Impressive performances from several Flashes led the Kent State women’s basketball team to a 113-54 win over Walsh Thursday. The win also marks the first of the season for the team.
The Flashes dominated in almost every aspect of the game, as the team took a sizable lead in the first quarter and never let up. The team improved in multiple categories such as rebounding (61-21 disparity) and three-point shooting (13-24) which were consistent problems during the season-opening loss against James Madison.
“I’m really pleased that everyone got a chance to play, and everybody on the roster scored,” coach Todd Starkey said. “At the end of the day, we accomplished some things we needed to, getting the first win of the season being one of them.”
Several players had big roles in the win. Sophomore guard Mya Babbitt led the way with 20 points and eight rebounds on 7-9 shooting, including 5-6 from three-point range.
“There might be some people that were surprised by Maya’s shooting – everybody other than her teammates and us,” Starkey said. “We know she can shoot the ball like that.”
Babbitt was one of the Flashes expected to take a huge leap this season with a more defined role, and she understood those expectations this offseason.
“Mentally and physically, I improved from my freshman year,” Babbitt said. “This summer was huge for me – getting in the weight room, getting stronger and getting in the gym and shooting with our coaches.”
Sophomore center Riley Rismiller also had a big night with a double-double on 7-9 shooting. She scored 14 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in a little over 16 minutes of playing time.
Freshmen guards Journey Hildebrand and Meghan Murray also had solid outings in the win. Hildebrand scored 19 points on 6-11 shooting, and Murray scored seven points and created scoring opportunities for other Flashes with seven assists.
Starkey hopes both players continue to grow as the season progresses.
“I love how aggressive they’ve been, and they’ve both worked really hard,” he said. “They’re both very coachable players, and they’ve shown some moments of really good basketball.”
Senior guard Jenna Batsch also found her offensive rhythm after a rough performance against James Madison. She finished with 15 points, five rebounds and five assists on 6-10 shooting.
Senior forward Bianca Juzzo rounded out the Flashes notable performances, as she came off the bench and delivered a spark by scoring 12 points on 5-5 shooting from the field.
“I was really pleased with how Bianca played; she came off the bench and brought great energy for us when we had some lapses defensively,” Starkey said. “She did a really good job of executing the offense and finishing around the basket.”
Walsh (0-1) struggled mightily on both ends of the court, but they did have a couple solid performances from freshman guard Izzy Callaway (13 points on 6-12 shooting) and sophomore guard Kenzie Kramer (eight points on 3-8 shooting).
The Flashes improved to 1-1 on the season, and the team will prepare for their first road game of the year at No.9-ranked North Carolina State in Raleigh, NC, Thursday. Starkey understands the challenges this game will bring, especially for the freshmen.
“It’s baptism by fire,” Starkey said. “They’re very well coached and a very talented team.”
John Engoglia is a reporter, contact him at [email protected].
