Since key players on the women’s basketball team such as senior forward Tia Bell have been sidelined for injuries, the freshman class has been inserted into the rotation and has received heavy minutes from coach Kellie Harper.
Guard Myisha Goodwin, a student in First Year College, was inserted into the starting lineup in the Pack’s last game against Florida State. Goodwin scored 5 points, dished out 5 assists, and recorded one steal in 32 minutes of action.
Not only have the new players learned to adjust to their roles, they have thrived in the eyes of the coach.
“I thought our team flowed well offensively when Myisha [Goodwin] was handling it,” Harper said. “I thought we were less choppy. [She] obviously did not shoot the ball well, but she had a good game navigating the offense.”
By understanding the team concept early in her career, Goodwin has demonstrated a level of maturity that will be necessary to become one of the leaders of the program.
“I haven’t learned anything by starting or not starting,” Goodwin said. “I still have to play my role when I get in the game and play my minutes, no matter if it’s twenty minutes or two minutes I have to be Myisha.”
According to Harper, Goodwin still has a lot of potential to bring excitement to Reynolds Coliseum for years to come.
“We’ve been on Myisha all season to give us Myisha to be quite honest with you,” Harper said. “You still haven’t seen this kid play her best basketball.”
Another freshman that has been stepping up for the Pack in a big way over the course of the season is center Kody Burke. With forwards like sophomore Lakeesa Daniel and Bell out, Burke has stepped up to the task of providing support for the Pack.
Burke has flourished in her role this season, averaging 9.1 points per game, which is fourth on the team, and 6.4 rebounds per game, which is second behind junior forward Bonae Holston. Harper has commended Burke for her progression over the season, but also feels that she also has a significant amount of progress to make.
“She still does some things that a freshman is going to do,” Harper said. “She does not have that experience. She’s not ready to play like a senior yet but I love the way she has improved. I love her aggressiveness. I’m really excited about the direction she’s going in right now. I think she’s taking a little more ownership in this team. She’s got a lot of pride about what she’s doing. “
A third freshman who has been playing a major role for the Pack is forward Devin Griffin. She has been a regular starter since its game against Presbyterian and has provided some stability for the team. For the season, Griffin has been averaging 2.4 points and 3.9 rebounds.
Sophomore forward Marissa Kastanek believes that Griffin has plenty to offer with her intensity and defensive presence, both due to the trials she has faced.
“Devin [Griffin] brings a lot of intensity on defense,” Kastanek said. “Her ball pressure is excellent. She also brings a little bit of spunk that maybe we don’t have as much of without her on the court. She feels like she has this inner block on her shoulder because she’s coming back from a surgery and no one else really knows that. She’s coming back from something that literally changed her life.”
With this group of new freshmen already making an impact on the program, Harper has a lot to look forward to for the next few years.