Kean Women’s basketball looks for redemption
By Dorian Alerte | Published by February 21, 2020
After a disappointing end to last season, the Kean Women’s basketball team seeks to redeem themselves on the basketball court.
“Losing the way we did in the championship game was definitely heartbreaking,” said senior guard Payce Lange. “But we want to show everyone that we should have won and can win this season.”
“Kean Cougars gather around in team photo.” Photo courtesy of Larry Levanti
Lange says that the loss to Rutgers-Newark in the NJAC championship game is something that fueled the team heading into this season.
“Our theme this season was redemption because we know we can win,” Lange said.
Lange has been a big part of the team’s success this season, helping lead the team to a 16-7 record, while leading them in points. She is posting career highs in steals, rebounds, and shooting percentage.
“Heading into the summer my shot is definitely something I worked on,” said Lange. “I focused more on improving my game by driving into the paint and inside scoring, rather than the perimeter shot.”
The team has been clicking on all cylinders this season, racking up the top four statistics in every important statistical category. Ranking near the top in 3-point field goal percentage, scoring offense, scoring margin, and assists, it has led them to the fourth seed in the NJAC conference.
“Payce Lange shooting between two Montclair defenders.” Photo courtesy of Larry Levanti
“Our coach really pushes passing the ball,” said sophomore guard Shannon McCoy. “She really pushes giving up a good shot and making it a perfect shot and really playing as a team.”
This was a sentiment echoed by Payce.
“Our chemistry definitely plays a part in our total number of assists,” she said. “We all know each other very well.”
A major part of the team also putting up great scoring numbers has been the defense that they have played along with a large scoring output by McCoy.
“Winning NJAC rookie of the year really put a target on my back,” said McCoy. “In the off-season, I wanted to work on my off the ball movement and finding ways to get open to help the team. The coaches always yell in a good way for me to shoot when I get open.”
Doing this has proven successful for the team as McCoy is currently second on the team in scoring and first in made 3-point shots.
“Payce Lange (left) and Shannon McCoy (right) congratulating each other during a game.” Photo courtesy of Larry Levanti
The team is hopeful that its efforts can push them back to the championship where they hope to bring one to Kean.
“It felt good to beat the team that we lost to last season early on,” said McCoy. “It gave us confidence that we know we belong. We want to show that last season was not just a fluke.”
The Cougars have tallied 16 wins and are in a position to have a home-court advantage in the playoffs. The women are seeking to finish off the regular season on a high note heading into postseason play.
“This whole season is about getting back to the finals,” said Lange. “We want to get back there and show that we deserve to win.”
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