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PrintOKLAHOMA CITY – Freshman Amanda Hanneman sat between Marissa Scott and Tiffany Brooks, biting her thumbnail as senior Carlynn Savant made two free throws during the loss against Texas on Tuesday night.
Her mom has always been on her about biting her nails. But Hanneman said the habit has lessened since the beginning of the season.
While most of the bench clapped for Savant, Hanneman kept watching the game, waiting for the next play.
“I always try to yell, but I’m not a big clapper,” she said. “When it gets hyped, you can tell when I’m getting pumped up. I’ll throw fist or something. Other than that, I’m just monotone, doing my thing to help my team.”
It’s never bothered Hanneman to be just a little different. That’s why she’s been wearing a wide, black Nike sweatband on her head since the team won at home against Kansas State last month.
“I like to change it up,” she said. “I felt goofy one game, so I stuck with it. I did it my senior year in high school. Next year I’m getting some high socks. I like being different and standing out.”
Hannemann has been plagued with injuries through much of the season, only playing in three games and averaging 3.7 minutes before she played eight minutes against Texas.
“I liked being out there, it was fun,” she said. “Just a new adjustment to everything, playing with the starters. And for them to adjust with me was helpful, and they did it without being nervous or anything.”
Senior EeTisha Riddle struggled after the game to find something positive to say about the loss. After thinking for a moment, she remembered Hanneman.
“She played really well just to be put in the situation that she was in,” Riddle said. “I am sure she wasn’t expecting to go in that soon or anything like that. That was one bright spot we had.”
Hanneman subbed in the game with just more than 12 minutes to play in the first half. In the half, she scored her first points of the season with a jumper and a free throw.
Coach Cindy Stein said she didn’t think Hanneman’s play on Tuesday revealed all the things she’s capable of doing, but that she had played well in practice, and the game was a good start for her.
“Amanda is finally getting healthy,” Stein said. “She’s had back problems all year long and she’s a tremendous competitor. Her quickness has come back and it’s not quite all the way, but she does a lot of really good things. She’s a tough kid, and we wanted that out there.”
Stein changed the starting lineup against Texas, opting for Marchele Campbell and Toy Richbow in place of usual starters Blair Hardiek and Brooks. She said the decision was based on the team needing a change and a lift off the bench.
Freshman Jessra Johnson, who had averaged seven minutes per game, played 18 minutes and scored nine points.
“I felt Blair and Tiffany came in and played really hard, and Jessra played hard,” Stein said. “I thought we had key minutes from Amanda Hanneman and probably some others I’m missing.”
Hanneman entered the game in the final 30 seconds, and after the Longhorns beat the Tigers 70-57, she took out her mouth guard and stepped in line to shake hands. Next to Hardiek, Hanneman led the jog off the floor into the locker room.
“Next season, it’s adjusting from seven seniors gone,” she said. “Playing with new people, it’ll be a whole new team. I hope I’ll be a big asset. With Kassie (Drew) and Alyssa (Hollins), people who play a lot still here, I’ll just jump in and follow their lead.”
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