Red Storm women face No. 1 Baylor
The St. John's women's basketball team will have its hands full Sunday when it takes the court to face No. 1 Baylor and 6-8 All-American center Brittney Griner in the Maggie Dixon Classic at Madison Square Garden.
Adding to the problem: The Red Storm (5-4) will be without senior forward Da'Shena Stevens against the undefeated Bears (9-0).
The Red Storm knew before the season started that Stevens, a two-time All-Big East selection, would miss most of the first two months after tearing the MCL in her left knee over the summer.
But even with several months to prepare, there's no way to simulate defending Griner, who is averaging 23.4 points, 10.4 rebounds and 4.8 blocks.
Without the 6-1 Stevens to help in the paint, the onus falls on several of the Red Storm's underclassmen to hold the line.
Freshman forward Amber Thompson is averaging 12.7 points and 11.7 rebounds in her last four games. She had 12 points and a career-high 16 rebounds in a loss at DePaul on Wednesday.
"I didn't think I'd get this much time," Thompson said of being a starter her first season. "I expected to sit back and watch a little so I can learn."
Stevens has been impressed with Thompson's quick growth. "Amber's coming more into her own with every game," Stevens said.
Sophomore forward Mary Nwachukwu, a Boston College transfer, also has shown flashes of improvement on offense. She had 10 points against St. Bonaventure and eight against Iowa.
Although Stevens is always happy to help her frontcourt mates, who readily accept her advice and encouragement, all are in agreement that things would be better if she were able to play.
"We always felt if we had Da'Shena in the mix, they would get to learn behind her," St. John's coach Kim Barnes Arico said. "Now they're kind of thrown in the fire and having to learn on the job."
Stevens was cleared to begin practicing two weeks ago, but there's no timetable for her return.
As for facing Griner, Thompson said the team is ready for the challenge. "We're all focused on doing what we're supposed to do," she said. "When you face great competition, it's all about playing hard."
