Twin towers energize team

The stellar play of junior Jenny DeMuth and sophomore Cyndi Valentin allow the 6-foot-3 sophomore Angela Hawkins and 6-foot-7 freshman Sarah McKay to sli "under" the radar. What the duo lacks in high scoring averages, with both players scoring 6.2 points per game, the two make up for in defensive prowess and energy. \nIU coach Kathi Bennett said the intangibility of Hawkins' energy is an asset the Hoosiers thrive upon.\n"(Hawkins) has been a bright spot (during the losing streak)," Bennett said. "I think she's played with a high amount of energy and has really been consistent. She's starting to do some things off of the dribble and she really is making strides with her passing. She's really improved over the course of the season." \nThere is one stat expected out of every post player, regardless of the level -- rebounding -- and the Hawkins/McKay duo fill the bill with a combined 12.3 rebounds per game. The two also flank each other's rebounding skills well, as Hawkins is currently in the top 10 in conference defensive rebounding while McKay is in the top 10 in offensive rebounding. \nRebounding isn't the only area where Hawkins and McKay compliment each other with a relationship that stretches beyond Assembly Hall.\n"We're friends both on and off of the court," McKay said. "When we're on the court, we always make sure to cover each other, but we're also friends when the game's over."\nWhile rebounding ability is the bread and butter of post players everywhere, shot blocking is another must for any center or forward. This is a skill these two players have in spades. \nWith three games left in the regular season, McKay has already changed the trajectory of 44 shots, placing her in a tie for seventh all-time in IU's single season list. Currently, she is on pace to reach 50 blocks, which would make McKay the only freshman to reach that plateau in the program's history. McKay also set a new Indiana single-game freshman record with her six-block performance Jan. 22 against Illinois.\nMcKay's blocking prowess has also placed her among the Big Ten's elite, averaging 2.54 blocks per game in conference action, good for second in the Big Ten. \nHawkins is also no slouch at blocking shots. She amassed a game-high four rejections in Sunday's loss against Iowa. Hawkins currently stands at second on IU's squad with 24 blocks this season.\nAfter her four-block outing against Iowa, Hawkins explained the fundamentals of shot blocking aren't that complicated after all. \n"You just have to get past, avoid the foul and go for the ball," Hawkins said. "You just have to keep them from hitting the shot." \nHawkin's energetic play has become a sparkplug of sorts for the Hoosier team. Hawkins' energy has even garnered the respect of opponents over the last few contests.\n"I think Angela Hawkins has a nice game," Iowa coach Lisa Bluder said after Sunday's game. "She rebounds well and she brings a lot of heart and energy to her game."\n-- Contact senior writer Dan Patrick at djpatric@indiana.edu.