By Philip Rossman-ReichThe Daily Northwestern
It wasn’t long ago that sophomore forward Kristin Cartwright was a freshman preparing for her first collegiate and Big Ten season.
After playing in all 28 games, starting in 16, the daughter of former NBA center Bill Cartwright led the Wildcats in 3-point shooting.
It was a solid freshman season, and this year’s expectations were high for the sophomore.
But Cartwright has been inconsistent during her maturation from freshman to an established starter.
Her scoring average is up to eight points per game from 6.3, but she is struggling from beyond the arc. Cartwright is hitting 27 percent (10-for-37) of her three pointers this season, compared to her team-leading 36.7 percent a year ago.
One school of thought, however, says the biggest jump for a college athlete comes between her freshman and sophomore year.
Last year, Cartwright struggled staying on the court. She fouled out of eight games, averaging more than three fouls per game. This season she has committed a total of four fouls.
While Cartwright has improved her defense and scoring average thus far, coach Beth Combs expects more.
“I think Kristin is a great ball player and we’d like for her to be more aggressive in what she does,” Combs said. “She’s starting to play great defense. And she is really starting to know where she needs to be on the floor. She’s a player you want on the court to help put you in a situation to make a play.”
Cartwright has recorded some very good games – tying her career high with 13 points at Penn State on Jan. 4.
But, Cartwright also has played very poor games this season – shooting 0 for 6 against Ohio State on Sunday and 2 for 7 against Minnesota last Thursday.
“The last couple games, I don’t think I’ve been establishing a presence or (doing) the little things,” Cartwright said. “I think everyone can always do one or two more little things.”
Cartwright said she is trying to become a more well-rounded player, and as a sophomore she knows where she fits within the offense. When she struggles to shoot, she tries to find other things to make the team better.
Junior guard Sara Stutz shares Cartwright’s playing experiences. She started every game as a freshman and sophomore.
“I was in Kristin’s position last year,” Stutz said. “But what it comes down to is you get in the gym and you keep shooting and I know she’ll do that. That’s what it comes down to when you’re a shooter. You’ve got to get the reps in.”
Stutz added Cartwright has been put in the tough situation of playing both post players and guards. Adjusting to the different styles is a difficult thing for any player.
Cartwright said playing posts or guards doesn’t change her mindset. However, she said she has to be more aware of who is guarding her and how to attack them.
However, as Cartwright continues to play this season and the Cats look to break an eleven-game losing streak tonight against No. 12 Purdue, Combs has high hopes for the sophomore.
“I expect for her to be a leader for us when it’s all said and done,” Combs said. “She definitely has the talent. She understands the game. I expect Kristin will have a great career before it’s all said and done.”
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