When Bowling Green's Lindsey Goldsberry pulled up for a jumper late in Saturday's game with Ohio, it was met with a swift swipe from Kamille Buckner's hand.
It's a growing problem for Buckner's opponents. She's already matched her season total from last season with 30 blocks.
The sophomore from Chicago sits third on Ohio's all-time list with 60 and should be second behind Holly Skeens' record 115 career blocks by the end of the year.
Ever since her days at Whitney Young High School, Buckner has been a force in the
paint.
I've always been a defensive player
said the six-foot forward, shrugging off the idea that her play has been anything special.
But it is for a team lacking any real presence in the post.
Buckner is outpacing her next best teammate, 6-foot-4 center Chandra Myers by 23 blocks.
Myers, for her part, appreciates having Buckner with her down low.
It's a comfort to have her back there Myers said.
Communication is key for post defense, Buckner said.
The players have to recognize shots as they develop and understand that they can't block every one. Each play is different.
Still, some technique is involved.
It's about creating space said Buckner, whose season-high came with six blocks against Cleveland State. You have to time it up.
Semeka Randall allows Buckner to make a decision on when to take a swat.
She trusts me to be smart
said Buckner. You can't block every shot.
Akron will be the next team forced to deal with Buckner. The Zips come to The Convo tonight at 7.
The Bobcats are looking to rebound from their loss to Bowling Green in Saturday's Mid-American Conference opener.
On defense, the focus will be on Kara Murphy, assistant coach Karen Hewitt. Murphy is averaging 18.7 points per game and has tallied 29 assists on the season.
But Ohio (5-8, 1-1 MAC) must also watch the other players in Akron's attack.
Their other players are very good at stepping up
Hewitt said.
The Zips (6-9, 1-1 MAC) could also prove troublesome for an offense struggling to take care of the ball. The Bobcats turned the ball over 30 times against the Falcons, and Hewitt said Akron might trap Ohio's ball handlers to create similar opportunities.
The Bobcats focused on ball control during yesterday's practice, and a win over Akron would restore some confidence in a team that has lost four of its last five.
A win would definitely lift our spirits
Buckner said.
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Sports
Dylan Scott
