For Glory Johnson, being home for Christmas means being close to the trainer's room.
The proximity will aid the Tennessee freshman in her recovery from a right thigh contusion suffered Sunday night during the overtime session of a 79-69 women's basketball victory over Stanford.
Amanda Shields, a Lady Vols assistant athletic trainer, said it was too early to speculate on Johnson's status for a Dec. 30 game at Gonzaga, UT's first game after its Christmas break. Since she lives in Knoxville, the 6-foot-3 forward will have the advantage of a regular treatment schedule.
UT coach Pat Summitt jokingly told Johnson, "If you'd gone to UCLA or Stanford, I don't know what you'd do."
Johnson received treatment Monday at Pratt Pavilion while her teammates went through a shooting/conditioning workout before heading their separate ways. Forward Vicki Baugh, who was flying home to Sacramento, Calif., worked out early before departing.
"They've got a nice break,'' Summitt said. "It's all part of understanding we have to stay in great shape.
"I think it's good for their mental toughness. I told them this definitely isn't punishment."
Beating Stanford was good for the Lady Vols' confidence. After the Cardinal overcame a seven-point deficit in the final 4 1/2 minutes of regulation and had a final shot at victory, the Lady Vols regrouped in the extra session, outscoring Stanford 11-1.
"This was a huge growing experience for us,'' guard Angie Bjorklund said, "especially in the overtime and shutting them down."
The victory helped the Lady Vols (9-2) jump three spots to No. 8 in the Associated Press' weekly women's poll. After losing at Texas 73-59 on Dec. 14, they dropped out of the top 10 for the first time since March 3, 1997.
More importantly, UT's first victory over a ranked opponent this season underscored for a young team the effort and preparation necessary for these sort of results.
"It's work,'' Summitt said. "They have an understanding that playing the game is hard work."
Summitt has improvements in mind for after the break. Specifically, she wants more rebounding consistency. After a 56-38 domination of Old Dominion last Thursday, the Lady Vols were outrebounded by Stanford 50-43.
"I think our young players didn't have to make boxing out a priority in high school,'' Summitt said. "It's a situation in college where you have to be more physical."
Defensively, matching up with opposing players will be emphasized, along with improving UT's pressure alignments. On Stanford's final possession in regulation, Cardinal guard Melanie Murphy momentarily was left unguarded. And she had the basketball.
On offense, Summitt wants better shooting accuracy from UT's post players. She doesn't think the drill work in practice is translating sufficiently to game performance.
"When the game starts, we have players that are overanxious,'' Summitt said. "We're not shooting the percentage we should be shooting."
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Comments » 13
MrBamSeydu writes:
That stat is purely ridiculous:
10 straight years in the top 10 without ever falling out??? That is outrageous.
utchris writes:
To early to speculate on a quad contusion?
If she is not back in 9 days from a quad contusion with all the resources at her disposal, then it is much worse than a quad contusion.
WeLoveTennesseeVols writes:
why don't you get one and let us know all about how it really is, Mr. know it all!
andefromtn#212139 writes:
It is an advantage that Glory is a hometown kid. A contusion can be a very serious injury and playing at the level and speed of college hoops it isn't just tiny bruise. It may go all the way to the bone, which on a person Glory's size is a four inch deep bruise. She needs rehab treatments and rest to heal. Yes, in 9 days she should be much better but there can also be complications so as the old saying goes "only time will tell". My money is on the Lady Vol trainers to again work their magic.
rockytopron writes:
Well Said!
rockytopron writes:
This break is much needed. It will give the players time away and time to heal. Beating #4 ranked Stanford before the break begins is just icing on the cake!
I think this team will dominate the SEC. I don't see the media's pick Vanderbilt being all that, so UT should win the SEC as usual.
Go Lady Vols!
Volfantm writes:
So far Auburn and Florida are looking quite a bit better. So I'm not thinking Vandy either.
Great improvement on defense for the LV's against Stanford! Hope they all get well. Happy Holidays everyone!
rooski1 writes:
Great victory for the team, however we still have a long ways to go. Lets not get ahead of ourselves with predictions of SEC and/or NCAA championships just yet. We have way too many freshmen players that have to step up for many more games. If Pat has her way, they will continue to improve all season. It may take every regular season game and the SEC tournament before they mold into the LADY VOLS. Although I hope it doesn't happen, I feel sure that we have a few more "learning" games coming. As long as it gets us ready for March, then I am OK with it.
ncvol writes:
Let's go L.Vols. Hope things go well, Glory, for you to get back on the court sooner than later.
Go L. Vols
utchris writes:
Who took a leak in your Cheerios this morning?
I did not say anything negative. All I said is that the injury would be far greater than that of a Quad contusion if she was not back by in over a week of rest.
I am a athletic trainer, just like the young lady mentioned in the article, and understand what is involved in a Quad Contusion and what it takes to get over one. Given her amount of time off, having Jenny as her trainer, and assuming that she does her part, it will be highly unlikely that this thing does not get better.
Now back F off me.
mississippi writes:
Glory,listen to what the docs tell you & we'll hopefully see you soon against Gonzaga
ncvol writes:
utchris it is not worth losing your cool over. He has done one of my post like that when I was sending a message of praise about one of the players. If you are on here frequently, you will understand what I am saying.
utchris writes:
Thanks NC....
I am fully aware the idiocies this clown posts.
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