OTAHKS WILL HOP IT UP AT MIDNIGHT MADNESS

Southeast Missouri State University women's basketball coach Ed Arnzen is always excited about the start of practice for a new season.

But this year, there is perhaps an extra sparkle in Arnzen's eyes. That's because the Otahkians are coming off their best-ever Division I season and have more high hopes for the coming campaign.

"We're excited," said Arnzen. "We had a good season last year and we've got several of our key people back, plus we've added some very good new players."

The Otahkians open practice Saturday, the first day NCAA Division I teams are allowed to begin workouts. They will also take part, along with the Southeast men's squad, in a `Midnight Madness' event late Friday at the Show Me Center.

"I think having the Midnight Madness is a great idea," Arnzen said. "I think they're doing it the right way and it should be a great night for the fans and our team."

After two straight disappointing seasons, the Otahkians finally got back on track last year, going 19-9, finishing fourth in the Ohio Valley Conference and qualifying for the OVC semifinals in Nashville, Tenn.

"We went through two hard years, but we feel like we've gotten back to where we want to be," said Arnzen of his program. "We lost four players to graduation, but the rest are here and they have confidence."

The Otahkians lost second-leading scorer Rusty Sowers and second-leading rebounder Tajuana White, along with key role players Sherry and Shauna Cook.

But back are leading scorer and premier shooter Paula Corder-King, a senior who led the nation in free-throw percentage last season while averaging 14.7 points per game; and third-leading scorer and leading rebounder Pam Iverson, one of the OVC's top freshman a year ago, when she averaged 11.7 points and 7.8 rebounds.

Among other key players back are senior point guard Moneik Campbell, who led the squad in assists last season with 73 while scoring 8.3 points per game; and Regan Hughston, another of the OVC's more promising freshman a year ago, when she averaged 5.2 points.

Also returning, and expected to contend for serious playing time, are Annie Struve (3.2 ppg), Allison Iverson (2.2 ppg), Kimberly Nicholson (2.1 ppg), Tiffany Melis (2.0 ppg) and Liea Toedte (1.7 ppg).

"I think we've got a very good nucleus coming back," said Arnzen.

Arnzen is high on his four newcomers, led by quick point guard Lashelle Porter, who redshirted last year but practiced with the team.

"She's as quick a player as I've had," Arnzen said.

Three true freshmen on the squad are Kristy Roherty, Lori Chase and Jennifer Gries. Arnzen figures they will all be battling for playing time.

"I think we'll have some very good competition for spots in practice, which always makes your team better," he said.

The Otahkians play two home exhibition games, beginning Oct. 31 against St. Louis Gold Star. The regular season tips off Nov. 19 at the Arkansas State Tournament. The first home regular-season game is Nov. 23 against Missouri-Kansas City.