Kyle DeHaven was essentially guaranteed she would not start for Delaware’s women’s basketball team this season. But the junior guard’s role in the first five will be crucial down the stretch in one of the Blue Hens’ best seasons in recent memory.
DeHaven, a transfer from William & Mary, will make her fourth start tonight when the Blue Hens make their annual visit to George Mason.
“Our three guards were all returning,” said Blue Hens head coach Tina Martin. “Kyle was absolutely great about coming off the bench. She just wanted to fit into the team, and that right there tells you about her character.”
DeHaven sat out last season per NCAA transfer rules, and she’s been the top reserve most of this season. But junior guard Melissa Czorniewy (7.4 ppg, 2.4 rpg), who’s been fighting a back injury, is now sidelined for the remainder of the season. DeHaven (8.0 ppg), a Herndon High graduate, will join her former Northern Virginia high school rival in the backcourt, senior guard Alena Koshansky (Chantilly High).
Koshansky (5.8 ppg) may not light up the scoreboard, but she’s among the nation’s best in assist-to-turnover ratio (3.3) and a key reason why Delaware is receiving votes in national polls.
“They feed off one another,” said Martin. “Kyle’s got the speed and the electricity and she’s all over the floor. Alena’s got the steadiness and calming influence so they really do balance each other out very well.”
Delaware (19-3, 10-1 CAA) at George Mason (8-13, 2-9)
» When: Tonight, 7
» Where: Patriot Center
