Ferris junior point guard Sarah DeShone continues to lead her team, as they fight for contention in their conference and a chance at post season play.
As the season draws closer to an end, the Bulldogs (11-9) look to DeShone and others to help lead them, as they hope to finish out the season strong and make an appearance in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Tournament.
DeShone has been a force to be reckoned with, as she has not only stepped up as a leader, but also stepped up her play to help the team win games this year.
After starting every game so far this season, she leads the team in points per game with 18.5, which is second in the GLIAC and 23rd among all NCAA Division II players.
Scoring aside, DeShone also leads the team in assists, steals and minutes played—all whilst being double-teamed in several games this year, which proves teams respect her play on the court.
Her leadership and tenacity has earned the respect of not only those she plays against, but also those with whom she plays.
“She’s the best point guard I have ever played with,” Ferris redshirt freshman guard Katie Mavis said. “She plays with everything she has every game, and when someone does that it’s contagious and makes everyone want to do the same.”
Mavis has seen firsthand what type of leader DeShone can be on and off the court, and when asked what kind of player she thought DeShone was, Mavis simply said “unstoppable.”
With only five games left in regular season play, the team will need DeShone and fellow captains senior guard Kylie Muntz and junior forward Ashley Rando to help lead a Bulldog team that has struggled of late after winning only one of their last five games.
Even though Ferris has faced adversity in many forms, be it their recent slump or the loss of Muntz’s father over Christmas break, DeShone has remained composed to aid the team through tough times.
With DeShone playing some of her best basketball ever this year, she hasn’t forgotten that basketball is a team sport and she supports her teammates as though they were family.
“Through all of the adversity, we have become a very close team, and that’s what really matters,” DeShone said. “I don’t care if I score 20 points or zero; if we win, then we win.”
Selflessness is something that is coveted among players of DeShone’s caliber, showing that even when it comes down to the wire in the season, a player will always be there for the team.
The Lady Bulldogs will need DeShone’s leadership and tenacious playing style to help elevate their play this late in the season, as Ferris hopes to make a good run in the post season.
The Bulldogs host Northwood University Thursday, Feb. 14 at the Jim Wink Arena.