(Photos) Wolfpack women’s hoops to run new offense

RALEIGH, N.C. The NC State Wolfpack women’s basketball team has worked hard all summer and during the last two months to be ready for its first and only preseason game of the year coming up at Reynolds Coliseum against Winston-Salem State at 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Just over a week ago, during an open intra-squad scrimmage played at Reynolds Coliseum, the Wolfpack led by new coach Wes Moore provided its fans a glimpse of this year’s squad that returns a majority of starters including Kody Burke (13.3 ppg), Markeisha Gatling (9.6 ppg), Myisha Goodwin-Coleman (8.8 ppg), and Len’Nique Brown (7.2 ppg).

The game that pitted red versus black was a closely contested one and featured the team’s depth in returning upperclassmen, but also notable play from incoming freshmen guards Ashley Williams and Miah Spencer, along with freshman forward Jennifer Mathurin.

After a week of additional practice following the scrimmage, Moore and his staff, including associate head coach Nikki West, assistant coaches Gene Hill and Lindsay Edmonds, along with players Brown and Gatling, met with local media at Backyard Bistro during the week to talk about the upcoming season.

“We are very excited for the season that’s quickly approaching,” Moore said.

“We are excited about a veteran team that has worked extremely hard. We have a group of seniors and a couple of juniors that we will really be counting on for leadership. The ACC schedule ahead of us will present a great challenge.”

Moore and his staff have implemented a four-out-and-one-in style of offense that the players have been learning to play under.

“Getting into the passing lanes (is important) and defensively we kind of run the same stuff,” Brown said of becoming familiar with the new set-up.

“We are applying more pressure on the ball, though.”

“It is exciting,” Gatling said of the change that will impact her play significantly.

“It will be different being the only one in, but I am excited about it. I am excited about everything (this year).“