Central Michigan University Athletics
Chippewas Are Talented at the Guard Position
11/3/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Leading those guards is the reigning MAC Freshman of the Year, Niki DiGuilio. She hit 69 three-pointers to break CMU's freshman record and finished fifth on the program's single-season chart. her three-point field goal percentage ranks sixth on CMU's single-season chart. DiGuilio started every game last year for the Maroon and Gold, and scored in double-figures 16 times.
"DiGuilio has really improved her defense from last season," said head coach Sue Guevara. "She has made a major commitment to understanding where she is supposed to be and staying in a defensive stance the whole possession. Her game off the bounce has been better, and she has really improved her mid-range jumper."
Another guard who played in every game last year was junior point guard Jalisa Olive. Olive averaged 5.8 points last season and had six double-figure scoring outings, with four of those consisting of five or more three-pointers. She tied for 10th on CMU's single-game scoring chart when she posted 32 points in the season opener.
"J has very good range and can just flat out shoot the ball," commented Guevara on Olive's play. "Defensively she gets it, and her ability to pressure the ball is outstanding. She can fill the lanes quickly which allows her to knock down the fast break jumper."
Sophomore Kylie Welch has been named one of three co-captains this year for her ability to teach her teammates. Welch played in 21 games last season with her career best 26 minutes against Miami leading to a season high eight points. She finished the year with a 2.1 assist-turnover ratio.
"Kylie's sole purpose in life is to make her teammates better," said Guevara. "She is someone who can set anyone up on the floor. She is one of our best defenders because she is smart, she talks, and she personally has done an excellent job in teaching the freshmen, mainly Crystal Bradford. "
Entering her first year as a collegiate basketball player is freshman guard Crystal Bradford. Bradford comes to CMU after being hailed as the No. 37 prospect in the nation by ESPN and ninth-best guard. She has the ability to run, pass, shoot, or post up the defense. She is someone who Guevara is tagging as the "wildcard" to this Chippewa squad.
"Crystal can shoot the three and is really good at penetrating and creating open looks for others," commented Guevara. "She has amazing athleticism and we have seen flashes of greatness in practice. She tried to dunk at "Fright Night" so you know she has some talent."
Teammate to Bradford in high school was Leah Scott. She was rated the No. 19 player in the state of Michigan by the Mid-Michigan Prep News entering her senior season.
"She is someone who will make a difference defensively with her long athletic ability," said Guevara. "She has great ability to get steals and deflections and can finish on the offensive end."
Another freshman that has been a pleasant surprise for Guevara is Jessica Green. During an inter-squad scrimmage against alumna members in October she led the team with 15 points. She can run the point very well, and will look to make an early impact.
"Green to me, has been the surprise," Guevara said. "She gets a lot of deflections and steals because she is so quick. I like when she is teamed up with Brandie Baker on the floor because I know I can trust her to handle the ball and between the two of them they will run the offense."
The last player at the guard position wearing the Maroon and Gold uniform is freshman Kerby Tamm. She finished her senior year at Petoskey High School by setting the scoring record with 1,356 total career points, and the career rebounding record with 802.
"Tamm is another freshman who can flat out score," Guevara says. "She can shoot the three and sees the floor very well. She is a coaches daughter and I know she gets what I am saying to her."
Check back to CMUChippewas.com next week for a preview of the forwards who make up the 2011-12 team. The Maroon and Gold will open their season on Nov. 11 in the Hoops for Hunger game against Northwestern at noon.
