SMU sophomore guards Haley Day and LaShandra Hill arrived on campus in 2007 with similar credentials.

Both were highly-regarded recruits who were state tournament game MVPs as high school seniors: Day with Rockwall in Class 5A and Hill with Fort Worth Dunbar in 4A.

Very little was expected of them as freshmen, and they spent most of the time watching and learning. But Mustangs coach Rhonda Rompola made it no secret that the success of the 2008-09 squad depended heavily on the development of Day and Hill.

Both responded to the challenge and have made their way into the starting lineup.

Day, who has started all but one game, is averaging 8.0 points and 4.4 rebounds per game. Hill, who has started the last three games, is averaging 6.7 points and 2.3 assists.

Meanwhile, the Mustangs are on a roll, having won five consecutive games and nine of the last 10.

"I knew both of them were going to have to play a lot," Rompola said. "They had to perform."

Although they're still polishing their jump shots and knowledge of the offense the two are on schedule, Hill said.

"We both had to think the game, instead of just playing it like when we were in high school," Hill said.

Day was a post player at Rockwall, but at 5-10, had to learn to play guard in college. Given a year to get comfortable passing, dribbling and acquiring a guard's mentality, Day said she was ready to handle added responsibility.

"I knew we were losing a lot of seniors, so I felt this was the best opportunity to come in and make something happen," she said.

"La La" Hill is a playmaker, especially off the dribble and in transition. But to maximize her effectiveness, she needed to learn how to manage an offense in the half-court game.

"Being a point guard is about thinking like Rhonda," Hill said, "knowing what she's thinking, thinking a play ahead and knowing what she expects."

Day and Hill bonded heavily as the only two freshmen in last year's class. They were roommates and leaned on each other when times were rough.

Seeing each other succeed as sophomores has been a treat, Day said.

"We're so different, but yet we get along so well," Day said. "She's a totally different player than I am, and I learn from what she does and hopefully she learns from me."

Position, height: G, 5-10

High school: Rockwall

Career highs: Points – 13 (twice). Rebounds – 11. Assists – 5 (three times).

Coach said it: "She has a textbook jump shot. It's perfect follow-through, the jump shot you want your kids growing up to have." – Rhonda Rompola

Position, height: G, 5-6

High school: Fort Worth Dunbar

Career highs: Points – 16. Rebounds – 6. Assists – 6.

Coach said it: "La is an exciting player with the ball. From a coaching standpoint, it's why she gives you gray hair is that you don't know what she's going to do with it. But she's an exciting player." – Rhonda Rompola