This season, it’s junior forward Crystal Kelly’s team.
Kelly, who averaged 20 points and eight rebounds last season, and the Lady Toppers will try to fill the void created by the loss of guard Tiffany Porter-Talbert, who was named the 2006 Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year.
Western will also have to find a key all-around threat to complement Kelly’s post play. While Porter-Talbert averaged 15 points and eight rebounds last season, the Lady Toppers will try to replace the large amount of leadership and energy that left with her.
Coach Mary Taylor Cowles said despite the talent of Porter-Talbert the past two seasons, Kelly has been the leader of this team.
“Tiffany did so many wonderful things for us,” she said. “But I think that most people would define this team as being led by Crystal Kelly because of so many things she does on and off the basketball court. Anytime you have the respect from your teammates that Crystal has from her teammates, I think it’s just natural to understand where the leadership comes from.”
This season will start out with high expectations for Kelly. She was tabbed as a preseason all-American by Street and Smith’s Magazine and first-team all-Sun Belt Conference.
Kelly came to the Hill as a highly touted recruit from Sacred Heart Academy in Louisville. The 2004 Kentucky Miss Basketball honoree proceeded to average 19 points and 10 boards. She won the 2004-05 Sun Belt Freshman of the Year award.
In addition, Kelly helped the team to a berth in the Women’s National Invitation Tournament in 2005. She was the only freshman named to the 2005 all-Sun Belt first team.
Kelly said the team is now hers to lead.
“I do feel that,” she said. “I do feel that I share the leadership responsibilities with the other seniors and (junior guard) Charlotte (Marshall) as well. I do feel that, but there is no added pressure with it.”
Last season, Kelly teamed with Porter-Talbert to form one of the best inside-outside combinations in the nation, combining for 36 points and 16 rebounds per game. Kelly was able to collect first-team all-Sun Belt honors as well as being named to the 2006 WNIT all-tournament team and Sun Belt all-tournament team.
Kelly led the team in points and rebounds last season, and she is the only player on the roster who finished with double-figures in points last season.
The Lady Toppers will have to look for a replacement to take over for the departed Porter-Talbert. Senior guards Tifany Zaragoza and Cammie Campbell are expected to put in significant minutes on the floor. Cowles added that incoming freshmen guards Kenzie Rich and Brooke Faulkner will contribute as well.
Cowles said the team will have no trouble finding a perimeter threat to assist Kelly because there are so many options.
“In fact, we’re better off this year with what we’ve got on the addition to the perimeter with our shooting ability,” Cowles said. “People have already tried to double and triple-team Crystal Kelly, so I don’t think we’ll be seeing anything different.”
Reach David Harten at sports@wkuherald.com.
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