In the Saddle - Ndeye Ngom

CHICKASHA – The Drover women (5-7, 2-2) ended 2014 with a little hot streak and have come into the second half of the basketball season eager to get ahead.

The 2014-15 campaign began with a team of talented players who had little experience playing together. USAO boasted just four returners, two of whom spent last season on the injury list.

"I think we're doing pretty good right now. We had some tough preseason games that helped us as a new team because we had a lot of new players this year," said Ndeye Ngom (SR/Dakar, Sengal ), a senior guard on the team. "I think those non-conference games helped us play together as a team and learn how to understand each other's game."

She says there are a lot of expectations on her because she is a senior but that her teammates and coaches help build her up when she does inevitably make mistakes.

"I think I have a big leadership role on the team both on and off the court. I know my coaches and my teammates both expect a lot from me," she said. "I feel grateful to have those kind of teammates to push me, too."

Her team may expect a lot out of her, but she certainly delivers. Ngom leads the Drovers this season in points (138), rebounds (53), assists (32) and steals (39). She is a major force on the team and has started in every game of the season so far.

Last season, Ngom was left with an injury that kept her on the bench all season. She returned for her senior year with a new purpose.

"It was really hard sitting out last year," Ngom explained. "It was hard sitting and watching my team play when I knew I could have done something to help them. But I think it helped me getting into this year because I want to play for both this year and last year."