Halfway, area teams not there

Obviously there is a lot of basketball yet to be played.

The Pacific-10 Conference women’s basketball season is halfway over; the West Coast Conference reaches the mid-pole this weekend; the Western Athletic Conference is almost there; and the Big Sky Conference has barely started.

But it’s just as obvious that the four area teams are not where they want to be.

About the only consistent thing Washington State, Gonzaga, Idaho and Eastern Washington have shown is inconsistency.

Though each coach knew they had some question marks entering the season considering the large number of freshmen and sophomores that have key roles, they made it clear expectations were high.

Those expectations haven’t changed, but the next month is going to be interesting to see if they can be met by the time conference tournaments roll around.

Washington State (6-12, 0-9)

After a promising 6-1 start, WSU has lost 11 straight. Sherri Murrell knew the Pac-10 was going to be rugged but she was expecting some wins.

Though not decimated, the Cougs lost two key starters, senior guard Charmaine Jones and junior wing Adriane Ferguson with injuries. It’s not a stretch to believe with a healthy lineup WSU would have three or more wins.

It hasn’t helped that what would appear to be the most winnable games have all been on the road. There should be some wins in the second half or the season is a major disappointment.

Gonzaga (9-12, 4-2)

Losing three four-year starters off the best team in school history is difficult but it appeared the Bulldogs were more likely to reload rather than rebuild, especially in a weak league.

Then came the loss of point guard Rachel Kane to a season-ending knee injury less than a week before the opener.

Coach Kelly Graves has tried everyone except assistant coach Jennifer Mountain at the point and each has shown occasional flashes with the Zags looking good. But most of the time it’s been like rolling the dice and, the rest of a seasoned lineup hasn’t stepped up.

There is still time for the Zags to jell before the WCC tourney, which is in Spokane.

Idaho (7-10, 3-3)

The Vandals got hit by key injuries before the season with wing Stephanie Sax (back) and guard Ticey Westbrooks (knee) out and suddenly an expected deep team is seven deep.

Mix in some difficult travel and it’s no surprise Idaho has lost a lot of close games.

That shows two superstars, Emily Faurholt and Leilani Mitchell can’t do it all, especially when teams are geared up to stop them.

Coach Mike Divilbiss always talks about the journey more than the destination, which means there is still time for the Vandals to find some consistency before the WAC tournament. But for Idaho to be successful, the star players are going to have to be consistently great and the role players consistent.

Eastern Washington (7-9, 1-2)

Though it’s early, a team picked to finish third shouldn’t lose both games on the Idaho State-Weber State trip.

Coach Wendy Schuller said she could live with turnovers as long as the Eagles were feeding off their defense to have a more potent offense but that hasn’t happened. Eastern has struggled to score, especially on the front line, where the most seniors are found.

Difference-maker Brittany Osborn hasn’t been that because of gall bladder surgery and an ankle sprain but outside of guard Joanna Chadd, this team has seemed to lack energy.

Veteran post Felice Moore only missed one game despite injured thumb ligaments. If that determination to play is contagious, the Eagles could still be a factor.