University of Tennessee Athletics
SEC Women's Hoops Teleconference
March 02, 2015 | Women's Basketball
Tennessee head coach Holly Warlick participated in the SEC women's basketball coaches teleconference on Monday afternoon in advance of this week's conference tournament in Little Rock, Ark. Here are Warlick's responses to questions from the media:
(On team entering the SEC Tournament) "We're looking forward to it. It's always a tough tournament, and it is anybody's championship. It has always been an interesting tournament. We're thankful we don't have to play until Friday. We're looking forward to it, and we're also looking forward to watching some great basketball."
(On Ariel Massengale's increased role after Isabelle Harrison's injury) "I think Ariel Massengale has stepped up her role, and I think she understands the importance of her competing and her bringing her best every day and every game. I think Ariel has done a great job this year of being a leader. I think our seniors have had great leadership, probably more so when Isabelle did go down. She understood she had to step up that much more. I love how she plays. She plays with a lot of energy, plays with a lot of effort, enjoys having fun and it just carries over to our team. She was named the starting point guard before she got to Tennessee, so she has had some tough shoes to fill. I'm excited for her to be able to enjoy her senior season."
(On the orange blazer and cast traveling to Little Rock) "Well, I don't think the blazer will. The blazer is probably going to stay because it just comes out when we play Vanderbilt at home. Unfortunately, my cast (on her broken right wrist) will come with me."
(On Cierra Burdick's recent contributions in rebounding) "She has strength in rebounding. You have to find people who love to do it, and she loves that aspect of the game. With Isabelle out, it kind of frees up more opportunities for Cierra to get the rebounds. I think she works hard. She does her work before the shot is taken. I think Cierra is playing within her game. She is taking good shots for her. She is getting in position to get the rebounds. I just think she is playing within her talent and ability. You see how steady she is."
(On Andraya Carter comparison to Alexis Hornbuckle) "Absolutely. I think Andraya is an unsung hero for us. It's hard to find a kid who loves to play defense, and that kid loves to play defense. She competes with it. She drives with it. The results are because she works hard. That is a great part of her game--defense. Then, she picked up a lot on the offensive end. I love what she has been doing and how she is rebounding. Very, very competitive."
