Women’s basketball: Drummond looks to build off freshman campaign

By Anthony Sambrotto @asambrotto95

For Miranda Drummond, a former McDonald’s All-American nominee and the MVP and Player of the Year in 2013 for Section IV in New York, individual accolades haven’t been hard to come by. This year, the focus for the St. Bonaventure sophomore is on the win column.

Drummond, a native of Binghamton, N.Y., appeared in 28 games as a freshman in 2014-2015, averaging just above three points a game and shooting over 42 percent from the field. The 6-foot-1 forward scored a season-high 17 points against the Richmond Spiders on Jan. 7 and saw increased playing time down the stretch in Atlantic 10 play.

“I’m definitely trying to be a more versatile player this year,” Drummond said. “I was mostly a driver last year, and I worked over the summer to really improve my jumper.”

Women’s head coach Jim Crowley agreed that Drummond had a strong summer of work.

“She improved her shot tremendously,” said Crowley. “She can get to the post and, when locked in, is an excellent defender.”

Crowley, who enters his 16th season as the coach of the Bonnies, is still being patient with Drummond in her sophomore campaign.

“For Miranda, there is still a learning curve and a lot of growing in her second year, but we expect her to take a big jump,” said Crowley.

The Bonnies got off to a very good start last season before struggling in A-10 play. At one point, the team lost seven straight conference matchups. Despite the long losing streak, the team still finished at a respectable 15-15 mark.

“This year we need to not let the last game affect us,” Drummond said. “If we are coming off a loss, we need to just come out strong for the next game and just leave it behind us.”

“She has really good physical gifts and a great competitive side,” Crowley said. “She has everything needed to be really, really good.”

Drummond scored in double-figures three times last season, a mark that her and Crowley both expect to see increased this year.

“Last year, as a freshman, I was more shaky and hesitant,” Drummond said. “But this year I’m much more well-prepared.”