CSC women’s basketball doubles its roster

With a 2020-21 season without any wins, Chadron State women’s basketball team doubled its roster, having officially began its season Wednesday.

“They’ve all been doing a good job and they realize that they (the returners) have to compete to stay on the court,” Janet Raymer, head women’s basketball coach, said. “I think that it’s a good transition for them because the team gets along so well, and they compete every day in practice.”

Raymer said that some transfers have hit the ground running while freshman are still adjusting but making some strides.

The team now has 22 on its roster, unlike last year with a team of 11 players. There are seven returners, five transfers and 10 freshmen.

Raymer said that she’s happy about all seven of the returners this year; they’ve stepped up and been through a lot already.

“The arrival of some talent, some hard work, good character has been positive for them and I think refreshing,” she said.

Jori Peters, junior of Mitchell, was a starter for all 13 games last year. She led the Eagles in many categories like playing 459 minutes and averaging 35.3 minutes per game. Peters also led with 50 field goals and 125 points and was 2020-21 Omaha World-Herald All-Nebraska NCAA DII Honorable Mention.

“Our team is putting in a lot of extra time to make sure we are ready for the season,” Peters said. “I have worked all through the off season on my shooting and ball handling to make sure I can help the team be successful.”

Brittni McCully, redshirt junior of Mullen, was another Eagle who started every game to play 370 minutes, and had 51 points and 35 rebounds.

Olivia Waufle, freshman of Thornton, Colorado, played in all 13 games and started eight. She led the team with 57 total rebounds, 12 offensive and 45 defensive.

Ashayla Powers, freshman of Longmont, Colorado, debuted as an Eagle last season, playing all games. She was second for scoring with 32 field goals at a .391% and had 25 free throws for the team’s highest free throw percentage of .781.

Peters said that she’s excited to play with her fellow returners and that the leadership and positivity they all bring “makes every day of playing basketball a great one.”

The women’s basketball team is currently scheduled for 29 games unlike its previous season of 13 games, and CSC finished 14th of 15 teams for the Rocky Moutain Athletic Conference preseason poll with 25 points.

“I’m excited to get closer to normal,” Raymer said. “It’s still not going to be quite normal, but it’ll be a lot closer than it was a year ago. Just kind of knowing more of what to expect, there’s still a possibility of cancellations but at this point it’s not going to be as high as it was a year ago.”

The Eagle’s first game was an exhibition game Wednesday night against Colorado State University but they lost 78-43.

“It’s now or never really,” Raymer said. “I’m excited for it, I know the girls are. It’s a good time to get it done and see where we are at. Ready or not.”

The Eagles play their next game against Texas A&M-Kingsville, starting at 3 p.m., Nov. 12 in Kingsville.