"She's always been a great defensive player, and I think she really blossomed defensively last year as a sophomore and became a dominant force," Goestenkors said. "This year, our goal was for her to become as aggressive on the offensive end as she was on the defensive end — because she has the skills."

Bales finally listened in Tuesday's 85-51 win over Southern California in the second round of the NCAA tournament, scoring a career-high 22 points on 8-of-9 shooting, including a couple of 18-footers. She also yanked down nine rebounds and rejected six shots to send Duke into the regional semifinals in Bridgeport, Conn., against Michigan State today (7:05 p.m., ESPN2).

"She was much more aggressive with the basketball, and it paid off for her and for us," Goestenkors said. "She still passed up three or four shots that I wish she would have taken. But it's a great start for her, and I hope she can build on that."

The Blue Devils will be playing in their ninth straight Sweet 16. But after reaching the Final Four in 2002 and '03 and the Elite Eight in '04 and '05, their latest feat isn't exactly triggering cartwheels.

"We're definitely thinking bigger things," Bales said. "None of us would be happy if we stop here. ? This year, I think we have everything we need (to win it all)."

Although Bales has only known Michigan State freshman forward Aisha Jefferson, a Chaminade-Julienne grad, from a distance — the two played for the Dayton Lady HoopStars, but in different age groups — the Beavercreek graduate has forged a close friendship with Spartans junior guard Rene Haynes.

Bales and Haynes, a Columbus native who averages 8.8 points, 3.5 assists and a team-high 2.2 steals, began playing on the AAU circuit at age 10, and their families even developed tight bonds.

Duke and Michigan State didn't meet in the regular season, but Charles Bales and Lorenzo Haynes — the players' fathers — made one road trip together to Durham and two to East Lansing to see the girls in action.

Alison Bales, who averages 8.6 points, a team-high 6.4 rebounds and an Atlantic Coast Conference-leading 3.2 blocks, credits much of her success to her father, who stands 6-foot-4 and played high school basketball and college football in Texas. The two engaged in countless one-on-one games at home while he sermonized on hoop fundamentals.

"I can't remember a time when I wasn't playing against him," Alison said. "When I was 5-foot-something, he was just blocking my shot and teaching me different post moves. ... When I was old enough to block his shot once in awhile, I was pretty proud."

Charles Bales is the one beaming with pride now. A cabinet-maker with flexible hours, he attended more than half of Duke's home games this season, making a 16-hour round trip each time.

He's always been one to give his daughter tips from the stands, often alluding to something she learned during those driveway sessions. But now that she's establishing herself on a national-title contender, she needs fewer reminders.

Beavercreek native Alison Bales, the starting center for Duke, turns 21 on April 4, which also happens to be the same day as the women's national championship game in Boston.

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