The College of St. Benedict Blazer basketball team is currently 4-2 overall and a MIAC record of 1-2. With wins against University of Minnesota-Morris, the College of St. Scholastica, Crown College and Carleton College, the Blazers have climbed above .500, but there is still plenty of room for improvement.
“I think we are making progress as a team, but our play is spotty and inconsistent at times,” Blazer head basketball coach Michael Durbin said.
In their last game against St. Mary’s University on Dec. 5, the Blazers had 22 turnovers, and they shot only 38 percent from the field, their lowest shooting percentage so far this season. The Blazers lost to St. Mary’s 50-54.
“Right now, our biggest struggle is scoring,” senior point guard Cassie Dorschner said. “The scoring opportunities are there, but we have not capitalized on them.”
This struggle on offense could be due to the team being team’s youth this season. Out of the 23 players on the team, 16 are underclassmen. Since the team is so young, the upperclassmen understand their roles on the team.
“The upperclassmen need to take control,” junior wing Whitney Canton said. “We need to use our experience to lead the team. If we do this, the underclassmen will follow.”
Canton has contributed significantly to the scoring this season, averaging 15 points per game in four games played. Blazer sophomore wing Brianna Barrett has also been a key player, averaging 11.5 points per game in six games played.
“As we move deeper into the season, we need to find a third and fourth scorer to bolster our offensive proficiency,” Durbin said.
Looking to important games coming up, the Blazers play St. Thomas on Jan. 2 in St. Paul, MN.
“St. Thomas is a big rival, so we always look forward to playing them,” Dorschner said.
In addition, Dorschner cited the match against Concordia-Moorhead as an important game that takes place on Jan. 21. The team is looking ahead to these games; however, the Blazers seem to be more focused on momentum and improving as a team.
“Gustavus will be a good game for us,” Dorschner said. “They have similar strengths as we do with team speed and defense, so it should be a good test heading into Christmas break.”
The game against Gustavus Adolphus takes place on Saturday December 10 in St. Peter, MN.