Nov. 24, 2008
South Carolina Head Coach Dawn Staley
On breaking away from Davidson with the younger players in the game
They (the younger players) have to be in situations where they can grow. Obviously we try to put them in situations in practice, but there’s no substitute for game situations. I thought with their speed and with the way they were able to defend, they gave us great balance at that time. I didn’t really realize what (class the players were that) we had on the floor. I just thought the combination that was out there was working. I think sometimes you have to give people opportunities in those kinds of situations to see what they have. If we don’t put them in that situation, we’ll never know.
On being more aggressive with taking shots
That’s what we have been working on the last three days. Just trying to up the tempo a little bit. I think I had them thinking a little bit too much. We’re going to try to speed the game up and try to get shots when they’re open, rather than us setting up and them seeing the options. We’re just going to try to push the tempo up a little bit.
Demetress Adams • Sr. • F
On the younger players’ growth from the last game to tonight
I think they did an excellent job, from the Clemson game to now. They are learning that they are going to have to step up in times where there may be in foul trouble or in any situation. I think they did a pretty good job as far as setting up once they got used to what Coach (Staley) was asking them and what the other team was doing.
Does it feel good to finally get that first win?
It does. It’s a big relief. We know that we still have a lot of work to do. We know we have a lot of improvements, but it’s really good to get a win here.
Miranda Tate • Fr. • G
On looking for her offense more, especially in the second half
Coach Staley told me that if I’m open, to shoot. She told everyone that. That’s what we did tonight. In the second half I think I was rushing it and not taking my time, but then I got in my rhythm.
On the second-half spurt coming without any upperclassmen on the floor
I remember that D (Demetress Adams) told us to calm down and be patient, but that’s all that I can remember about the last 10 minutes of the game. It’s a learning process. We have seniors. We just have to follow them. I think once we do that we will all be good.
