The Idaho women’s basketball team has gotten off to a 7-2 start to the season and Idaho sophomore post Geraldine McCorkell has played a key role in the hot start.
“I think last year I was a bit overwhelmed, but this year I’ve settled into what we need to do, what we need to do defensively, and just helping the team,” McCorkell said.
She is averaging 14.4 points per game and is in the top three on the team in field goals, 3-point field goals made, blocks and rebounds per game.
Idaho senior post Ali Forde said McCorkell is showing her capability as one of the team’s leaders on the court.
“I think Geri (McCorkell) has been a big part of our team,” Forde said. “(She is) definitely stepping into that leadership role. I don’t think it will be next year, but definitely this season.”
Forde said she believes McCorkell is performing very well because she is playing smart basketball.
“She shoots her shots when she’s open and passes the ball when she needs to,” Forde said. “Her all-around game has stepped up.”
Compared to last season, Geraldine has doubled her scoring average and rebound average and surpassed the number of steals she had last season. McCorkell has eight blocks this season and had 12 last year.
“I think Geraldine has been playing so well (at) both ends of the floor,” Idaho coach Jon Newlee said. “Defensively, I think she’s moving a lot better.”ÂÂ
Newlee believes McCorkell’s ÂÂÂbiggest strength this season has been her work ethic.
“She stays after practice every day, works on her shot, works on her game,” Newlee said. “(She) works hard during practices and she worked hard in the offseason to make herself the type of person she is now. Her ceiling is very high so if she continues to work and do the things she put in last year, she will have an unbelievable career by the time she is done here.”
Brock Woods can be reached at [email protected]