Wildcats may run with 5 a side in today's Red-Blue scrimmage

In addition to Fatima Imara (torn anterior cruciate ligament) and LaKeisha Taylor (broken wrist), the Wildcats will be missing sophomore guard Felicity Willis and possibly freshman forward Monique Paige.

Willis is still recovering after having four wisdom teeth removed and Paige has been sidelined with a kidney infection.

Paige, who did not practice yesterday, still might play tomorrow depending on her condition at game time.

As it stands, the Red team, coached by assistant coaches Denise Dove and Traci Waites, has Marte Alexander at center, forwards Cha-Ron Walker and Shontey Hambrick and guards Lisa Griffith, DeAngela Minter and Amber Phoenix.

The Blue team, led by assistant coach Bill Broderick and coordinator of basketball operations Jill Hewins, lists Adia Barnes, Paige and Mikko Giordano at forward and Reshea Bristol and Monika Crank at guard.

If Paige cannot play, one of the members of the Red team will switch to the Blue team, meaning each team will have to play its starters for the entire game.

Bonvicini, who will assist both teams as coach, said she would like to work on different offenses and defenses to see what works for the upcoming season.

"I want to see us play hard and see how we handle a game situation," she said. "We have to get after each other defensively."

Bonvicini added that she was eagerly anticipating the play of Minter. She said Minter, who is known as a tenacious defender, has gotten even better defensively and has improved her offensive game as well.

The players themselves said they are looking forward to a competitive game.

"I know I want to win," Griffith said. "Adia and I have already started talking trash."

Griffith pointed out that while the game will be fun for the veterans, this will be the first chance the freshmen get to play in a college environment.

"It helps get the nerves out for players who haven't played in front of a big crowd," she said.

Phoenix said she was excited to get on the floor. "I just want to go out and show people I can play," she said.

The game starts at 7 p.m. at the McKale Center and admission is free.