We are profiling each member of the 2013-14 Creighton Bluejays women’s basketball team. Check in daily leading up to Creighton’s regular season opener at Drake on Nov. 8 for an introduction to this season’s Bluejays, from newcomers to seniors. See all the profiles here.
Freshman Lauren Works comes to Creighton from just down the road in Lincoln. She was named to the Super State team by the Omaha World-Herald and the Lincoln Journal Star as a senior after averaging 16.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 3.0 steals per game for Lincoln Southwest. She finished her high school career with 1,314 points.
Known for her proficiency from beyond the arc, athletic ability, and basketball IQ, Works brings an accomplished homegrown talent to a Creighton team that is seeking a third consecutive trip to the NCAA Tournament.
“Lauren is pretty similar to MC (McGrory),” said Creighton head coach Jim Flanery. “She’s strong, she’s not the quickest kid, but she plays super hard. Her motor will get her on the court. She shoots it well, and she also picks things up quickly. Her learning curve is pretty steep.”
Like fellow freshman MC McGrory, Flanery believes both of his newcomers don’t have much catching up to do in order to compete physically. That has allowed the coaching staff to focus on the skill and the scheme when it comes to the freshman as opposed to waiting for their bodies to be physically ready to handle the grind.
“They’re both physically strong enough to play and we’re not worried about them not creating a competitive practice situation,” Flanery said. “They both compete and they’re both physically ready, so they make our practice situation better.”
With the graduation of Ally Jensen and Jasmin Corbin, as well as the retirement of senior Carli Tritz and injury to sophomore Taylor Johnson, the Bluejays have opportunities for players to step up and contribute. Especially off the bench where Tritz and Johnson were expected to play important roles. Despite what will be a big competition for playing time, Works says it hasn’t been difficult to balance competition with being a supportive teammate.
“Everybody has been great, and super welcoming to me,” she said. “We all work really well together, so I think that helps. We’re all really good friends.”
To get ready for the college game, Works did a lot of shooting and focused on getting in better shape. As a result there weren’t many surprises for her by the time team workouts started.
“It’s a lot quicker and more physical play in general (at this level), but I absolutely love it so far. I’m enjoying it.” she said.
While most of the upperclassmen have circled the St. John’s game based on the heart-breaking loss to the Red Storm in the 2012 NCAA Tournament, Lauren is most excited to play at Georgetown and see that area again after visiting the campus two summers ago with her AAU team. She may have a different opponent in mind when it comes to looking forward to the Big East schedule, but her goals and dream scenario for the 2013-14 season are right in line with the rest of her teammates.
“I want to play as much as I can, go to the NCAA Tournament, and make it past the first round.”