By Keara Donnelly
Sports Assignment Editor
While the St. Bonaventure University women’s basketball team does not have the record (6-14) they or anyone else desires, freshman Deja Francis has provided a bright spot in a season where wins haven’t come easily for the team.
Francis, a guard from Queens, New York, averages 13.0 points per game and adding in 31 assists throughout seven Atlantic 10 conference games, being a key player. She has won the A10 weekly honor roll two weeks this season.
Francis has improved her game by practicing hard and getting off any necessary shots. She is 34 percent from the field throughout conference play. She has looked to senior point guard Mckenna Maycock to learn her role as a player and point guard.
Head coach Jesse Fleming has been very impressed with the freshman, adding that her New York City style of play allows her to stay calm and competitive regardless of the situation. She ranks second with 10 ppg amongst all A10 freshman.
“When the lights come on, she is not afraid to take big shots or make plays,” said Fleming.
In regards to Francis’s performance, Fleming said, “That’s what we were hoping out of her, and we have been really pleased that she has taken over the point guard position.”
With Francis’s development, “she has been really aggressive and has learned from her mistakes,” said Fleming.
“Francis is creating more for her teammates and has a positive assist-turnover ratio,” said Fleming. “I would like her to become more of a point guard and not just a scorer.”
As the rest of the season unfolds, Francis hopes to improve and learn more as her role as a point guard. As for the team, Fleming said, “I just want us to keep improving. I think it’s a wide open league, and I think on any night in this league anybody can get a win.”
With so many games left in A10 play, the Bonnies look for improvement and bring energy for the remainder of the season. “If the defense keeps coming around like it has been, I’m excited on how we can finish down the stretch,” said Fleming.
The Bonnies next game is Feb. 3 at 7 p.m. in the Reilly Center against the George Mason Patriots (11-8), showing on ESPN+.
donnelkm17@bonaventure.edu
