Women’s basketball opens Northern Arizona tournament Friday against Drake

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The Central Michigan women’s basketball team looks to rebound from its first loss of the season this weekend in the Hilton Garden Inn Thanksgiving Tournament in Flagstaff, Ariz.

CMU opens the tournament against Drake (1-2) at 8:35 p.m. Friday and plays host Northern Arizona or Binghamton on Saturday.

“I like our edginess,” said head coach Sue Guevara. “We are so close and if we can just be more disciplined with doing the little things then I think this team can be really special.”

Junior forward Skylar Miller and freshman Taylor Johnson have been solid for the Chippewas so far this season, but have run into some foul trouble.

CMU (3-1) has gotten off to a good start to the season, highlighted by the surprising production from freshmen and some bench players. Johnson was named Mid-American Conference West Division Player of the Week last week for her performance in the Hawkeye Classic and is averaging a double-double per game.

Johnson said the team just needs to focus and work together to continue their success this weekend in Flagstaff.

“We are just going to have to execute really well, play defense and work together as a team to get through this weekend,” said Johnson. “We work well together. We cheer each other on and help each other out the best we can.”

Seniors Shonda Long and Kaihla Szunko headline the starting unit this weekend. They are joined by Miller, sophomore Brandie Baker and freshman Niki DiGuilio.

Long and Szunko lead the way, averaging 18 and 17.3 points per game, respectively. Baker sits right behind them with 15.8 points per game.

Friday’s game will be the fifth road game in a string nine to start the season as construction continues on the new McGuirk Arena.

Guevara said that the team needs to have better shot selections this coming weekend. They are shooting at a .430 clip this season, good for fourth in the MAC.

“I do not have a lot of rules in this offense, but the one’s we do have I expect them to follow,” Guevara said. “I am looking to make sure we follow the game plan and I’m looking for us to get more of the hustle plays.”

After this weekend, the Chippewas have one more tournament before their home opener on Dec. 18 against Ole Miss.