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College Insider
Miami's Jackson wants wins, not records
Sunday, December 23, 2007
OXFORD — Miami University senior guard Amanda Jackson doesn't keep track of records. She leaves that task up to the RedHawks' sports information department.
After scoring 21 points in a 77-56 victory over IUPUI on Wednesday, Jackson's career points total elevated to 1,501, making her the fourth women's basketball player to reach that mark in Miami University history.
Amanda Jackson (1) of Miami, a South grad, passes from underneath the basket during a recent game against Illinois State.The South High School grad didn't even know until a local radio host told her the next day.
"It's great just to have your name in the record books," Jackson said.
The senior isn't concerned about how many points she scores — she only wants to guide her team to more victories.
"We take each game in stride and try to get better every day," Jackson said.
The RedHawks won eight games all of last season. This season, they're heading into the Mid-American Conference schedule with plenty of momentum.
"We're excited," Jackson said about the season. "I feel like we could've won more; we're not satisfied."
Jackson said everybody is finally starting to click.
"Different people are stepping up in different games," Jackson said. "We're having fun out there; we're playing together."
Jackson understands her role on the team — put the ball in the basket. She averages 21.3 points and 4.5 rebounds per game for the RedHawks (7-4).
She's shooting 43.2 percent from the floor and 79.0 percent from the free throw.
"I'm looking to be a scorer and be aggressive on both sides of the floor," Jackson said. "I want to be a leader on the court."
Jackson needs 228 points to break Heather's Cusick's all-time career scoring record (1,728).
The RedHawks have 19 regular-season games remaining.
She said the record is "in the back of her mind," but would rather win a MAC Championship, something she hasn't done since her freshman year.
"That would be great," Jackson said. "That's how I want to leave."
SHORT TAKES
Women's basketball
• Kenton Ridge graduate Stephanie Bennett, a senior at the University at Buffalo, is averaging a team-high 12.9 points per game for the Bulls (6-5).
Bennett is in her third season as the team's co-captain. She's started all 11 games for the Bulls.
• Cedarville University sophomore Alison Lemon, a Southeastern grad, is averaging 16.8 points and 4.0 assists per game, both team-highs for the Yellow Jackets (5-4). She's also averaging 5.7 rebounds per game.
Freshman Aubrey Siemon, a Northwestern grad and 2007 News-Sun Girls' Basketball Co-Player of the Year, is leading the team with 9.3 rebounds per game. She's second on the team in scoring (11.9 points).
Men's basketball
• South grad Isiah Carson, a redshirt junior at Miami University, has played in seven games for the Redhawks (6-4).
He's averaging close to five minutes per game after sitting out last season following his transfer from St. Bonaventure.
• Bowling Green State University forward Nate Miller, a South grad, is the Falcons' (4-6) second-leading scorer (13.9) and rebounder (5.2).
