Central Michigan University Athletics
Chippewa Women Begin Anew on Friday
11/12/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Cullen Maksimowski, CMUChippewas.com
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. — Several new faces, new starters and a healthy squad.
That has been the buzz surrounding the Central Michigan women's basketball team leading up to the 2015-16 season.
The Chippewas will tip it off Friday against Indiana State in a non-leaguer at McGuirk Arena at 7:30 p.m.
CMU head coach Sue Guevara is eager to see her new-look team in a game atmosphere.
"We have been working really hard with this young team on the defensive end of the floor," said Guevara, who is in her ninth season as the Chippewas coach. "I am looking to see how well we can execute this game plan."
The Chippewas' starting five will feature several new faces, with senior guard Da'Jourie Turner being the only returning starter.
The door has been open throughout the preseason for the younger players to cement their roles on the team
"Personnel-wise, yeah, it's a brand new team," Guevara said. "There is a lot of competition for the perimeter spots. I'm looking for consistency."
Cassandra Breen, Jasmine Harris, Jaeda Robinson, Aleah Swary and Amani Corley are among the players competing for minutes at the perimeter/shooting guard positions.
The point guard spot is the most solidified, Guevara said, with the veteran Turner and freshman Presley Hudson expected to share responsibilities. Turner began last season as the backup at the quarterback spot behind senior Jessica Green.
When Green was lost for the season with a knee injury - one of several back-breaking injuries the Chippewas suffered a year ago - Turner assumed the role of field general.
"They're different kinds of point guards and bring something different to the table and it's a nice blend together," Guevara said. "One thing I've noticed with (Turner) is that she has done a really nice job of taking Presley under her wing and trying to help her out and understand the game."
Tinara Moore, a 6-foot-3 sophomore, 6-2 junior Jewel Cotton, and 6-foot freshman Reyna Frost are among the post players expected to see ample playing time.
Cotton, who suffered a season-ending knee injury early last season, is back to full strength and is expected to have a major impact both on the court and as a leader. She is one of the four upperclassmen on the roster.
The Chippewas were picked to finish fifth in the MAC West in the preseason poll. Guevara, like most coaches, doesn't concern herself with the preseason expectations of others
"I think if you get caught up in that sort of thing then you lose sight of what you're doing that day," Guevara said. "We want to dance, we want to put our shoes on at the end, but that's way down the road, we have to put our socks on first."
Indiana State finished 17-13 last season with a 7-11 mark in the Missouri Valley Conference. CMU goes to Oakland (12-18, 6-10 Horizon League in 2014-15) on Sunday.
"When we go into this game on Friday night are we going to be firing on all cylinders?" Guevara said. "Probably not. Am I going to be tinkering with the engine until conference (play)? Probably, but that's OK because that's what we have to do."
