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Barnes talks team depth, leadership
By Greg Gulas
BEAVER TOWNSHIP
The start of the Youngstown State University women’s basketball season is just 18 days away, but head coach John Barnes is already talking about the strides that his six incoming freshmen have made.
He’s also excited to have some much needed upperclass leadership and depth.
Speaking to the Curbstone Coaches during Monday’s weekly luncheon session at Avion Banquet Center, Barnes said that his team will need all of that depth and leadership because of the challenging Horizon League and non-conference schedule that awaits them.
“The fact that our recruiting classes are now our upper class leaders is really exciting,” Barnes said. “As a staff, we’ve been excited about all four of our recruiting classes but with this class, we really feel like we’ve increased both our athleticism and depth.”
The Penguins will have to do without junior Nikki Arbanas, who tore her ACL and will need up to a year in order to rehabilitate her knee.
Last year, she averaged 11.3 points per game, which was good enough for second on the team but her 1,147 minutes played and 89 three-pointers were tops in both departments.
“I feel bad for Nikki because the injury will sideline her the entire season,” Barnes said. “She will red-shirt this year and still have two years of eligibility remaining.”
Senior leadership will be provided by Kelsea Newman (6.5 points, 3.6 rebounds), Jenna Hirsch (3 points, 2.3 rebounds) and Miami (Ohio) University graduate transfer, Tamira Ford.
“We expect Kelsea to be one of our top three-point shooters and with Nikki out, we also expect her to step up and take that leadership role, which she already has done,” Barnes said. “Jenna was slowed by some health issues last year, but has had a great off-season while Tamira brings power and strength to our line-up after facing some tough Mid-American Conference competition.”
Newman said the team cannot wait to get going next month.
“The freshmen came in over the summer, worked really hard and have adapted really well to our system,” Newman said. “It’s exciting because we’re already developing a chemistry.”
Sarah Cash (14.1 points, 7.1 rebounds) was the team leader in both points and rebounds last season, had arthroscopic knee surgery hoping to return in time for the home opener.
She is the only all-conference returnee and leads a group of four talented juniors, which include Indiya Benjamin (9.9 points, 170 assists), Morgan Olson (2.9 points, 3.3 rebounds) and Kelly Wright (2.4 points, 1.5 rebounds).
“Sarah is one of the tops in the country in field goal percentage and our go-to gal in the post while Indiya is a two-year starter and our floor general,” Barnes said. “Kelly has really increased her athleticism and is expected to see more playing time while Morgan is coming off an ACL injury and isn’t even allowed to play 5-on-5 yet. We’re taking it slow with her.”
The two sophomores are Alison Smolinski (5.6 points, 43 three-point goals) and Melinda Trimmer (1 points, 18 assists).
“Alison started as our shooting guard last season and has had a nice pre-season. Melinda has also done well this summer and we’re hoping she will see more playing time,” he said.
Newcomers include Jen Oduho, Mary Dunn, Natalie Myers, Mailee Jones, Izzy Meese and Morgan Brunner.
The Penguins host American University in their home opener on Nov. 11 with a trip to Hawaii to play the host Rainbow Warriors and Sacramento State, which is set for Nov. 18 and 20.