For Hurst, fatigue factor gone
Aussie sophomore ready for big year
Ahlise Hurst doesn’t mind admitting her tank was nearly empty late last season.
The freshman guard/small forward from Australia played in all 31 games for the University of New Mexico women’s basketball team and did not get many breaks. Hurst earned her starting role and extended minutes (30 per game), but they ultimately took a toll, particularly on her offensive output.
After an impressive start that included a dazzling, 39-point performance against Oklahoma, Hurst averaged just 6.5 points per game after Mountain West play began. Coach Mike Bradbury knew why.
“She hit the freshman wall,” he said. “By the end of January it’s the longest season freshmen have ever played, and once they get to college they’re not usually the best players on the court. That means they have to exert themselves that much more and it catches up to them. Plus, we didn’t really manage Ahlise’s minutes because we couldn’t afford to.”
Hurst’s heavy work load was necessary because of her defensive skills, Bradbury said. She typically matched up against the opposition’s top scoring guard and considered that to be a top priority.
“Definitely by the end of the year I was saving my energy for defense,” Hurst said. “It was more important for me to get stops than to get shots, but I think things will be different this year.”
Hurst and the Lobos will get their first game competition Sunday with a 2 p.m. exhibition against the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs at Dreamstyle Arena. If preseason performance is any indication, Hurst will be a factor on both ends of the court. Her shot has been smooth and accurate, especially from 3-point range.
“She’s still really, really good defensively,” Bradbury said, “and her offense is looking better and better. It’s funny how good things happen to people who work really hard. Ahlise gives great effort.”
Hurst says she’s in a better place both physically and personally this preseason. After all, the grind of college basketball was not her only major adjustment after relocating from Australia
late last summer.
“Yeah, it was hard. I missed my family a lot,” Hurst said. “People were very welcoming here but there’s a comfort level that takes time. The food, in general, is different. It’s just a big adjustment.”
Hurst still has no taste for New Mexico chile but has found a successful balance between local and comfort fare.
“I’ve found some things here I like,” she said, “and my mom
sends me care packages.”
The latter includes Tim Tams, an Australian-made, fast-food chocolate biscuit that Hurst loves.
“Only in moderation,” she said with a grin.
Bradbury simply shrugged when asked about Hurst’s plan for keeping her energy tank topped off this season.
“Whatever it takes,” he said. “Ahlise has a chance to be really good for us this year. She knows the drill now.”
STARTERS: Bradbury was not entirely ready to name his starting lineup for Sunday’s exhibition. Sophomores Hurst and Jayla Everett will likely start along with seniors Najala Howell and Jordan Hosey, he said. The remaining post spot remained up for grabs as of Saturday.
HOMECOMING GAME: Sunday’s exhibition foe, ColoradoColorado Springs, has one player with a history of success in the Pit. Mountain Lions guard Caley Barnard won a Class 2A girls state championship in the building during her senior season at Melrose High School in 2015. Barnard, who is originally from Floyd, had 16 points and 10 rebounds in her team’s win over Tatum in the title game.
SCOUTING REPORT: Barnard is one of two returning starters for UCCS, which finished 13-15 overall and 12-10 in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play last season. The Mountain Lions were picked to finish 10th this season.
LATE UNVEILING: Sunday’s exhibition will be the Lobos’ first public appearance of 201920, which frustrates Bradbury.
“We couldn’t have an open practice because the Pit wasn’t available any Saturday in October,” he said. “Men’s basketball had it twice, volleyball had it twice. It’s unfortunate.”