The Utes (1-1) are looking to bounce back from a shootout with No. 15 Nebraska in their first road game of the season at Utah State (2-0).
Head coach Anthony Levrets is anxious to see how his young players will react in their first away game. Because of offseason injuries, his young players have been thrust into vital roles. However, the leadership from returning starters Michelle Plouffe and Danielle Rodriguez has eased some of the pressure.
“It will be an interesting time for us, being our first time on the road,” Levrets said. “Utah State is a good basketball team. They want to play really fast and they want to turn you over to try and get you on transitions. Not completely contrasting styles but we are pretty different in how we play.”
Utah State is led offensively by Makenlee Williams who is shooting 61 percent from the field with 54 points. Behind Williams, the Aggies have put up 100 and 103 points in their last two games.
“We are not going to stop them completely,” Levrets said. “We just want to slow them down. If you think about it, if they play fast like that, that more possessions as well which we are pretty good offensively right now.” gives our team the ability to get more possessions as well which we are pretty good offensively right now.”
Crozon out for the year
Levrets announced Monday that sophomore guard Paige Crozon will get a medical redshirt this season. Crozon continues to suffer from symptoms of a concussion she sustained last season.
“With concussions, you just never know when the symptoms are going to end,” Levrets said. “We have made the determination that is in her best interest and everybody’s best interests just for her to be out for the year.”
The concussion occurred in March before Utah’s WNIT matchup with San Diego during a practice where Crozon collided with a teammate. Last season, Crozon averaged four points a game as a freshman and had the teams best free throw shooting percentage with .815, making 22 of 27 attempts.
Modest Plouffe
Forward Michelle Plouffe’s talent continues to be noticed. Plouffe was named to the preseason All-American list for the third consecutive year and has been an All-American and All- Conference player since joining the Pac-12. She was also one of 30 women’s basketball athletes to be chosen as a candidate for the Senior Class Award.
“I just naturally don’t worry about that stuff,” Plouffe said. “Because the most important thing to me in the season is our team to win games and get better. It’s never really been at the forefront for me. Obviously, everything given to me has been a blessing, but during the season its more about how are team can be successful.”
In her last game, Plouffe scored 27 points with 12 rebounds to earn her first double-double on the season. She is on pace to become the third player in school history to reach 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds in her career.
[email protected]
Women’s Basketball: Crozon out for the year as Utes prep for USU game
November 18, 2013
0