UW women's basketball: Ward on a roll heading into senior sendoff
Danielle Ward might not get as much media attention as the senior guards with the University of Wisconsin women's basketball team, but she was the only one featured in a collection of basketball highlights last weekend on one of the ESPN Network channels.
Ward created a buzz and got television time following a resounding block of a shot attempt by standout Minnesota guard Emily Fox in the Badgers' 59-57 road win against the Gophers. Even more important was the 6-foot-4 forward's off-balance jumper with less than 3 minutes left that gave UW a two-point lead.
When Ward recalled that unconventional basket, her thoughts immediately turned to fellow senior Jolene Anderson.
"Was that the one that I turned around and just threw it up?" Ward said. "Yes, I definitely call that a Jolene move."
Ward, Anderson, Janese Banks and transfer Ivana Mijalcevic will suit up for their final regular-season home game Sunday as Wisconsin (16-11, 9-8 Big Ten Conference) hosts Iowa (19-9, 12-5) at the Kohl Center. Following the game, the seniors will be honored with a video presentation and other celebratory activities.
The Badgers, who have won five straight and eight of their last 10 games, are riding a wave of momentum going into postseason play. Sunday's finale has seeding implications for middle-of-the-pack teams such as Wisconsin, which is in a three-way tie for sixth place in the Big Ten heading into the league tournament, which begins Thursday at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Ward has been a critical contributor in the late-season stretch of success, collecting nine blocks and averaging 8.6 points and 6.0 rebounds per game in the past five victories.
"As of late, Danielle's been playing great," Anderson said. "She's been the most consistent post player that we've had. It's amazing what her abilities have brought to this team. Danielle is always about team first, and the past four years, she's never given up."
Arguably one of the squad's quietest players, the Milwaukee native is a hard worker and gifted athlete, coach Lisa Stone said. Ward has been foul-prone throughout her UW career, but has always been the Badgers' fastest player on the court.
"When we can get Danielle's best out of her, she's one of the best in the country," Stone said of Ward, who has played in 118 career games. "She's really a tough matchup because you can't post up on her.
"She's a quiet leader; she's played in the shadows of Jo and Janese in a lot of ways, but she's been a true gem to the program."
Anderson reminded Ward nearly two weeks ago after the home win against Indiana that the seniors had one last game to wear their home white uniforms and walk through the hallway that leads to and from the court.
"This year, we've gotten closer," Anderson said of Ward. "What Danielle, Janese and I have been through has been filled with highs and lows, but we've all stuck it out. I think Danielle has really been the person that's always positive and always there. She's always been a best friend to me and probably always will be."
As Anderson and Banks prepare to graduate this spring and anticipate delving into basketball-related pursuits, Ward will stay on campus until May 2009 to complete a double major in African-American and women's studies.
Sunday's postgame festivities will offer an emotional experience that won't hit the seniors until the game is over and the moment occurs. Anderson predicted Ward will most likely get teary-eyed, but Ward is adamant she will keep her emotions in check.
She said playing and nurturing friendships with Anderson and Banks has been an experience she will remember for the rest of her life.
"It's time to move on," Ward said. "But I know that I will keep in contact with them after this season and after this year, and just hope that we stay in touch.
"I know their style and how they play. We have a feeling and understanding for each other on the court and off the court. I think that's something that I am going to cherish."
UW WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
What: Iowa (19-9, 12-5) at Wisconsin (16-11, 9-8 Big Ten)
When: Sunday, noon
Where: Kohl Center
TV: Tape-delay at 11 p.m. on WHA/TV
Radio: WIBA-AM/1310
Projected rosters
WISCONSIN
Starters
G Jolene Anderson, sr., 5-8, league-leading 20.1 pts per game
G Janese Banks, sr., 5-10, 13.5 ppg, 4.4 rpg
F Danielle Ward, sr., 6-4, 7.4 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 1.4 blocks
G Rae Lin D'Alie, so., 5-3, avg. 3.8 assists, fourth in Big Ten
F Tara Steinbauer, fr., 6-1, 5.1 ppg, 3.3 rpg
Key reserves
G/F Lin Zastrow, fr., 6-4, 5.3 ppg, 4.5 rpg
G Alyssa Karel, fr., 5-7, 4.7 ppg, 1.7 rpg
IOWA
Starters
G Kristi Smith, jr., 5-6, team-leading 12.9 ppg
F Wendy Ausdemore, jr., 6-2, 12.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg
F Johanna Solverson, sr., 6-2, 9.5 ppg, 4.8 rpg
C Stacy Schlapkohl, sr., 6-3, 6.3 ppg, 2.9 rpg
F Krista VandeVenter, sr., 6-2, 4.9 ppg, 5.0 rpg
Key reserves
C Megan Skouby, jr., 6-6, 9.2 ppg, 3.2 rpg
F Jenee Graham, sr., 5-10, 2.8 ppg, 5.1 rpg
Points to ponder
Last time they met: Anderson scored 42 points, but the Badgers still suffered a 78-74 double overtime setback Jan. 13 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Wisconsin has three overtime losses this season and is 4-5 in games decided by six or fewer points.
Title contenders: Iowa has won 10 of its last 12 games, and a win against Wisconsin would give the Hawkeyes at least a share of the Big Ten crown with Ohio State. The Buckeyes, who host Northwestern Sunday, are vying for their fourth straight Big Ten title.
Five for fighting: Wisconsin has won five straight games and eight of its last 10, including a nail-biting 69-67 win Thursday night at Michigan. Sophomore guard Teah Gant made two free throws with 3.3 seconds left to lift the Badgers to the victory.
Tournament time: The Big Ten tournament begins Thursday at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
