Sunday Cardinal Couple -- A READ ON REID

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SUNDAY CARDINAL COUPLE


-Mo knows scoring.


-Cortnee Walton speaks.


-Petrino (not the one you're thinking of) in the news.


-Mccoughtry goes today


( We continue our preview of the 2012-13 University of Louisville women's basketball team with a look at senior Monique Reid. Sonja brings you today's weekly report. )

She the last of the players on the roster who played in the NCAA Women's basketball championship game in St. Louis. She's coming back after a knee injury limited her to eight games and a 13.1 scoring average last season. 


Monique Reid is gearing up for her final go-around on the college circuit and she's coming back knowing that she has one main objective when she's on the court.


Score.


Ask her and she'll tell you. 


"I'm a scorer. It's what I do. It's what Coach Walz expects me to do. I'm comfortable with that." she commented after a game last year prior to her injury. 

The 6'1" forward is a inside scoring specialist. The dump-down pass to Mo on the block. Back to the basket, spin move to the left, the sweet, soft jumper caresses the net. It comes so very easily for her that one almost takes it for granted while watching.  


" It was an aspect of our game last year that UofL missed when she went out with the knee. No one really picked it up like that until the end of the year when Shawnta and Asia started doing it. No one is any better than Monique at it, though. Defenses expect it and it can also work as a decoy when they collapse on her, freeing up someone for a wide open shot." CARDINAL COUPLE co-owner Paul Sykes will tell you. He would know. He's watched her since her early days at Fern Creek High School. 


Mo knows free throws, too. 76% for her career. With a 500-point plus season, it's conceivable she could become the second leading scorer in Cardinal womens' basketball history.  

Watching her on the court, there is a serene, almost ethereal calmness and methodical approach to her game. No emotional swings of Angel. No self-confident, gun-slinger swagger of Shoni. A workman-like approach to the job at hand. Then, a tough move inside, a plus-one and  unexpectedly Mo bellows across the court to an appreciative bench. Gotcha again. 


You've been "Mo'd" over.


What does she want for 2012-13? Another run for the National Championship. She's working on improving her mid-range jumper. It would be fitting if she went out the same way she came in. A Final Four participant. A win over Kentucky like she had in her freshman year...scoring 12 points and grabbing five boards in a 75-59 win in Freedom Hall. 

This Cardinal team that will take the court for 2012-13 has depth, talent, and experience. They also have senior Monique Reid back and, presumably healthy and ready to go. Those 13.1 pts. a game could be the difference in some of the grinding BIG EAST battles ahead for the squad. Those 20-25 minutes of offense were needed last year and will be counted on this year.


Mo knows. And she's ready to go. Look out below, Cardinal opponents...the Sho and Mo show is back. 


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(Thanks to Cardinal Couple reader Douglas Anderson for providing this link of freshman Cortnee Walton after her St. Mary's high school team was picked #1 in the nation by ESPN.)


Walton climbs the mountain


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There's another Petrino making the headlines lately and it UofL golfer Katie Petrino. 

Nothing controversial or scandalous. She's qualified for the U.S. Women's Amateur tournament that will be played in Cleveland, OH  August 6-2. 


Good news for new UofL golf coach Courtney Trimble. 


Candace Wiley, another Cardinal golfer has qualified for the U.S. Public Links. 


Things are looking up from the tee box for Cardinal golf.  


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Finally, Mccoughtry runs today in the second race at Ellis Park in Henderson, KY. Favorite jockey Brian Hernandez, Jr. is on board.

Six furlongs on the dirt. Third career race...second off the layoff. A closing second last time out. A lot to like. 


Finally, a reason to watch Ellis Park. 


Editor's note: McCoughtry, ridden by Brian Hernandez, Jr. was unhurried early, hit the stretch in third place, swung wide and gobbled up the leaders with a furlong to go to win by a length. At 2-1, McCoughtry paid on a $2 wager:


WIN               PLACE         SHOW
$6.40               $ 4.00             $2.60




Have a great Sunday!




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