Wahine's Wagner plays with heavy heart

By Catherine E. Toth
Advertiser Staff Writer

It's undeniable, her excitement.

Hawai'i's Chelsea Wagner, a guard from Springfield, Ore., wears No. 44 to pay tribute to her uncle who died of AIDS at age 44. Bruce Asato • The Honolulu Advertiser

The freshman from Springfield, Ore., makes her season debut as a Wahine, donning the green and white, emblazoned with the number 44, large and close to her heart.

"That number means a lot to me," said the 5-foot-10 guard on the University of Hawai'i Wahine basketball team, opening its season tomorrow in the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort Classic at the Stan Sheriff Center.

It's the number her favorite uncle used when he played basketball. In fact, all her cousins use that number, a tribute to their uncle who died of AIDS at age 44.

"We were very close," she said, quietly.

Wagner comes from a family of hoopsters. Parents, cousins, uncles — everyone in her family hits the hardwood or asphalt, turning family reunions into competitive athletic events.

"You should see it," she said, grinning. "There's always a big basketball game. It's huge."

And she brings that competitive spirit to the Wahine.

In an exhibition game against the New Zealand national team, Wagner contributed 20 points in 19 minutes, helping the Wahine win, 74-52. She hit 7-of-10 field goals, 6-of-8 from beyond the arc.

No fear. No reason.

"I expect to go in and make as few mistakes as possible and help my team by working as hard as I can," said the high school All-American and Oregon's state player of the year last season. "I'll do anything to help them out."

This weekend's season-opening tournament will be a test for this young basketball team, fueled by last season's success but plagued by lack of experience.

"Every weekend, every game is big for us," said Wahine head coach Vince Goo. "We're getting thrown at some really good teams quickly. Every week is a test."

The tournament features Washington State, Texas A&M and Portland State, all three coming off of losing seasons. The Wahine open with Pac-10 opponent Washington State at 3 p.m. tomorrow. Hawai'i leads the series, 2-0.

The last time the Wahine faced the Cougars was in November 1995, when Hawai'i boasted the lineup of New Zealand Olympian Tania Brunton, Nani Cockett, BJ Itoman and Kendis Leeburg.

But like Hawai'i, Washington State lost its top three scorers from last season, though none of them averaged more than 10 points per game. Center Brittney Hawks returns, having averaged 8.9 points and 5.2 rebounds per game last year.

Wahine worried?

"Well, haven't played them in a few years and we have no film on them," Goo said. "So we know nothing about them. We're just going to go in and adjust quickly during the ball game, especially on defense. We're going in with our eyes wide open."

Wagner isn't worried. In fact, she can't wait to face her dad's alma mater, especially since he, along with her mom, stepfather and grandparents, will all be at the game.

"It means that much more to me," she said, with a devilish grin, "to beat them."

Point guard

Janka Gabrielova (5-6, Sr., Bratislava, Slovakia) returns at the helm of the Wahine offense. Earning all-WAC newcomer and all-WNIT honors last season, she led the team in assists (4.0) and steals (1.5), and averaged 8.9 points.

"This is her second year and I think she knows what we want from her," Goo said. "She's playing with the same intensity as last year, but playing a lot smarter."

Backing her up will be Michelle Gabriel (5-5, Jr., Kailua) and Milia Macfarlane (5-5, Fr., Honolulu).

"There was quite a gap between Michelle and Janka last year, but that gap has closed dramatically this season," Goo said. "She's (Gabriel) really put a lot of work in her game during the summer and in the weight room."

Macfarlane, a four-year starter in basketball and state volleyball Player of the Year from Punahou School, has speed but not experience.

"She's going to be a good point guard for us, but right now she's just learning the system. It's tough. You're a quarterback out there, you're running the show. As the season goes by, she'll get better."

Wing

One of two seniors, Karena Greeny (5-11, Sr., Port Angeles, Wash.) is the veteran at wing, entering her fifth year in the program and serving as team captain. She started the first five games last season at shooting guard, averaging 2.9 points and 2.5 rebounds per game. Greeny can also play power forward.

"We will depend on her a lot for leadership," Goo said. "If she can come out and play with confidence, which we know she can, she'll contribute a lot to the team."

April Atuaia (5-10, So., La'ie) is also slated to start at wing. Named WAC Freshman of the Year last season, she started the final 29 games, averaging 7.5 points.

Defensive threat Christa Brossman (5-10, So., Pullman, Wash.) and Wagner (5-10, Fr., Springfield, Ore.) round out the position.

"Christa is not in a rush to do anything," Goo said. "She goes in at top speed on defense, but when she gets on offense, she slows down and is under control. Her perimeter shot is very much in the groove."

Power forward

Natasja Allen (6-2, Jr., Port Orchard, Wash.) owns the starting position at forward, though she could also move to the post.

"She is going to give us a lot of physical activity inside," Goo said. "She's playing with a lot of composure in her third year, and she'll score for us."

Julia Washington (6-0, So., Glendale, Calif.) backs her up, despite nagging foot and knee injuries.

Center

Her size alone imposing, Christen Roper (6-5, Jr., Ojai, Calif.) is the assured starter at center. Last season, she set school and conference single-season records with 96 blocks, and finished sixth in the nation in blocks per game with 2.8.

"In street clothes she looks really timid and shy, but she'll get out and get physical when she needs to be," Goo said.

Averaging 5.4 points per game, Roper needs to finish stronger at the basket.

"She needs to put balls in," Goo said. "Our players are real confident getting the ball to her."

Newcomer Arijana Sijeric (6-2, Jr., Sarajevo, Bosnia), a transfer from New Mexico Junior College, can play the center and forward positions.

Jade Abele (6-0, Fr., Gold Coast, Australia) can play post or power forward, moving Greeny from wing to post.