It only looked like the cupboard was bare for incoming coach Cindy Blodgett and the University of Maine women’s basketball program. If this season’s first wave of America East Rookie of the Week award recipients is any indication, the ingredients have been restocked quite nicely.

Emily Rousseau of Biddeford won her second straight recognition as the league’s top freshman last week. She is Maine’s third winner in a row and fifth overall.

Rousseau scored nine points, five rebounds and four assists in Saturday’s convincing 67-55 win over reigning America East champion Maryland-Baltimore County, including four free throws in the final 37 seconds.

Maine is 4-10 after a 1-8 start. Beginning that run was a stunning upset of Miami in the Hurricanes’ own holiday tournament, giving the Black Bears a victory over an Atlantic Coast Conference school for the second year in a row. Rousseau scored 12 points in that triumph.

Tanna Ross of Hampden has already picked up the America East Rookie of the Week prize three times.

Giving back

Ashley Marble is doing her best to dispel the notion that those who can’t do, teach.

In her first free winter after completing one of the most decorated careers in Maine women’s college basketball history, regardless of school size or division, Marble has been working with the Gorham High School girls’ program as a volunteer assistant coach.

Marble, a multi-time All-American at the University of Southern Maine, led the Huskies to appearances in the Division III final four in 2005 and ’06.

Almost perfect

Jamie Gilbert’s one and only season at the University of Southern Maine couldn’t be off to a much more impressive start.

The St. Dominic Regional High School product and transfer from Division I University of Massachusetts-Amherst has been a dominant force in goal for the Huskies, who are undefeated and ranked No. 7 in the country.

Gilbert combined with incumbent USM goalie Ryan Sullivan for 28 saves in Friday’s 4-3 victory at Colby College. He is now 6-0 with a 1.63 goals-against average and a sterling .937 save percentage.

Auburn’s Kyle Smith continues to fuel the Southern Maine offense with eight goals and four assists.

Power trip

The Bates College men’s basketball team walked in the footsteps of founding fathers, world leaders and Super Bowl winners last weekend.

As part of its journey to Washington, D.C., for the CUA Classic, the Bobcats toured the White House. Alumnus Bob Lanz and Sen. Olympia Snowe organized the visit.

Bates won the tournament, extending its winning streak to six games in the process. Bryan Wholey was named most valuable player.

Reinforcements

USM men’s basketball hopes received a boost when two of the Huskies’ top players from the 2006-07 returned to the team over the holidays to take advantage of one, final semester of eligibility.

Foster Oakley of Mt. Vernon, a Mt. Blue High School product, is back after serving as a senior captain last winter. Oakley contributed two points against Occidental and five versus nationally ranked Concordia at a tournament in California.

Deering grad Jamaal Caterina erupted for a team-high 15 points in the Concordia game. Prior to last season with the Huskies, Caterina’s basketball career included stops at Division I American University and the University of New Hampshire.