-10, Kahle seems to make up for in good positioning, athleticism and effort in the low post. Through two seasons at Portland State, she is averaging a touch under 18 points, seven rebounds and two steals per game, and scored a remarkable 41 points versus Sacramento State last season.

WingLexi Bishop 5-8 FreshmanSpokane, Wash.Strengths: On-ball defense, athleticism

As a freshman, Lexi Bishop will take on an important role in filling the void created by the departed Vikings from last year’s squad. As she adjusts to the college game, expect highlights from the scrappy on-ball defender Murrell calls her “little bulldog.”

“She is a great shooter, and a tough player,” Murrell said.

Bishop’s youth, excellent shooting and nose for the basketball will help the Vikings keep their aggressive mentality this season. Bishop’s athleticism should also bode well for Portland State, as the frosh earned three letters in volleyball and participated in track and field at the high school level.

WingDelaney Conway 6-0SeniorSeattle, Wash.Strengths: Shooting, basketball IQ

Returning for her fifth and final year at Portland State, Delaney Conway is expected to display her leadership skills and knowledge of the game this season.

“Delaney has worked extremely hard this off-season, and is dedicated to winning here before she leaves,” Murrell said.

An aggressive defender and probably the best overall shooter on the team, Conway fits especially well into the Vikings’ quick-paced transition game.

Over her career at Portland State, Conway, who started six games last season, has averaged seven points, nearly four rebounds and one steal per game. But the Seattle native’s numbers are expected to greatly improve this season under Murrell’s offensive scheme.

Point Guard Claire Faucher 5-9 Sophomore Yakima, Wash. Strengths: Ball handling, passing

Named the 2006-07 Big Sky Conference Outstanding Freshman of the Year, Faucher will be looking to only get better and stay healthy for the entire season, as she missed nine games due to injury a year ago. The sophomore excels at penetration and antagonizing opposing point guards with her aggressive defense. It will be important for the Vikings to push the ball in transition this season to take advantage of Faucher’s many basketball abilities.

“She is really a scoring point, which I love, and is extremely strong with the ball,” said head coach Sherri Murrell.

Last season Faucher averaged nearly eight points, six assists and two steals in 21 games.

X-factorKelli Valentine Forward5-11 Freshman Spokane, Wash.Strengths: Work ethic, scoring ability

Depth may not be in the Vikings’ favor this season, but youth sure is, and there is no better example than freshman forward Kelli Valentine.

Even with proven returning players such as sophomore Claire Faucher, junior Kelsey Kahle and senior Delaney Conway, Portland State will need key contributions from its seven freshman players this year in order to have an opportunity to compete for the Big Sky title.

Valentine is one freshman who will allow the team to continue growing toward its goal of reaching the Big Sky Conference’s peak. After averaging 15 points a game in high school, and earning a plethora of awards, the forward will first need to adjust to the speed of the college game. But when she does, her ceiling will be high.

“I want coachable players that have positive attitudes and work hard,” said head coach Sherri Murrell. “I want committed young ladies.”

For two consecutive seasons, the Big Sky Conference Outstanding Freshman award has been awarded to a Portland State women’s basketball player (Kelsey Kahle, 2005-06, Claire Faucher, 2006-07), and with Valentine and fellow freshman Lexi Bishop, the stars could be aligning for a Viking to win the award again this season.