YSU women putting a premium on versatility
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YOUNGSTOWN -- Since arriving at Youngstown State in 2024, Melissa Jackson has worked each season to bring in players that fit her system and style of play, which is centered around defense and attacking in transition.
In order to play that way, it helps to have a versatile roster of players with different skillsets that can play various positions. With the group that the Penguins have assembled this year, Jackson said she thinks it's the most versatile roster she's had since she's been at YSU.
"We always had different pieces that were versatile, and we used them that way," Jackson said. "But I really think one through 12, when you look at all of them, their versatility is really at a high level and we can use them all in different ways."
In addition to having another year of experience under their belts, most of the Penguins' seven returners possess the versatility that Jackson is looking for. Plus, each of YSU's five newcomers also fit the bill, and some bring new skillsets that the team may not have had previously.
"I'm really happy about our roster and what that looks like and the versatility [they have], because in the workouts that I've had with them, in the time I've been able to watch them, I think this is a versatile bunch," Jackson said.
The newcomers also help add some much-needed depth to YSU's roster. The Penguins relied heavily on their starting five last year, especially in crunch-time moments.
The entire starting five averaged at least 25 minutes per game last season, and three players averaged at least 32 minutes per game.
"I think every season you want to build depth," Jackson said. "Every season presents different circumstances, different lineups, different rotations, all that. I think it's way too early to tell what this year's group is going to look like, but I'm really happy with the pieces we have and how we're going to construct that and how it's going to look."
With the newcomers, they each fit into that mold of having versatile skillsets that help contribute to the team's depth.
Fifth-year guard Jada Leonard gives YSU a quick ball-handler that can pass, drive to the basket and score from outside. Junior wing Gemma Walker is long, capable of playing multiple positions and can shoot and score in a variety of ways. Plus, senior Mia Kalich is a multi-dimensional forward that has a history of filling up the stat sheet with her scoring, rebounding and passing.
Then freshmen Evelyn McKnight and Kaitlyn Turinsky are a bit more untested, but they each fill a need and possess the versatile skillsets necessary for Jackson's system.
"I've always been one, as a coach, especially with the young ones, to try to not give them too much, especially early on, and I think I'll continue with that," Jackson said. "But I do think some of our young kids are probably going to be ready for more, and we'll be able to handle that, but we'll do it in the right way."
Of the returners, junior guard Erica King and senior forward Paulina Hernandez each had breakout seasons last year. King started every game for the Penguins and became one of the team's most dynamic scorers and best perimeter defender. She nearly doubled both her minutes played and her scoring average from her freshman campaign.
After not playing much during her first two years at Cleveland State, Hernandez put together a season that saw her named the Horizon League's Sixth Man of the Year. She was a scoring threat both inside and outside and was one of the league's top shot blockers.
Now, Jackson thinks both of them are capable of taking a significant step forward in their development heading into November.
"I'm really excited for what this year is going to look like for them," Jackson said. "I do believe both of them are probably one of the best players in our league and can be grouped into that because of what they did last year. But also, the work that they put in in the offseason -- they could have just hung their hat on that success, but they have really committed again to the weight room, to getting in the gym and expanding their games."
As every-game starters, juniors Danielle Cameron and Sarah Baker each bounced back after they missed most of their freshmen seasons with an injury. They each showed flashes of what they were capable of before they got hurt and didn't miss a beat when they returned last year.
Finally, junior Hayden Barrier, sophomore Brooke Adkins and senior Dacia Lewandowski each took significant steps forward last year, and could see their roles increase.
"All three of them got valuable experience last year," Jackson said. "There were moments later on in the season where Brooke played some meaningful minutes for us and was kind of thrown into the fire. ... Dacia, it's such a luxury to have a kid like that, that I can throw into multiple spots. But I hope I don't have to do that this year because of the recruiting that has taken place. ... Then Hayden, I think that's another kid that's walking in the gym, knows our system, feels much more comfortable in our system, and so I think that helps her confidence, as well."