Two days after going down with a left shoulder injury, Glory Johnson was back on her feet and back at Tennessee women’s basketball practice.
The sophomore forward was wearing a protective sleeve on the shoulder. She will start Sunday against Baylor in the State Farm Tipoff Classic, provided nothing else happens between now and then. Johnson took another hard fall during Friday’s practice and tweaked her ankle before finishing the workout.
“Sometimes it’s hard to watch,’’ UT coach Pat Summitt said. “I don’t know what’s going to happen.”
The 6-foot-3 Johnson, a second-team All-SEC preseason pick by the conference coaches, will fill the lone remaining opening in Tennessee’s starting five. Summitt said on Wednesday that Angie Bjorklund, Shekinna Stricklen, Kelley Cain and Taber Spani would report for the opening tip.
Cain sat out most of Friday’s practice will some lower back stiffness, but Summitt said that the 6-foot-6 redshirt sophomore — UT’s first line of defense against Baylor’s 6-8 Brittney Griner — will be fine for Sunday.
Summitt said that Johnson will be deployed as a perimeter defender and play inside on offense. Spani, meanwhile, will be guarding a forward spot and play guard on offense.
Spani will become the 13th freshman to start her first game at UT. The number matches her jersey number.
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Comments » 4
Volunatic writes:
Glad to hear she's doing better.
GO LADY VOLS!
tonyvick#213307 writes:
Finally some good news!
CTOWNICON writes:
Only a couple of days left before the big showdown with Baylor! I can't wait! I am so anxious to see these ladies play. The starting lineup sounds pretty good. Taber must have really been impressive as she has earned herself a starting position. I guess she has handled the pressure well. Glad to hear the good news about Glory! She will be needed against Baylor!
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Amen to all! Not often a still-young team gets such a stern test so early. Not that the result against Baylor either way will necessarily determine how the season will unfold, but if the gals play well it will surely be a good sign. GO LADY VOLS!!! BEAT BAYLOR!!!
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