Women’s Basketball: Spearman ready to prove her worth
By: Andrew Mason
Let’s face it – the past few seasons haven’t been particularly successful for the Boston University women’s basketball program. With a combined 31-88 record over the past four years, BU was clearly ready for a change this offseason, hiring a brand new coaching staff to lead this team to success.
And although the Terriers’ 2018-19 season officially tips off on Friday afternoon against the Northeastern University Huskies, the positive impact of first-year head coach, Marisa Moseley, is already evident.
Specifically, in giving senior guard, Lauren Spearman, a chance.
Despite being one of the most athletic guards in the entire Patriot League, the Los Angeles native saw just over six minutes per game last season, appearing in just nine of the BU’s 29 games.
This year around, it seems as if Moseley is prepared to trust Spearman with much more responsibility. In the Terriers’ two preseason scrimmages, against Southern New Hampshire University and Merrimack College, Spearman started alongside star point guard, Katie Nelson.
“Having four new coaches gives me and my teammates a fresh start,” Spearman said. “[It’s] a chance to showcase our strengths to new coaches who don’t have any biases or preconceived notions about players.”
Although it is of course unknown exactly how much court time Spearman will see this year, she is eager to showcase her value as much as possible. As a senior who is likely to find herself in the point guard position often, this will need to be done in more ways than just putting the ball in the hoop.
“I plan on being a leader by using my voice and leading by example,” Spearman said. “It helps that we have a team that’s very receptive and often works hard to make things happen for us.”
On Friday, the Terriers face a Northeastern team that finished 16-15 last season, 11-7 in Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) games. The two schools battled in a tight season-opening match in 2017, one that ultimately fell the way of BU by a score of 74-73.
Returning Husky stars, Jess Genco (14.8 ppg in 2017-18) and Shannon Todd (10 ppg in 2017-18), are bound to put up a fight. Two years ago, it was Genco who embarrassed the Terriers on their own floor after she put up 27 points on 7-9 shooting from beyond the arc in an opening-night contest. However, with Spearman as a solid on-ball defender, BU is in better shape to cap the streaky Genco on Friday.
Whether it’s on offense or defense, Spearman insists that she is ready to take on whatever challenge is thrown her way.
“It’s a huge transition from the role I’ve had over the past three years, so it’s an exciting change,” Spearman said. “[The coaches’] confidence in me has given me more confidence in myself on and off the court.”
The Terriers and the Huskies kick off their seasons at the Cabot Center on the campus of Northeastern. Tip-off is set for 12 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 9.