Theresa makes her fist GPA school appearance

THERESA PLAISANCE: I had a blast on my visit to Woodlawn Elementary School. First, I spoke to the kindergarden through second grade classes about the importance of getting a good education and how school comes before sports. I then answered some questions the students had. A second grade girl asked, “How tough are you?” With a huge smile on my face I answered, “Everyone thinks they’re tough until the first day of practice”. After the speaking and question and answer we had a little fun and played a crab walk game. We all had a good time, they were a great group of kids, and the visit really made me feel good. I left with a smile on my face and wondering when I would get a chance to go back.

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Posted by Bob Starkey 

LaSondra Barrett Earns Spot On 2010-11 Naismith Trophy Watch List

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LaSondra Barrett of the LSU Lady Tigers has been named to the watch list for the 2010-11 Naismith Trophy, which is presented annually to college basketball’s player of the year, the Atlanta Tipoff Club announced on Tuesday.

This year’s diverse list includes the top women’s college basketball players from 37 schools around the country. The watch list was compiled by the Atlanta Tipoff Club’s Board of Selectors, which based its criteria on player performances from the previous year and expectations for the 2010-11 college basketball season.

The Naismith Trophy presented by AT&T will be awarded on April 4, 2011 at the NCAA Women’s Final Four in Indianapolis. Seven Southeastern Conference players made the cut.

Barrett, a junior from Jackson, Miss., is a preseason first-team All-SEC selection by the league coaches and media. Barrett was LSU’s second-leading scorer as a sophomore when she averaged 12.8 points and a team-high 6.6 rebounds per contest.

For her career, she has posted 12.1 points per game and produced seven double-doubles. She led the SEC in free throw percentage last year at 84.4 percent. Barrett scored a team-high 14 points in 20 minutes of action in the Lady Tigers’ 67-47 exhibition win over Delta State on Monday night in Baton Rouge.

Barrett and LSU open the season at Northwestern on Sunday at 2 p.m. in Evanston, Ill. It will represent the first of two consecutive games against Big 10 Conference teams as No. 7 Ohio State visits the Maravich Center for the Lady Tigers’ home opener on Nov. 17.

In late February, the Atlanta Tipoff Club’s Board of Selectors will compile a mid-season team of the top 30 players in the nation. Then in March, the Naismith Trophy voting academy will vote to narrow the list to the four finalists.

Posted by Bill Martin  

Lady Tiger Basketball Breast Cancer Fact Sheet #1

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Breast cancer knows few boundaries. It is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers today. All women are at risk; and, although rare, men can also develop the deadly disease. Breast cancer is complex and unpredictable. We aren’t sure what causes breast cancer, so, we can’t say for sure how to prevent. We do know that early detection saves lives.

â—„An estimated 192,370 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to occur among women in he U.S. in 2009. An estimated 40,170 women will die. In addition to invasive breast cancer, 62,280 new cases of in situ breast cancer are expected to occur among women in 2009.

â—„An estimated 1,910 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and an estimated 440 will die in 2009.

â—„Breast cancer is the leading cancer among American women and second only to lung cancer in cancer deaths.

â—„More than two million women currently living in the U.S. have been diagnosed and treated for breast cancer.

 Facts from Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure

Posted by Bob Starkey 

Temeka visits a school in Kenner

The following comes from Tiffany Powell of The Times-Picayune.

Women's National Basketball Association stand-out and Kenner native Temeka Johnson surprised students recently with a visit to Washington Montessori School in Kenner.

Johnson led an assembly and read her recently published children's book, "Meek Moments: Decisions, Decisions, Decisions." Students listened attentively as Johnson recited a story of growing up with her grandmother, Jewel Johnson.

"You can be the best athlete," Johnson told the young listeners. "But in order to succeed in life, you need to learn responsibility."

The basketball star said she decided to target a young audience with her books because youth today are faced with tough decisions early in life. She encouraged students to be responsible, have good character and keep a good attitude. The students also received gifts from the athlete.

Johnson, who plays for the Phoenix Mercury, wanted to bring her message of making positive decisions back home to Kenner. "These are my roots; my family is here," Johnson said.

Several of her relatives attended the book reading in the school's cafeteria.

"Walk with your head high, no matter what, because you are an important person in this world," Johnson said. "I'm from the same place, playground, school system. If I can make it, why can't you?"

Shirley Campbell, Johnson's first basketball coach at Jesse Owens Playground, also attended the reading.

"I was so pleased to have her during her formative years at Jesse Owens," Campbell said. "As a young girl, she could make shots half court. I knew she was special."

Johnson, a graduate of Alfred Bonnabel High School and a former Louisiana State University basketball player, has enjoyed international success. She has shot hoops throughout the country and in France, Israel and Poland.

Posted by Bob Starkey 

ESPN comes in to tape "All Access" feature of Lady Tiger basketball

This past Wednesday, a video crew from ESPN came to shadow Coach Van Chancellor and the Lady Tigers for a day as part of an "All Access" show that will air later in the basketball season.  The ESPN crew followed Coach Chancellor and the Lady Tiger staff to lunch, sat down for a video session in the teams' theater and then taped practice, all the time with Coach Chancellor hooked up to a live-mike.  We will make sure that we let you know when the episode airs so you can get a cool, behind-the-scenes look at Lady Tiger basketball!

Posted by Bob Starkey 

LSU Lady Tigers' Year-Round Initiative To Promote Breast Cancer Awareness with Susan G. Komen for the Cure Baton Rouge

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The LSU women’s basketball program has announced a partnership with the Baton Rouge Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® in an effort to promote breast health awareness in the Greater Baton Rouge Area as the two groups formed Champions for the Cure® during National Breast Cancer Awareness month.

The Lady Tigers have already begun “Operation Impact” in support of breast cancer awareness and early detection. Team members will also participate in many educational, early detection and survivorship events in the Affiliate’s 10-Parish service area over the next several months.  Recently, the LSU Lady Tigers participated in a Pink Pep Rally to promote awareness with students at the Iberville Parish Math, Science and Arts Academy in St. Gabriel.

The Lady Tigers will also launch an aggressive social media effort to promote the message of breast health awareness and early detection.  The team will shoot for breast health awareness messages though social media outlets with a goal of reaching 100,000 people between now and the annual Pink Zone Game benefitting the Komen Baton Rouge Affiliate when LSU takes on nationally-ranked Georgia on Sunday, Jan. 30 at 4 p.m. in the Maravich Center. The game will be televised to a national audience on ESPN2.

 “The journey that (wife) Sherie and I began two years ago has been both difficult and inspirational,” said LSU associate head coach Bob Starkey. “Sherie’s battle with breast cancer has enabled us to cross paths with Susan G. Komen for the Cure and we have been moved to become involved with them on the personal level as well as creating a partnership with our Lady Tiger family.

“Susan G. Komen for the Cure works to initiate, innovate and inspire passion about breast health awareness, screening, treatment and research. The Lady Tigers will join this effort by making an impact for early detection and better outcomes for our families, friends and communities.”


Both Bob and Sherie Starkey have been instrumental in the Lady Tigers’ Pink Zone Game that has been played the past several seasons. The successful event includes a “Parade of Survivors” while the Lady Tigers and coaches don pink jerseys and pink shoes.

“Through the WBCA and the courageous battle of one of my dear coaching friends Kay Yow, I am extremely honored that our basketball program can be proactive in leading the battle against breast cancer,” said LSU head coach Van Chancellor.


“Teaming up with the Lady Tigers is a great way to reach out to broader audiences with an early detection message,” said Janet Dewey-Kollen, executive director of the Affiliate. “We are excited to partner with these young Champions for the Cure. Because Louisiana leads the nation in breast cancer deaths, we believe that the Lady Tigers’ efforts can truly have a lifesaving effect on women and families in South Louisiana and beyond.”

The Pink Zone Game will also kick off a host of activities building up to the Affiliate’s 15th Annual Race for the Cure® on Feb. 19, 2011. The largest charity race in the Baton Rouge area, proceeds totaling more than $500,000 from the Race in 2010 were used to support education, screening, treatment and research programs. On-site Race registration will be available in the Maravich Center during the Pink Zone Game versus Georgia.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure will also host an online auction including sports memorabilia of former Lady Tigers and other sports memorabilia. The coveted “guest coach” opportunity will be included in the auction and several lucky breast cancer survivors will get court-side seats.  Half-time student competitions and donation stations benefiting the Affiliate will be among the events activities. 

According to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, more than 207,000 women are diagnosed with invasive breast cancer annually (2,800 in Louisiana) and almost 40,000 women die of breast cancer (650 in Louisiana).  While one in eight women will be diagnosed at some point in their lives; 2.5 million women in the United States are breast cancer survivors.  In 2010, 1,910 men were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer nationally and 390 died. 

Tickets for the Pink Zone Game are on sale now at www.LSUtix.net, by phone at 225-578-2184, or in person on the first floor of the LSU Athletic Administration Building. Tickets start as low as $6 for adults and $3 for youth, ages 3-12.

Parties of 10 or more can purchase group tickets at $2 apiece. The Pink Zone Game is also part of LSU’s mini-plan packages. The Frontcourt Plan covers the Lady Tigers’ home opener against nationally ranked Ohio State on Wednesday, Nov. 17, the Southeastern Conference opener against rival Tennessee on Sunday, Jan. 2 and the Pink Zone Game.

The Backcourt Plan features the Tennessee and Georgia contests and the Lady Tigers’ home finale against South Carolina on Thursday, Feb. 24.

Established in 1986, the Affiliate has provided more than one million dollars for education, screening and treatment in its 10-Parish service area which includes: Ascension, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Livingston, Pointe Coupee, St. Helena, Tangipahoa, West Baton Rouge and West Feliciana Parishes. The organization received the coveted 4-star rating from Charity Navigator for stewardship of funds and dedication to mission for the fourth year in a row. 

Posted by Bill Martin  

Lady Tigers Picked Third in SEC By League Coaches; Barrett, Graham Earn Preseason All-SEC Honors

With 11 returning players from a squad that reached the second round of the 2010 NCAA Tournament, the LSU women’s basketball team was selected to finish third in the 2011 Southeastern Conference standings as chosen by league coaches during a preseason awards announcement on Thursday.

Junior forward LaSondra Barrett was one of eight players who were named to the Coaches All-SEC Preseason First Team. Senior guard Katherine Graham earned a spot on the preseason All-SEC Second Team.

Tennessee was predicted to win the SEC regular season championship with 121 votes. LSU received 93 votes while second-place Kentucky earned 108 votes. Georgia, Vanderbilt and Auburn round out the top half of the league with South Carolina, Alabama, Ole Miss, Florida, Arkansas and Mississippi State rounding out the lower half.

Kentucky senior forward Victoria Dunlap was named SEC Women's Basketball Preseason Player of the Year.  Joining Barrett, on the All-SEC First Team were Dunlap and Kentucky’s A’dia Mathies, Auburn’s Alli Smalley, Georgia’s Porsha Phillips, Tennessee’s Angie Bjorklund and Shekinna Stricklen and Vanderbilt’s Jence Rhoads.

The second team consisted of Graham, Alabama’s Tierney Jenkins, Arkansas’ C’eira Ricketts, Georgia’s Jasmine James, South Carolina’s Marah Strickland, Tennessee’s Kelley Cain and Glory Johnson and Vanderbilt’s Hannah Tuomi.

Barrett, who was also a first-team recipient by the media, was second on the team in points per game with 12.8 and she led LSU with 6.6 rebounds per contest as a sophomore. Barrett led the SEC in free throw percentage while also producing five double-doubles on the year.

Graham, a native of Birmingham, Ala., is LSU’s most experienced player with 56 career starts. As a junior, she led LSU in assists with 3.5 per contest while also averaging 8.4 points and 5.7 boards per game. She is one of only two players in school history to produce a triple-double.

The Lady Tigers officially open their season on Sunday, Nov. 14 at Northwestern (Ill.). LSU takes on Delta State in an exhibition game on Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. in the Maravich Center.

Points were compiled on an 11-10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 basis for order of prediction, while each player received two points for a first-team vote and one point for a second-team vote.  Ties were not broken and coaches were not allowed to vote for their own team or players.

2011 SEC Coaches Preseason Order of Finish

School                                                 Points

1. Tennessee                                        121

2. Kentucky                                           108

3. LSU                                                     93

T4. Georgia                                            88

T4. Vanderbilt                                      88

6. Auburn                                              59

7. South Carolina                                 48

8. Alabama                                            43

9. Ole Miss                                            42

10. Florida                                             39

11. Arkansas                                         35

12. Mississippi State                            28

FIRST TEAM ALL-SEC           

Alli Smalley, Auburn

Porsha Phillips, Georgia

Victoria Dunlap, Kentucky

A’dia Mathies, Kentucky

LaSondra Barrett, LSU

Angie Bjorklund, Tennessee

Shekinna Stricklen, Tennessee

Jence Rhoads, Vanderbilt

SECOND TEAM ALL-SEC     

Tierney Jenkins, Alabama

C’eira Ricketts, Arkansas

Jasmine James, Georgia

Katherine Graham, LSU

Marah Strickland, South Carolina

Kelley Cain, Tennessee

Glory Johnson, Tennessee

Hannah Tuomi, Vanderbilt

PLAYER OF THE YEAR                POINTS

Victoria Dunlap, Kentucky                  8

Shekinna Stricklen, Tennessee          2

Marah Strickland, South Carolina     1

Jence Rhoads, Vanderbilt                   1

Posted by Bill Martin  

LSU To Host 2012 NCAA Tournament First and Second Round at Maravich Center

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LSU’s Pete Maravich Assembly Center has been selected as a host site for the 2012 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament First and Second Rounds, the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Committee announced on Tuesday.

Games will be played at the Maravich Center on either March 17 and 19, 2012 or March 18 and 20, 2012. Those days will be determined in June of 2011. The NCAA Tournament returns to Baton Rouge for the first time since the 2009 postseason.

“This is a very exciting day for the program,” said LSU head coach Van Chancellor. “The opportunity to host NCAA Tournament games in your own venue is an honor. I think it reflects how hard our administration has worked and how passionate our fans are in supporting women’s basketball.”

LSU and the Maravich Center are among 16 sites selected to host in 2012. Other first and second round host sites for the 2012 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament include: Ames, Iowa; Bowling Green, Ohio; Bridgeport, Conn.; Chapel Hill, N.C.; Chicago, Ill.; College Park, Md.; College Station, Texas; Little Rock, Ark.; Nashville, Tenn.; Norfolk, Va.; Norman, Okla.; Notre Dame, Ind.; Spokane, Wash.; Tallahassee, Fla.; and West Lafayette, Ind.. 

The four selected regional sites are Des Moines, Iowa; Fresno, Calif.; Kingston, R.I.; and Raleigh, N.C. The 2012 NCAA Women's Final Four will be played at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.

Since the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament was expanded to its current 64-team format, LSU has played host to first-and-second round games six times, most recently in 2009 when the Lady Tigers defeated Green Bay before losing to eventual Final Four participant Louisville in the second round.

LSU also served as a host site for first-and-second round games in 1997, 1999, 2000, 2004 and 2008. The Lady Tigers are 13-2 all-time in NCAA Tournament games played in Baton Rouge. That record dates back to LSU’s first hosting opportunity in 1984. LSU owns a perfect 6-0 record all-time in NCAA Tournament First Round games in the Maravich Center.

Posted by Bill Martin  

Coach Chancellor, Katherine Graham Wrap Up SEC Media Day; en route to airport

LSU women's basketball head coach Van Chancellor and Katherine Graham just walked out of the Wynfrey Hotel and are heading to the airport after a successful 2010-11 SEC Media Day. Both took their two-hour rotation through the various rooms that included print media and television stations, ESPNU, ESPN, Fox Sports Net, SEC Network, SEC Digital Network and Fox Sports Net. Graham, a Birmingham native, was able to visit with her family after the event. We will have a full recap of SEC Media Day later.

Posted by Bill Martin