Forecast: Reigny Days Ahead

The BlueRaiderZone spoke with redshirt Angelique Burtts about her freshman year on the #16 Lady Raider basketball team. Read what she had to say about all things Lady Raiders in part 1 of this 4 part series with the Lady Raider freshmen.

First off, when you signed with Middle Tennessee, did you expect the success that you all have enjoyed this season?

Angelique: Actually I did expect the success that we have had. I knew that Chrissy Givens was going to be back, and that we would go far with her leading us. I think we will go far in the tournament. Overall it has been great, with the winning tradition that I expected.

What game or moment will you remember most from this season?

Angelique: My favorite moment has to be when we beat UGA. I say that because it was a big win and it was in my hometown. Georgia recruited me, but I chose to come to Middle Tennessee. That win being in my hometown made it very sweet.

What has it been like to redshirt on a team that is nationally ranked and just earned matched its highest seed in NCAA tournament history?

Angelique: It's been tough because I never thought I would redshirt when I got to college. I knew once I got here that I wasn't ready to jump in and play. I thought if I sat out a year, I'd be ready to go. It also gave me a chance to learn the system. This year has put me through a lot but in a good way. I have learned a lot, and next year I will be ready to go.

How has practicing at the college level differed from high school?

Angelique: Hard Work! I never practiced as hard as we do every day a day in my life during high school. When I first got here, it killed me. I thought I was going to die. In high school, I was the team. All the plays ran through me and I was spoiled. I never had to work hard, run hard, or anything. It was just my game and I could do what I wanted. I was scoring 40 points a game, so I didn't have to worry about all the conditioning and practicing. When I got here, it was just hard work. I am used to it now, and I can't wait for next season.

What has it been like playing on the same team as All American Chrissy Givens?

Angelique: It makes me work harder. Chrissy is a hard worker on and off the court. Her grades show it. She sets a great example in the classroom and on the court. She dominates and is focused during practice and games. I want to be just like her. I have been talking to her since last April, before I got here, and she has taught me a lot of things about the game of basketball and how to be a great player. It has really helped me adjust to the college level having her around.

Where will the Lady Raiders be at the end of your senior season?

Angelique: We'll win the Sun Belt Championship. After that, we'll win the NCAA.

Word on the street is that you can dunk. Is this true and will you be given the green light to dunk during a game next season?

Angelique: I can dunk. I dunked in high school once, during practice. When I got here, they wanted me to dunk. I hesitated at first, but I ended up doing it anyways. So next year, I'll be ready when the time comes.

Check back tomorrow for Part 2 as the Blue Raider Zone talks with Lady Raider freshman guard Chelsia Lymon!