Tigers, Hanneman have outstanding exhibition opener
With four seniors, Missouri has one of the oldest Big 12 teams.
Published Nov. 10, 2009
In her first three seasons, Missouri senior forward Amanda Hanneman was held back by injury. Last year, she averaged just two points per game.
Finally at full health, Hanneman put on a show Sunday, scoring 18 points in the first half alone with a nearly perfect seven-of-eight from the field.
Although Hanneman has been plagued by injuries, coach Cindy Stein is proud of how she has recovered.
"I think Amanda's going to have a great opportunity to show why we recruited her," Stein said. "She has been hit with injuries, but she's doing a great job of coming back this year strong. She is very focused."
Stein also praised Hanneman's great court sense and ability to create, qualities that have been lying in wait the past few years.
"That's the great thing about her 20 points is we didn't really set her up for anything," Stein said. "It was all Amanda creating her own opportunities. We are very confident with the ball in her hands."
After the 18 points in the first with two 3-pointers, she finished with 20 points after another swish from the left wing in the final minutes. As far as her feelings on being fully healthy, Hanneman was speechless.
"Words can't describe it," Hanneman said. "This is the chance I've been waiting for, for three years now."
That answer defines Hanneman's passion and drive, a trait teammates notice and admire.
Junior Guard Raeshara Brown was not surprised by Hanneman's showing and knew she has had it in her all along.
"Her passion and heart has always been there regardless of whether she was hurt or healthy," Brown said. "I think the difference between this year and last year is that she knows her opportunity is right now and I think she's going after it instead of letting it come to her."
As Hanneman's production trailed off in the second period, junior forward Shakara Jones picked up the slack. Jones scored 10 points in the first nine minutes of the half, including a rare 3-pointer.
Although she has been a greater contributor than Hanneman in years past, Jones draws confidence and guidance from her and the other seniors of this year's squad.
"Their passion and their heart have helped me out tremendously," Jones said. "This is their last go-around and we want to make it special for them."
For the past three seasons, the Tigers had just one senior on the roster. This year, Hanneman is joined by guard Toy Richbow, forward Marissa Scott and inside force forward Jessra Johnson. The four seniors make Missouri one of the most experienced teams in the Big 12.
Jones commented on the focus of the seniors and knows they will lead the team in the right direction.
"As a whole they have stepped up with the team and bringing us together and keeping us focused on the goal we have at hand," Jones said. "They're being patient with everybody and everybody is helping each other out.
