St. John’s prepares to take on the season

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Last college basketball season ended abruptly for the women’s team of St. John’s University. They were on campus practicing following the Big East Tournament awaiting word on whether post-season play would see them in the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament or in the WNIT. Unfortunately, neither proved to be the case when post-season play was cancelled and the players sent home.

The players began arriving back on campus toward the end of July. With social distancing and safety precautions in mind, they were training in small groups. By September, the whole team was there. For about two weeks now, they’ve been on the court together for short team practices.

“It’s been an interesting start, but the players are really excited to return,” said coach Joe Tartamella. “I think St. John’s has done an incredible job in making sure that everybody is following protocols and putting us in a position to be successful.

“We’ve had the opportunity to have the group out there at the same time and we’ve also continued individual workouts that we would normally do,” he added.

Tartamella, who’s getting accustomed to coaching while wearing a mask and protective gloves, said the Nov. 25 start date is still a way off and there is a lot of preparation to be done. Both the non-conference and conference schedules are being worked out. For now, players are getting into game shape.

“[The players] did the best they could to stay in shape, but certainly there’s a difference between [that and] having the strength and conditioning coach working with them and being in basketball shape,” said Tartamella. “They did a good job of keeping their bodies ready. I feel they’re in a really good place now.”

This will be guard Qadashah Hoppie’s senior season. With the goal of playing professionally, Tartamella said she’s fit and focused.

“Obviously, the hope is that she continues her progression,” said Tartamella. “As a player who I’ve always looked to—whether quietly or vocally—to be a part of the toughness we have as a team and also be a huge part of our leadership group, she’s really played well. Certainly, she scored the ball at a high rate. This becomes in a way her year to be able to put a nice bow on her career as she gets ready for the next step…She’s really put in the work…and she’s determined to lead us to win.”