The phrase “riding the pine” has a different meaning to the reserves on the LSU women’s basketball team. While most bench players see little action on talented teams, the nine players who do not start for the No. 6-ranked Tigers get significant game time and for good reason.
The bench players have outscored their opponents’ bench in every LSU win and twice have scored more points than the other team. Unlike last season, when LSU played with only seven healthy players, head coach Sue Gunter has loads of talent on the bench this year and has not been afraid to substitute them at will.
“It’s not just depth, it’s quality depth,” Gunter said. “When these kids go into the game, they’re going to give the opponent a whole different look.”
Forward Ke-Ke Tardy has been one of the biggest contributors off the sidelines, averaging 6.9 points and 2.2 rebounds per game. Tardy, a senior from Jackson, Miss., is one of three bench players who started last year.
“Everyone has adjusted to their roles,” Tardy said. “When we get in, we do good things to give the team a lift.”
Tardy is usually the first player subbed into the game, either for center DeTrina White or forward Aiysha Smith. Tardy will move into the starting role with the loss of White, who probably is likely out for the rest of the regular season with a foot injury.
“When you come off the bench, you have to bring energy,” she said.
Gunter said Tardy’s experience, particularly from having to play 35 to 38 minutes of the game last year, has helped the team understand the importance of roles and building, chemistry.
Senior Kisha James comes in for point guard Temeka Johnson or shooting guard Doneeka Hodges, playing about 16 minutes per game. James is averaging 3.9 points and 4.3 assists per game.
Forward Roneeka Hodges is Seimone Augustus’ backup. Hodges is averaging 4.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game and scored 13 points in the win over Louisville.
Hodges said having the kind of talent LSU does on the bench really benefits the team. The expectations for the bench players are no different from the starters, she said
“You’re still expected to come in and get the job done the same as if you were a starter,” Hodges said.
Wendlyn Jones and Duke transfer Crystal White have been solid backups for the post players. Jones is averaging 4.6 points in 14 games, including a 15-point performance against North Texas.
White has seen little action this year, playing in only seven games, but Gunter said the limited action was to let White get her game legs. She likely will get more time against Southeastern Conference opponents as the backup center.
Gunter does not have a set pattern for rotating players into the game but tries to stay with a basic formula, depending on player health and matchups within a certain game. Gunter said she just wants the starters to play as hard as they can until they get tired, then the reserves can come in and keep the intensity level high.
Tardy said that type of dominance from the reserves will give the Tigers an edge in conference and postseason play.
“There have been some games where the team has been in a funk, and the bench players came in and gave us a lift and got us in the lead,” Tardy said.
Gunter said all the players have bought into her system of player rotation, especially the seniors, because those players have been through tough games with her and know what it takes to win.
“Whatever the outcome of the season is, if we’re fortune enough to get an SEC championship, tournament championship or Final Four, everybody’s going to wear the same ring.,” Gunter said.