Coach: Darcel Estep, third season at Morgan State (23-33).
Affiliation: Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.
1997-98 record: 8-20 overall, 5-13 in MEAC.
Radio: WEAA (88.9 FM), specific games to be determined.
Arena: Hill Field House (5,000).
Starters lost: Two.
Tickets: $8 general admission. Call 443-885-3830.
Best home game: Howard, Dec. 7. Morgan's rival is the defending conference champion.
Best visiting player: Danielle Dawson, Hampton, Jan. 25. The 5-foot-10 junior guard is a favorite for conference Player of the Year.
Outlook: If experience is required for a winning season, it could be a long one for the Bears. Ten of 12 players on the roster are freshmen or sophomores. What they lack in experience, however, may be overcome by talent. Estep said she has attracted some skilled players who could have a big impact on the program over the next four years. Morgan appears to have a bigger, quicker, deeper and more versatile group of players than it had last season. Leading the way will be second-team All-MEAC junior forward Monique Liddell, who led Morgan in scoring (12.9) and rebounding (6.1) last season. Forward Shakira Smith also returns after a standout freshman season in which she averaged 8.8 points and led the team in steals (2.5) and blocks (21). The Bears also have an addition to the coaching staff in former Western High School and Tennessee standout Dana Johnson, who will serve as an assistant.
Around the league: See Coppin State capsule.
Returning players
$Name -- Latiesha Abraham
Yr. -- So.
Ht. -- 5-7
Pos. -- G
Fast breaks -- Her 12 three-pointers led the team.
Name -- Gabriella Beckles
Yr. -- Sr.
Ht. -- 5-6
Pos. -- G
Fast breaks -- Adds depth and experience to backcourt.
Name -- Lesley Crowder
Yr. -- So.
Ht. -- 5-11
Pos. -- F
Fast breaks -- Elevated her game at end of last season.
Name -- Kimberly Harris
Yr. -- So.
Ht. -- 6-0
Pos. -- F/C
Fast breaks -- Quick player for her size.
Name -- Monique Liddell
Yr. -- Jr.
Ht. -- 6-0
Pos. -- F
Fast breaks -- Led team in scoring past two seasons.
@Name -- Lisa Mickens
Yr. -- So.
Ht. -- 5-7
Pos. -- G
Fast breaks -- Point guard averaged 7.1 ppg, 2.8 apg.
Name -- Tamara Parham
Yr. -- So.
Ht. -- 6-0
Pos. -- F/C
Fast breaks -- Counted on to be a bigger rebounding presence.
Name -- Shakira Smith
Yr. -- So.
Ht. -- 5-10
Pos. -- G/F
Fast breaks -- Started 25 of 28 games as a freshman.
Newcomers
'Name -- Sherie Cornish
Yr. -- Fr.
Ht. -- 5-7
Pos. -- G
Fast breaks -- Severn grad has good shooting range.
Name -- Clarissa Elam
Yr. -- Fr.
Ht. -- 5-6
Pos. -- G
Fast breaks -- Can play both guard spots.
Name -- Carissa Meekins
Yr. -- Fr.
Ht. -- 6-3
Pos. -- F/C
Fast breaks -- Could develop into go-to player in the post.
Name -- Chanelle Scott
Yr. -- Fr.
Ht. -- 6-1
Pos. -- F/C
Fast breaks -- Power player could make immediate impact.
Pub Date: 11/13/98