(Houghton, N.Y.)—Three
members of the Houghton College women’s basketball team have been
honored by the American Mideast Conference (AMC), North Division.
Ashley Dupler was named All-AMC North, Second Team; Leah French and
Ashley Scudder were given honorable mention.
Dupler, a
center, is a graduate of Jamestown High School in Jamestown, N.Y.
The 6’1” freshman center led the Highlanders in both scoring (13.9
per game) and rebounding (8.1).
“Ashley had a
tremendous year,” said H. “Skip” Lord, head coach of the women’s
team, “She came from a great high school program where she developed
her talents, and she has improved every game. She spends a lot of
time in the gym—comes early and stays late—and is always looking for
ways to grow as a player.”
Dupler
blocked 73 shots, smashing the previous Houghton College
single-season record of 60 and is well on her way, in just one
season, to the college’s career mark of 95. Her 2.70 average per
game put her 12th in the country in the National
Association of Intercollegiate Athletics’ (NAIA) Division II.
“She has
obviously made a difference in our program statistically,” Lord
said, “but she is also very unselfish and makes those around her
better, too.” Dupler was one of three women on the team with more
than 50 assists on the season.
French—a
graduate of Owego Free Academy in Owego, N.Y.—was second on the team
in scoring, averaging 10.6 per game. The 5’11” sophomore also pulled
down 4.2 rebounds per game and led the team in steals with 45.
“Leah played injured all year after hurting her back in
a water skiing accident last summer,” said Lord, “Most people don't
realize how much pain she was in every time she went on the floor.
To achieve this level of recognition in spite of that kind of
adversity is impressive. Leah has a nose for the basket and an eye
for the floor. She, too, makes everyone around her better.”
French had 38 assists and 13 blocks on the year.
The 5’8” Scudder split time between guard and forward
while averaging 5.6 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. She was third
on the team in steals with 35 and second in assists with 54. The
senior from Fredonia High School started every game in her Houghton
career and is the only player to serve as captain of the team all
four years.
“Most people
look at players simply in light of how many points they score,” said
Lord, “but we see Ashley as one of the best players in the AMC. She
has played all five positions on the floor, as needed. She can score
when necessary or she can distribute to others. She is very
unselfish. We will have a hard time replacing her next year.”
Scudder had
nine blocked shots and led the team in shooting percentage, hitting
.496 from the floor.
The
Highlanders enjoyed a 15-12 overall season record and were 7-6 in
the AMC North. They advanced to the quarterfinals of the conference
tournament before ending their season.
