CSB basketball dribbles into new season with pair of wins in Tip-Off Tournament

The CSB basketball team kicked off their season this past weekend with two straight wins against the University of Minnesota Morris and Northwestern.

“Overall, I think the tournament went very well for our team. We played together as a team and shot the ball well. We also shared the ball well on the floor by always looking for a pass,” senior Carla Meyer said via email.

Meyer was selected for the CSB Tip-Off All Tournament Team, scoring 31 total points between the two games.

The two teams the Bennies faced played two very different styles of basketball. Senior Morgan Ebel explains that this showed how they can adjust as a team and still play defensively.

“The way both our player personnel and coaches’ game plan work together allowed us to be successful in both games,” Ebel said.

The team was down by 12 points at the end of the first quarter against Northwestern, but head coach Mike Durbin said the team adjusted.

“We got key contributions when we needed them, and that ability to stay the course and not panic was an area every coach likes to see,” Durbin said.

After playing the first two games, the Bennies can now reflect on what they excelled in and can improve to meet their goals for the season.

“We are a very good shooting team this year. Every person that steps on the court can shoot the three, which makes us hard to scout,” Ebel explained.

Meyer said the team could improve their defense.

“We worked hard, but there were moments when we gave up easy points,” Meyer said.

During practices, the team has been working on smart passes, communication and good close outs on defense.

Meyer said they practice so they can achieve their goals. She has high expectations for the season.

“I would love to see us beat some of the top teams in the MIAC like Gustavus and Concordia,” Meyer said.

Teammate Sophia Jonas agrees and also thinks the team could go far this year.

“I think the overall goal for our team is to get to that conference championship. I feel like this could be our year to make a difference because we have the skill for it,” Jonas said.

Jonas was named tournament MVP, scoring 25 points in the game against Morris and 22 points in the game against Northwestern. She was also recently named MIAC Basketball Offensive Player of the Week.

“The only goal I have for myself is to help my team achieve our goal,” Jonas said.

Senior Lydia Hay wants to leave the season with no regrets and have a great time playing with her teammates, while also hoping for that MIAC championship win.

“We have great team chemistry, and that will have to stay solid throughout the season if we want to be successful,” Hay said.

The Bennies will face UW-River Falls on Thursday in River Falls for their next game.