JOHN KOVACH | Colleges Krezeczowski enjoying best collegiate year

AKRON -- Lori Krezeczowski, a Niles McKinley High graduate, is enjoying her best collegiate basketball season ever with the University of Akron women's team, after transferring from Kent State two years ago.
A two-year letterwinner at Kent State, Krezeczowski transferred to Akron following her 2001-02 (sophomore) season, and then had to bypass the 2002-03 campaign at Akron due to NCAA rules.
Now, the 5-foot-6 junior guard and co-captain is the Zips' top player, and leads the team in scoring (11.6) and assists (4.6) per game, points (221), field goals made (72) and attempted (209), free throws made (52) and attempted (69) and minutes played per game (35.8).
She also is second in 3-point percentage (34.2 on 25-for-73) and steals (25), tied for No. 2 in rebounding average (4.2) and rebounds (80), No. 3 in free throw percentage (75.4 on 52-for-69) and rebounds (80).
Overall from the field, Krezeczowski is shooting 34.4 percent (72-for-209).
Akron is struggling
Despite her success, Akron is struggling with a 5-14 record, including 0-8 in the MAC, and they haven't won since a Jan. 4 game against Winthrop.
The Zips are seeking to snap an eight-game losing streak and post their first MAC win of the season, when they play host to Northern Illinois Tuesday at 7 p.m.
Krezeczowski had a career-record 10 assists in Akron's 68-59 loss at Kent State two Saturdays ago, in her first return to play at her former school. She bettered her previous assists record of eight set three times this season.
Then Krezeczowski turned in a strong showing in the Zips' 70-55 loss to Marshall last Wednesday with 14 points, nine rebounds and five assists.
Over the last five games, she has delivered 36 assists (7.2 per game), and leads the squad with 87.
Strong start at KSU
While at Kent State, Krezeczowski got off to a strong start as a freshman. She started all 29 games at point guard and averaged 6.3 points and 4.7 assists, and had 40 steals. Her 4.7 assists ranked No. 2 on the team and No. 6 in the MAC.
But Krezeczowski struggled as a sophomore at KSU while playing in 29 games and starting three times. She averaged 1.4 points and 1.0 rebounds.
When Krezeczowski was at Niles, she averaged 26.7 points and 6.8 assists for coach Marc Morgan, making second-team All-Ohio and first-team All-Metro Athletic Conference. She also was the MAC and Trumbull County player of the year.
The daughter of Susan and Walter Krezeczowski and the oldest of their six children, Lori is majoring in secondary education with an emphasis on mathematics, and wants to become a teacher and coach.
Booms on team
Also with Akron is Kristy Booms, a 6-1 senior forward from Canfield High who has played in 18 games, starting once, and is averaging 1.1 points and 0.9 rebounds. She leads the team in field goal shooting percentage with 75.0 (9-for-12).
Last season as a junior, Booms played in 22 games after appearing in 20 her sophomore campaign despite missing some games because of a stress fracture. She played in 23 games her freshman year.
While at Canfield for coach Pat Pavlansky, Booms averaged 16.2 points and 8.7 rebounds her senior year, and made special-mention all-state and first-team All-NEO and All-MAC.
The daughter of Denise and Charles Booms, Kristy is majoring in elementary education and wants to become a Kindergarten teacher. She made the spring 2002 Dean's List.
kovach@vindy.com