| | ESPN.com news services
Raleigh, N.C. -- With just days left before the 2000-01 season tips off, the N.C. State women's basketball team has lost two more players to injury.
Sophomore Kaayla Chones, the Wolfpack's top returning scorer and rebounder, will be out four to six weeks after suffering a partially torn quadricep tendon in her left leg. The 6-foot-3 center started all 29 games a year ago when she averaged 11.4 points and 7.9 rebound. She was a member of the ACC All-Freshman team a year ago.
Amy Simpson underwent arthroscopic knee surgery on Monday to remove loose bodies and repair a bone defect in her right knee. She is also expected to be out of action four to six weeks. The sophomore from Reidsville, N.C., averaged 8.5 points and 2.9 rebounds a year ago. One of the Wolfpack's top 3-point threats, Simpson was battling for a starting spot on the perimeter.
The Wolfpack is still without the services of point guard Terah James, who is recovering from ACL surgery performed on her right knee. She is undergoing rehab and is expected to return early in 2001. James started all 29 games at the point a year ago and averaged 7.9 points, 3.9 assists and 2.8 rebounds.
"We have a very tough schedule early on in our season and it makes it even tougher to be without three of our top four returning scorers," said oach Kay Yow. "We'll have to have some other players step up in their absence."
The Wolfpack will regain the services of junior forward Talisha Scates, who has missed the last two weeks of action after undergoing a minor procedure to have a cyst removed.
N.C. State, ranked 19th in the AP poll, opens the season this weekend as it hosts the GlaxoWellcome Invitational. The field includes No. 18 Wisconsin, No. 23 Oregon and Elon. | |
|
