Rising up

A little over two weeks ago, Karen Barefoot arrived in her office to find a note on her desk.

The UNCW women’s basketball coach unfolded the paper and read Paige Powell’s words. The sophomore forward talked about how she felt she hadn’t been giving 100 percent in recent weeks, but was recommitted to upping her intensity moving forward.

It’s a promise Powell has kept thus far.

Behind her second double-double of the season, Powell led the Seahawks past Presbyterian, 63-48 on Wednesday morning.

“I said, ‘Coach, I’m going to give 100 percent from here on out so we can win a championship and be No. 1. I’m going to put my teammates first,’” Powell said after going for 12 points (a career-high) and 12 rebounds. “I’m doing everything to put us in a position to win.”

Powell’s aggressive play on the glass was key to UNCW’s success. She finished with eight of the team’s 13 offensive rebounds, resulting in 13 second chance points and 36 total in the paint.

On a day when the Seahawks (2-1) were lackluster from long range (4-of-17 from beyond the arc), an interior presence was crucial.

“She’s holding herself accountable. She’s playing so great on both ends of the floor,” Barefoot said. “We just try to stay after her because we know that she’s a double-double player. She could be one of the best post players in the CAA. We’re trying to make her understand that and build her confidence. She’s not there mentally thinking that, but she’s on her way.”

Turning point

Despite being up 15 at the end of the third period, UNCW’s lead never felt entirely comfortable. The Seahawks had gone the final 2:47 of the quarter without hitting a field goal as Presbyterian kept the margin manageable.

All that changed at the start of the fourth as UNCW connected on four field goals early for a 10-0 run and never looked back.

Powell’s offensive rebound and put back gave the Seahawks a 25-point advantage with 6:14 to play. It was also the board that pushed her to a double-double. After having no double-doubles as a freshman, Powell now has two in three games this season.

“She learned a lot from (Rebekah Banks last year). (Banks) was a rebounding machine. Now, she’s a rebounding machine. And she’s helping us big, big time,” UNCW senior Shrita Parker said.

Causing chaos

UNCW played close to the pace Barefoot envisioned when she arrived on campus last year. And it’s frantic to say the least.

The Seahawks spent a bulk of the day in press defense, resulting in 25 forced turnovers for 27 points. Through three games, UNCW has forced 67 takeaways for 81 points.

“We want to put pressure on teams and make them afraid of us. That’s what I think we came out there and did today,” Parker said. “I mean, you said they had 25 turnovers right? That’s a lot.”

Quotable

“I tell them all the time, ‘Shoot the shot. Because I’m going to get you rebounds no matter what. So don’t be scared to shoot,’” Powell on what she tells her teammates about offensive rebounding.

– Reporter Alex Riley can be reached at 910-343-2034 or Alex.Riley@StarNewsOnline.com.