Women’s basketball captains guide youthful team

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The makeup of the Central Michigan women’s basketball team has two standout features.

Young and talented.

The question is which one of those traits will override the other. Leadership goes a long way in helping that youth and talent grow.

In 2011, the leadership is expected to be provided by the teams three captains, senior Skylar Miller, junior Brandie Baker and sophomore Kylie Welch. So far, the three have not disappointed as the Chippewas prepare for the season.

“The three captains have done a really nice job,” said head coach Sue Guevara. “Whether it’s when they are out on the floor leading by example or talking to the players and making sure people understand what they are doing.”

This season the Chippewas must replace Kaihla Szunko and Shonda Long, their captains and top two leading scorers from a year ago. According to Guevara, it will take a variety of players to do this, including the team’s three captains.

“There isn’t one player that is going to be able to do a double-double like Szunko,” she said. “Same thing with Long and her ability to score, but we have a lot of capable players on this team.”

Baker and Miller are both returning starters with Baker being CMU’s top returning scorer. She was third on the team, averaging 13 points a game while leading the team with 156 assists.

Miller started every game a year ago and averaged 6.5 points per game.

Welch appeared in 21 games in her freshman season, averaging 11 minutes a game. She has a bigger role this season as a sophomore and has been playing a lot of point guard in practice.

“Kylie Welch has done a really nice job of running this basketball team,” Guevara said. “When she’s on the floor, she understands the game. Combine her with Baker and I have two point guards on the floor that understand and know what needs to be done.”

The youth requires more teaching from both Guevara and the team’s captains.

“It’s our job to constantly talk to our team,” Welch said. “We have a lot of new players this year. We need to make sure they know what they’re doing on offense and defense.”

The captains accept the responsibility of helping the younger players on and off of the court.

“On the court we need to tell them over and over what’s going on, things like what defense we’re in and where they need to be on offense,” Baker said. “But just as importantly off the court, we need to make sure they’re going to class, going to study table and keeping their grades up.”

The challenges facing the Chippewas are apparent, however.

“I think it’s going pretty good so far,” Welch said. “The new players that we have want to learn and want to get better. They have been asking a lot of
questions. I don’t think chemistry will be an issue with this team.”