When the MSU women's basketball team hit the court for its annual Green and White scrimmage Wednesday at Breslin Center, there weren't many familiar faces running the ball and hitting the boards. With only three returning starters and three players gone via transfer, this game was about getting the new players game experience to build off of. The White squad, comprised of mostly upperclassmen, won, 82-47.
"There was a lot of good strong play," MSU head coach Joanne P. McCallie said. "I thought there were far too many turnovers. I think the shot selection was OK, but sometimes very poor. But bottom line for me as a coach — we've got a film now. None of that really matters."
While each squad was intermingled throughout the four 10-minute periods, several Spartans offered a glimpse of who might be taking charge in the upcoming season.
Senior guards Victoria Lucas-Perry and Rene Haynes scored 24 and 29 points, respectively, and were the evening's two leading scorers.
Those numbers were an improvement from last year's scoring averages for Lucas-Perry (10.2) and Haynes (8.8). McCallie said Haynes' composure and Lucas-Perry's attacking were key.
"The Green and White game is a great opportunity for everybody to play and to play a lot of minutes, to build a lot of stamina and endurance," she said. "We have to execute and use great ball pressure when you're fatigued. Obviously, our team was fatigued and peak individuals were fatigued. You have to build on that stamina."
A strong defensive effort was displayed by freshman center Allyssa DeHaan, who pulled in 12 rebounds. DeHaan also scored 14 points, most of which were in the second half.
"I want her to enjoy the game," McCallie said. "I want her to attack the game, I want her never to be let down at all with mistakes. Young kids tend to be very, very hard on themselves. I want those kids to play free and love being aggressive. Bottom line: Love going after the ball.
"In the second half, Allyssa really did that. She went after the ball and she went after things and that was fun to watch."
Freshman guard Mandy Piechowski played the point guard position for the Green team, scoring 11 points, while freshman guard Takeya Fortner played a very aggressive game and added 10 points.
Right now, any of those freshmen could see their name on the starting lineup, McCallie said.
"In terms of a lineup, I think we have some versatility," she said. "I won't give you any commitment. It won't be a big deal to me to play some kids based on various practices and how well they do. I can tell you that Victoria and Rene and (senior forward Katrina Grantham) are essential.
"The other two spots will be revolving, or maybe somebody will claim it."
But for now, the first thing on the to-do list is get into the classroom and start strategizing and learning.
"We often have the longest film reviews regarding (the) Green and White (scrimmage) because there's so much that you can pick at," McCallie said. "This film will be eye-opening. They think they know how they played, but now they're going to see it."
The Spartans' first exhibition game is Nov. 2 against Grand Valley State.
Laura Collins can be reached at colli313@msu.edu.
