Simone Redd came off the bench last night to electrify The Convo and lead Ohio to a 100-56 exhibition victory over the Showtime Skins.
While shooting 4-of-6 from 3-point range, the Ohio guard scored 24 points to head the Bobcat offense. After starting 13 games last season, Redd was asked by coach Sylvia Crawley to take a different role in Ohio's game plan for this year.
Crawley said she was pleased with how Redd responded last night.
We expect her to be instant offense off the bench for us
she said. She is definitely good enough to be a starter but we want to be sure our scoring is balanced. Her role is a little bit different but I think she's handling it extremely well.
Redd said she embraces her new role on the team, leading the younger players and being expected to score big off the bench.
I've taken it upon myself to be a role model to those younger players
she said. I try to teach them some things I've been through the last couple years. It's a challenge
but it's something I'm looking forward to for the rest of the year.
Redd was successful with more than just her offense Crawley said, making solid contributions in the rebounding and defensive departments.
We've been challenging Simone in those areas
she said. I think she stepped up really big as a senior tonight.
Coupled with Redd's performance, the Ohio defense played a large role in the blowout, garnering 16 steals and forcing 31 turnovers. The Skins, a team of high school players from Australia, shot 35 percent from the field, compared to Ohio's 56 percent.
Using a full-court press frequently in the first half, the Bobcats were able to disorient the Skins and put the game away early. Ohio's athleticism and ability to make more substitutions allowed the defense to be more aggressive, Crawley said.
I have unleashed these players to just get out in passing lanes
get their hands on some balls and play more of a transition game
she said. We just want them going extremely hard.
Point guard Quintana Ward was given the position of leading the Ohio defense and helping keep the transition offense organized. She responded with 15 points, eight assists and three steals.
Ward said she's taken it upon herself to run the team and get as many players involved as she can.
When you show by example
other people will fall right in line
she said. It's my last year
and I think it's going to be a big year for us. We've got a lot of talent
