March 14, 2008

LAS CRUCES, NM - Adrian Wiggins knows he has one of the best defenders in the WAC in senior center Erica Henry. Although Henry wasn't named to the All-Defensive team, Wiggins knows how valuable his 6-2 senior is to the Bulldogs success.

"She is so intelligent," Wiggins said. "She is fast, strong, and above all else she is smart. She has been the most teachable player. She has just been wonderful. I don't think people understand how much she does for our program. Everything is not measured in points. She doesn't get a lot of credit for it but she knows we appreciate it and I think the fans do too."

Henry's defense couldn't have been better in the Bulldogs 85-58 WAC tournament semi-final win over Louisiana Tech on Friday afternoon at the Pan American Center.

Henry held the Lady Techsters top scorer JoKeirra Sneed to only 11 points on six attempts in 31 minutes of play. Sneed scored only four points in the second half. Sneed had been averaging 15.7 points and just under 11 rebounds for the season.

"Coach told me to stay in front of them and to try not to have them touch the ball as much," Henry said. "I credit my guards for having a lot of ball pressure. It is not just me. It is a whole team effort."

Henry's teammates have taken notice in the improvement of her defense, especially her fellow four-year senior teammate Tierre Wilson.

"When she came in as a freshman she didn't have the feet," Wilson said. "Her feet have gotten quicker. She is anticipating what moves will happen and that makes her an awesome defender."

The lack of recognition Henry has received concerning her defensive efforts doesn't bother her one bit. All that matters is what her teammates and coaches think. And her teammates have nothing but praise for her.

The Bulldogs will need another solid defensive effort to bring home the schools' first ever WAC tournament championship against New Mexico State. Tipoff is set for 12 p.m. and the game can be seen live on KFRE and on CSTV. Fans can also listen to the game on 790 ESPN Radio, the Deuce with Guy Haberman calling the action.