Tennessee women’s basketball coach Kellie Harper met with the media Tuesday, following the South Point Thanksgiving Tip Off and ahead of this week’s matchups with Tennessee Tech and Virginia Tech.
The Lady Vols earned two comfortable wins in Las Vegas, defeating Kansas 68-58 and Oklahoma State 80-55.
Tennessee guard Jordan Horston was fantastic in the event, averaging 15.5 points, 10 rebounds and 5.5 assists in the two games. The junior’s performance earned her event MVP and SEC Player of the Week honors.
“Jordan’s been pretty consistent for us,” Harper said. “She’s very competitive. She’s obviously very talented and right now she’s going out and trying to do what’s good for the team and that’s rebounding, scoring and defending and handling the ball. She’s doing a lot for us and I’m really proud of her right now.”
After five straight games against power five opponents or opponents that could earn an outright NCAA Tournament bid, Tennessee faces an easier challenge Wednesday when Tennessee Tech comes to Thompson-Boling Arena.
Harper’s hometown of Sparta, Tennessee is just 15 minutes from Cookeville and Tennessee Tech. Both of Harper’s parents played basketball for the Golden Eagles as did her brother.
“Tennessee Tech was essentially the local university,” Harper said. “Both my parents played basketball there. My middle brother played basketball there so I grew up going to Tennessee Tech’s basketball camps. I felt, honestly, a genuine love for that program and I think Kim (Rosamond is doing a terrific job.”
