It was quite evident early on that Triton College women's basketball head coach
Marques Hatch landed an impact player when
Bethany Baldwin made her decision last summer to transfer to Triton. The program during Hatch's three-year tenue has earned a good reputation in helping give many young ladies a fresh start.
Baldwin has clearly taken advantage of her new beginning. While wearing a Trojans' uniform Baldwin has had one of the best all-around seasons in Triton's history to lead the team to an overall 21-7 record. The 5-foot-8 sophomore from Watersmeet, Mich. on Feb. 16 was voted
North Central Community College Conference (N4C) Player of the Year by the conference coaches.
Baldwin is the first N4C Player of the Year representing the Triton women's basketball team since Jenny Kubasiak won the honor during the 1992-93 season.
Kubasiak still remains the all-time leading scorer in team history with 1,033 points.
If you add Baldwin's total points scored between her time at Hibbing Community College (Minn.) and Triton, she would have broken the Triton scoring record. With two regular season games to go, Baldwin has amassed 1,054 total points in her junior college career.
In addition to scoring, Baldwin is among the leaders in both the Region IV and the nation in rebounds (8.6 RPG), assists (101), steals (76), field goal percentage (52.4) and three-point field goal percentage (38.7).
"I've definitely have had my ups and downs in life and this makes everything worth it," Baldwin said. "I can't stop thinking of everything I have done to get where I am now. I'm so humbled and still shocked that I was voted conference Player of the Year. Also thank you to my family for being there through our toughest of times and always helping me push through when I didn't feel good enough."
"I'm extremely proud of Bethany for this accomplishment," Hatch said. "The first time I saw her play, I knew she was a special talent. Her drive and her work ethic has propelled her and her teammates to a 20-plus win season. Whichever school she decides to continue her basketball and academic career at, is getting a great player but an even better person."
Along with Baldwin winning the highest individual N4C honor, guard
Jaelah Crosby was voted 2nd team all-conference. The sophomore transfer from Evansville, Ind. is averaging 12.3 points per game and 4.7 rebounds. She has accumulated 102 assists and 61 steals this season.
"I couldn't be more proud of Jaelah for receiving this honor," said Hatch. "She fills the stat sheet every game in all areas. When you play the same position as your coach, it leads to some spirited conversations. Some good days and some not so good days. But she has continued to play and has matured greatly this season. She will be a great player at the next level because of her versatility and IQ."
The Trojans will be a top-four seed in the playoffs and open the Region IV Division II tournament at home on Wednesday, Feb. 26. Time and opponent are still to be determined.
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