CRC Women's Basketball Season Preview 2017-2018
The Crowley's Ridge College Lady Pioneers have officially begun their 2017-2018 season as they hit the road for the first regular season game on October 28th against Langston University in Langston, OK. They battled hard on Saturday night, but fell just short (67-77) of an opponent that outsized the Pioneers at every position. Despite the size difference, CRC only gave up a +2 margin in the rebounding column. Langston took full advantage of the free throw line, making 19 of their points from the charity stripe compared to Crowley's Ridge only going 6/10 on the night.
Highlights for the Lady Pioneers included senior Chelsie Spence leading the way with 17 points and going perfect from beyond the arc, making 5/5 three-point shots. Freshman Kelcy Acklin poured in 15 more points on 5/8 from the three-point line. Other major contributions were made by Alexus Taylor with 13 points and Elly Burrell just shy of a double-double with nine points and 11 rebounds.
This was the first of two road trips before the Pioneers compete in front of their home crowd on November 7th when they host the Lady Eagles from William's Baptist College.
Style of Play
The 2017-2018 Lady Pioneers will look to play their usual up tempo style of offense, but with more emphasis on patience from one possession to the next. The team has been working on playing more man-to-man defense to go along with the full court press, instead of relying on their zone defense like they have in years past. CRC hopes to have a more polished half-court offense that flows from their fast break sets.
Head Coach Tye Clothier says, "The key will be to be patient when our fast break is not available. Coach Malone and I are trying to teach them that we can be patient and play up tempo at the same time."
Expectations and Observations
Crowley's Ridge was ranked second in NAIA D1 in three-point field goals made per game and in total three-point field goals made last season. They will continue to focus on that sharp shooting. The coaching staff is confident that they can improve upon those stats, because those rankings came during a year that the team was actually down in overall scoring from previous years.
A scrimmage against Jackson State Community College last week showed promising highlights. The team displayed a maturity and overall synergy as a group that might not be expected this early on in the season.
Coach Clothier points out, "We didn't see too much one-on-one basketball. Instead, we had five girls working together on the offensive and defensive ends."
Coach continues on by saying, "This first matchup against Langston will help Coach Malone and I set some standards early that will benefit us the rest of the season."
They will make defense a priority by working to not give up as many easy layups and points in the paint. The goal will be to make teams win by hitting mid-range jumpers, instead of getting all the way to the basket. Other points of emphasis will be for all five defenders to sprint and beat the ball down the court and to play unselfishly on offense.
Leadership On and Off the Court
The coaching staff is excited about the great senior leadership that has already been apparent, even outside of basketball.
Coach Tye comments, "One of our seniors has started a team Bible study. It isn't mandatory, but they still have had a good number of the team attend. We tell the girls that, as coaches, we are here for guidance. However, this has been something they have stepped up to do on their own."
The Lady Pioneer seniors also show a better understanding of servant leadership and the team hopes that mindset will continue and get stronger as the season progresses.
Assistant Coach Jordan Malone mentions two players who have stood out on the court in practice and leading up to the first game. "Chelsie Spence has a lot of confidence in her shot right now and her shot has been very effective from anywhere on the court."
Coach Clothier adds, "Chelsie has always been known as a three-point shooter, but a mission trip she took this summer (Athletes in Action) has really helped her develop. She has realized she is not just that one dimensional player anymore. She can get to the basket with confidence, as well as shoot the three."
Coach Malone says, "Alexus Taylor has really changed the tempo and provided a shot of adrenaline for our team.'
Coach Tye continues, "Lex has done a great job learning our style of play as a transfer (transferred from Jackson State Community College) and making it even better.
Everyone can follow the Lady Pioneers through the 2017-2018 season with live video, live stats, post-game stories, and other game coverage on www.crcpioneers.com! GO PIONEERS!