Bradford healthy, women’s hoops hosts scrimmage
With a lot to prove this year, Central Michigan University’s women’s basketball team gave fans a sneak peak at this year’s squad during a maroon vs. gold scrimmage on Sunday.
“I was more excited than I thought I would be,” said CMU head coach Sue Guevara. “My hands were already cold. They were game hands and I was pleased to get out and have the kids play in front of their parents and families.”
Guevara said the relaxed atmosphere helped build chemistry during preseason camp, which started last week.
“I thought that we ran the floor decently today,” she said. “We shot the ball pretty well. Especially the three ball.”
Guevara was especially pleased with her senior point guard’s performance Saturday.
“Jessica Green shot the ball well. I thought our freshman came out and did a nice job and it was good to see Bradford back on the floor.”
Senior guard and Mid-American Conference Player of the Year Crystal Bradford appeared healthy and comfortable in her return to the court. Bradford missed last year’s MAC Championship Tournament due to a knee injury.
“I feel good,” she said. “When you come back it’s a mental thing. If you just play like you got two regular knees, you’ll be fine.”
Green said she expects the Chippewas to have a better start to the season than last year’s 1-4 beginning.
“I’m definitely looking to have a better non-conference season than last year,” Green said. “We want to put more wins on in non-conference play instead of waiting all of the way until MAC play to try and win.”
With the Chippewas returning five seniors and adding five freshmen, Guevara said she has no major expectations for her squad.
“I think it’s still too early,” she said. “The mission is to get to the NCAA tournament. That’s always been the mission.”
Bradford said as long as the team plays together and with passion, big things are to come this winter.
“I just expect everyone to give it their all,” she said. “We want to give it our all. That’s what we are expecting, and after that, the outcome should be great.”
The women open the season against the University of Massachusetts Sunday, Nov. 16 at 1 p.m. in McGuirk Arena.
