Huskies freshmen rapidly come of age

Usually, such a message would apply to first-year players on a women's college basketball team that is about to play the No. 4-ranked team in the country.

But instead of looking on in awe, the University of Washington's five freshmen are going to have key roles tonight at 7:30 when the roster-thin Huskies face high-powered Texas Tech (9-0) at Hec Edmundson Pavilion.

By capitalizing on the opportunities created by the medical retirements of three upperclass players and foot injuries that sidelined junior Kristen O'Neill and sophomore Erica Schelly, the Huskies' "kiddie korps" has done an exceptional job in support of senior scoring leaders Giuliana Mendiola (19.6 points per game), Andrea Lalum (19.3) and Gioconda Mendiola (8.3). The Huskies are 6-1 and have extended their homecourt winning streak to 18 consecutive games.

Led by starters Breanne Watson and Cameo Hicks, the Huskies freshmen collectively are averaging 29 points and 16.5 rebounds per game.

Watson, from Richmond, B.C., is averaging 7.9 points and 4.4 rebounds.

Hicks, from Tracy, Calif., has averages of 7.3 points and 3.3 rebounds and has become a crowd favorite with her slashing ability on offense and tenacity on defense and on the boards.

"It definitely hasn't been easy," Hicks said. "It's been quite a challenge, just getting used to the system and getting used to the high level of players that we're facing. It's been fun, but it definitely hasn't been easy."

Hicks said the most difficult adjustment is a feeling that she's never played before.

"Coming in the coaches are teaching you so much and you're like, 'why haven't I learned this before?'" Hicks said. "That's probably been the biggest challenge ... just learning how to play basketball all over again."

Hicks has accepted the challenge and thrived. She is a member of a UW club of nine players who scored 24 points or more in a game as freshmen. The group includes former players Jamie Redd, Loree Payne, Sherri Felton, Leteia Hughley, Carlin McClary, Hilary Recknor, Karen Deden and Karen Murray.

Hicks got her 24 in a UW victory over perennial power Notre Dame, making the accomplishment particularly significant.

Hicks' father, David, was in attendance, which Cameo said was at least partly responsible for her performance.

"He got me into basketball," Hicks said. "He coached me a lot when I was younger. He and the rest of my family have been my biggest fans through the whole thing. They give me a lot of confidence."

David Hicks and his wife, Tina, have two other children -- daughter Shalimar, 12, and son David Jr., 9.

With five in the family, Hicks has in the past worn a No. 5 jersey. Because that number wasn't available (Lalum has it), she selected No. 55.

Giuliana Mendiola is impressed with No. 55.

"She doesn't have any fear when she goes down the lane," Mendiola said. "I love that about her. And I think she's a great rebounder for a guard. She has a good nose for the ball ... a great anticipator. That's how I get my rebounds, by just anticipating where they go. And she's tenacious on defense."

Driving the lane is a trait that comes naturally, Hicks said. "It's something I'm more comfortable with. I developed that long before I developed any sort of shot. In high school, I never relied on my shot too much. I'd always rely on my driving ability.

"And that's what I enjoy ... slashing, penetrating and kicking the ball out."

Hicks became a Husky after a favorable recruiting trip to Seattle, one that resulted in her canceling scheduled visits to Cal-Santa Barbara, California and Hawaii.

"I had all five of my (allowable) visits planned," Hicks said. "I ended up going to Boston College for my first visit. Then I came here for my second visit.

"I just loved this so much I canceled all my other visits and committed while I was here."

Along with her basketball talents and competitive attitude, Hicks is continuing a personal tradition she established at West High School in Tracy -- two styles of hairdos. One game it might be a ponytail, the next a bun.

"It's whatever I feel like for the day," Hicks said. "I don't do it any certain way for any type of game. Just whatever I feel like."

Tonight?

"Don't know," she said "That's the mystery. Got to keep them guessing."

NOTES: O'Neill and Schelly have decided to redshirt as the result of foot injuries suffered before the season began. O'Neill has a stress fracture of her left foot; Schelly a broken bone in her left foot. O'Neill will have two years of eligibility remaining, Schelly three years. ... Dominique Banks, a top recruit from Stockton, Calif., is scheduled to join the Huskies Dec. 26, coach June Daugherty said. The 5-foot-8 guard was not eligible for the fall quarter but since has satisfied enrollment requirements.

UW WOMEN VS. TEXAS TECH

WHEN: Tonight, 7:30

WHERE: Edmundson Pavilion.

TV/RADIO: FSN; KKNW-AM/1150

HUSKIES

P PLAYER HT PPG RPG

G Giul. Mendiola 5-11 19.6 6.1

G Gioc. Mendiola 5-8 8.3 3.4

G Cameo Hicks 5-10 7.3 3.3

F Breanne Watson 6-1 7.9 4.4

C Andrea Lalum 6-4 19.3 6.3

LADY RAIDERS

P PLAYER HT PPG RPG

G Erin Grant 5-8 4.6 3.9

G Jia Perkins 5-8 18.1 5.3

G Natalie Ritchie 5-9 7.1 1.6

F Casey Jackson 5-11 7.7 7.4

C Jolee Ayers-Curry 6-2 5.0 5.1

RECORDS/RANKINGS: Washington is 6-1 and unranked; Texas Tech is 9-0 and ranked No. 4 by Associated Press.

COACHES: June Daugherty (128-87 in her eighth season at Washington, 251-161 overall); Marsha Sharp (517-159 in her 22nd season at Texas Tech).

NOTES: The Lady Raiders have won all nine of their games by an average margin of 32.9 points. In their most recent outings they beat Wyoming 77-26 and Pacific 100-39. ... Their biggest win was over No. 15 Cal-Santa Barbara, 68-41. They beat California 76-69. ... Texas Tech has played in the past 14 NCAA tournaments. Led by Sheryl Swoopes, the Lady Raiders won the 1993 national championship. ... Texas Tech leads the series with Washington 4-2. The Huskies opened the 2002-03 season by losing at Lubbock, 99-67. ... The Lady Raiders will return home to play No. 6 Stanford on Sunday (FSN, noon). ... Washington, which has won 18 consecutive home games, is 35-88 against Top 25 teams (24-34 at home).

NEXT: UW at Iowa St.. Sunday, 3 p.m.

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