Nov. 19, 2004
As a 5-year-old in Trenton, Mykeema Ford would sleep with a basketball clutched in her arms. Sixteen years later, Stony Brook University's fate rests in those same arms.
The sophomore point guard led the SBU women's basketball team with 13.3 points per game last season. Now Ford and the Seawolves enter the season with a new coach, new faces and a new attitude.
"We've always worked hard and had a winning mentality," sophomore forward Jessica Smith said. "But this year, we are having more fun."
Interim coach Maura McHugh takes over for Trish Roberts, who finished 7-21 last season for a five-year record of 66-76. McHugh arrives after five years with the WNBA's Sacramento Monarchs, the last three as head coach.
Stony Brook was picked ninth out of the 10 America East teams in a conference preseason poll and hopes the transition to a new coach is a smooth one.
"She is very big on defense," Smith said of McHugh. "Because of her experience, when she says something, you can trust it."
Smith, last season's America East rookie of the year, averaged 11.7 points and 9.0 rebounds.
The frontcourt will be rounded out by Bojana Bogetic and Inbar Orion. Bogetic, a 6-4 center, averaged 5.5 points, 4.4 rebounds and 16.3 minutes. Orion, a 6-2 sophomore forward, averaged only 13.7 minutes but should see more court time.
The Seawolves are excited about newcomer Dana Ferraro, a 6-1 forward who was Middlesex (N.J.) High School's all-time leading scorer with 1,167 points.
Kelly Watson and Danyelle Ingram will work in the backcourt along with the 5-8 Ford, who is fully recuperated from knee surgery in March 2003. A torn ACL and meniscus in her left knee hindered her last season, but Ford is said to be quicker than ever now.
"Our strength is our point," McHugh said. "She's going to cause plenty of matchup problems for other teams. She gets better every day."
Said Ford: "Coach McHugh and I are tight. I love the ball in my hands. When I'm out there, I feel like the extra coach on the court."
