The women’s basketball team stands little chance of claiming a Big Sky title this season. So far the team has struggled through its non-conference schedule and is off to a 1-3 start in the conference standings. Continuing to work toward a brighter future, several young players are starting to emerge as potential stars.
Another youth movement
The women’s basketball team stands little chance of claiming a Big Sky title this season. So far the team has struggled through its non-conference schedule and is off to a 1-3 start in the conference standings. Continuing to work toward a brighter future, several young players are starting to emerge as potential stars.
While the crop of young talent offers little consolation for this season, the Vikings would do well to start grooming these players and start building for the future. Recently, the team-in-transition has given some serious minutes to its younger players.
Using their 10th different lineup of the season against Eastern Washington on Saturday, the Vikings finally seemed to have found a formula that works, and it relied heavily on the play of freshman players.
Last weekend, during the team’s first conference home stand, freshman forward Erin Yankus and sophomore guard Stephisha Walton started both games, each logging upwards of 24 minutes in both contests. Walton scored in double-digits in both games last weekend. Yankus posted 12 points and grabbed nine rebounds on four of six shooting against Eastern Washington on Saturday, demonstrating how effective the forward can be inside.
Freshman center Janie Bos is also having a nice freshman campaign. Averaging close to 15 minutes per game, Bos is putting up a modest 5.7 points per game, but shooting at a .474 percentage. Given more playing time in the future, which is sure to come as she develops, Bos should become a reliable weapon in the paint.
The biggest addition to the team recently has been the return of freshman guard Claire Faucher, who missed nine games due to injury. In Saturday’s effort, Faucher contributed 11 assists. Demonstrating poise and keen awareness on the court, she is an impressive player in only her first year. Standing at 5 feet 9 inches will also help her in the rebounding game. Portland State would be hard pressed to find a more suitable point guard.
With weapons like Watson, Yankus, Bos and Faucher developing, it should take some pressure off of the already-established star forward Kelsey Kahle, who is only a sophomore. Kahle has been the go-to player for the Vikings this year, averaging over 18 points per game and already claiming two Big Sky Player of the Week awards this season.
For a team still developing, the core of freshman and sophomore players on this Vikings team boasts a wealth of potential. With more experience, these players should make Portland State a formidable team. In a few years, expect the Vikings to be serious contenders and make a strong run at a Big Sky title.
