By Christopher McLaughlin
In the midst of a very successful season for CCSU women’s basketball, senior forward Leanne Crockett has been making history.
Crockett has been a huge part of the Blue Devils’ success this season, averaging 8.5 points per game and an NEC leading 9.1 rebounds. She has posted two double-doubles on the season, including a 20 point, 25 rebound performance over St. Peters. The 25 rebounds sets a CCSU women’s basketball single game record, breaking the previous record of 21 set back in 1987.
“We just came off a tough loss and we really wanted to make a statement,” said Crockett. “I really wanted to get a win and I guess that motivated me. They missed a lot of shots and Justina had a lot of tips, so I was able to get the rebounds.”
While she set the school record in rebounds, Crockett has also been closing in on other records. In addition to being fourth all-time in blocks, and sixth in rebounds, Crockett broke CCSU’s record and became the school’s leader in three pointers against Robert Morris over the weekend.
The record had previously been held by Vicki Guarneri, at 143 which she set in 1999. However, Crockett’s pair of threes set her career total to 144, giving her the newest record.
“I didn’t know I was so close until Coach [Beryl Piper] said something the other day. It’s exciting to accomplish something like that in my three years here.”
Although she is a senior, Crockett has only played for three seasons at CCSU. Before CCSU, she played for University of Maryland-Baltimore County. When she transferred she was forced to sit out a year. Even though she has missed a year, she has been steadily climbing the ranks of CCSU’s all-time greats.
“It’s a good feeling to be among all those players,” said Crockett “Coach has developed us well, and with the focus on defense has helped me a lot. It’s helped me get all those blocks and rebounds, and it’s a big reason why I’ve been able to do it in three years.”
With her ability to hit the three, and still be a presence on the boards, Crockett often creates mismatches on the court. She plays the power forward position, but her range on offense makes her unique from other power forwards. Utilizing Crockett as a stretch forward has been crucial to the success of Coach Piper’s offense since she got here.
“When she came in the first year, you knew she would have a big impact,” said Piper. “She plays smart and doesn’t make many mistakes on the court. Physically she is so strong, and it’s a huge reason she can get a ton of rebounds. There aren’t many players who can take the ball from her. On offense she creates a lot of mismatches which are crucial. It always makes it tough, with her out there we usually have a mismatch somewhere.”
Crockett and the Blue Devils have played well this season at 13-7. The team began conference play 0-3, but it has gone 6-1 since. Though the team is in sixth place, the Blue Devils have gotten themselves back in the title race with a five game win streak.
“This season has been awesome so far,” said Crockett. “We dug ourselves out of the hole and are really coming together as a team. Last year we kind of underachieved, but this year we’re playing better, and riding a five game win streak, so I’m excited.”
In her final season, Crockett is looking forward to getting back to the NEC tournament. The Blue Devils were eliminated in the second round last year, and both Crockett and her team expect more this year.
“I would love to get the championship this year. It was frustrating when we lost last year. We played well last year, and we were right there, but it wasn’t enough. At the end of the day, the NEC Championship is what it’s all about.”