FSU Women’s Basketball Gets Ready to Rumble in 2016-17

This week, I sat down with four of the 13 outstanding female Bobcats of Frostburg’s women’s basketball team to inquire about the upcoming season. I wanted to get more than one perspective from the team, so I interviewed both captains, a returning player, and a transfer.

Captain and senior forward Kirsten Rayner is more than confident that this season’s team will “shake the conference this season with the potential we have on the court!” Rayner added that the team is ready for the competition that they will face this season; the players are ready to exceed everyone’s expectations. Rayner’s summer was devoted to bettering herself by not only becoming a better physical leader on the team, but a verbal leader as well, stating, “I have worked to improve my outside shot as well as becoming more agile and quick within the post to overcome my size deficit compared to the other posts in the conference.” Rayner’s three goals for the season are to be competitive, to make it to the playoffs, and to grow as a team, as well as to develop an unbreakable bond that will carry them to their overall goals.

Senior guard and captain Kache Fields is extremely excited for the upcoming season. When asked about her excitement, Fields answered, “What I’m excited for this upcoming season is playing with all the new talent we received over the summer and putting Frostburg on the map this year!” Fields is also excited to finish up her fourth and final year on the court. Kache told me that over the summer she worked on being a better “her” on and off the court by working on becoming a more efficient communicator, less complacent, and having a more optimistic attitude. Lastly, Fields’ goals this season are to have a better record than last season, change the culture of women’s basketball at Frostburg to a winning one, and to upset a couple of conference teams.

Although she is not yet a captain, junior returning player and guard/forward Adjowa Pinkrah is more than ready for her and her team to dominate on the court. Adjowa’s main goals for this season include playing to her full potential, keeping a positive mindset, and to be the best teammate she can be. Focusing on her mental wellness this summer helped Pinkrah to not over-think. She also worked on being able to “shut her brain off” when necessary. Pinkrah added, “I noticed that thinking too much slows me down on the court, causing me to not be able to focus. I want to play to my full potential with every opportunity given.” Apart from the mental game of basketball, Pinkrah worked and improved her shot by driving to the basket at proper angles. As a returner, Adjowa stressed that she is excited to witness how far this season’s team can make it this year. “Every single player is talented and unique in their own way. It will be a sight to see how we all blend together on the court and during gameplay.” Pinkrah added that there is a lot to be excited about, but the impression they will make in the CAC this season will be “one for the books.”

Junior and point guard Sharyce “Reece” Warren is one of the newest additions to the Frostburg women’s basketball program, but possesses one of the most seasoned hearts. Reece connects with the other talents on the team perfectly, and she really has a gift of “playing the court.” Warren says she is looking forward to a very successful season in which everyone on the team works as a team and gets results as a team. “I expect at the end of the season to not only win playoffs, but for supporters and people alike to respect the name of Frostburg Women’s Basketball!”

The Lady Bobcats will kick-off the 2016-2017 season at their home-hosted Jim Crawley Tournament on Friday, Nov. 18 at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 19 at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.