The Loyola women’s basketball team held tryouts for prospective student athletes in the university’s recreational complex April 10.

After a light stretch led by forward Rachael Nolan, biology junior, and a brief talk from Kellie Kennedy, head coach, the recruits and returning players began practicing fast break drills. These high paced drills tested the athletes’ endurance and ability to defend in a fast break situation.

“It was fun, but it was a lot of running,” said recruit M.C. Bell of Catholic High School in Pensacola, Fla.

Bell, a high school senior, is not currently committed to the Wolfpack, but that could soon change. She said her love of the city, campus and coaching staff may work for Loyola’s chances at landing the guard. Bell said that she enjoyed her personal tour of Loyola’s campus as well as meeting with the current Loyola players.

“They were all nice girls; I could see myself as one of them,” she said.

At the conclusion of the fast break drills, each recruit was paired with a returning player for shooting drills. These drills consisted of short range, mid range, three point and pull-up shots. The 60-80 shots taken by each player showcased her ability to catch and shoot, an important skill in collegiate-level basketball.

The players then broke off into two teams, each made up of recruits and returning players, for a five-on-five scrimmage. Most of the recruits appeared to be more comfortable on the perimeter than in the paint. This is no surprise to Kennedy, as she is focused on bringing in playmaking guards for this class due to the departure of All-American sisters Trenell and Trenese Smith, marketing seniors.

“With the loss of the twins, we are focusing on bringing in a few guards who can score,” stated Kennedy.

Besides giving Kennedy a chance to evaluate the recruits, the scrimmage provided the seven returning players with a chance to state their case for a starting role on the 2010-2011 squad.

Although she said her offensive game is a bit raw, 6 foot 3 inch freshman center Elizabeth Collyer, provided excellent defense down low, collecting numerous blocks during the scrimmage.

Another bright spot for the returning players who participated was Jackie Padilla, undeclared freshman, who made some contested three point shots.

Keiva Council, sociology sophomore, appears to be the leader of the returning players. She is also Loyola’s leading returning scorer, so she will be counted on to lead the Wolfpack offensively next season.

Kennedy also added that she hopes Nolan can continue to be a vocal leader for her young team.

As the tryout came to an end, it was evident that the competitiveness of the night pleased Kennedy.

She also said that she handpicked a few girls to be at the tryout not only for their athletic talents but also because they are great kids with “character and work ethic.”

Richard Dempsey can be reached at [email protected]