Brockport’s Stephanie Jean-Baptiste was named Empire 8 women’s basketball Co-Player of the Week on Monday after averaging 21 points, six rebounds, five steals and a block in the first two games of the season. In a win over Alma College, she scored 26 points with six rebounds, three assists and a block. The next day, in a loss to John Caroll University, Jean-Baptiste had 16 points and six rebounds with one steal and one block.
“It’s just the beginning of the season,” Jean-Baptiste said. “I definitely know I can do way better and do that more consistently on an every-game basis. It’s great but I am looking forward to what the rest of the season holds.”
On Wednesday, the Golden Eagles hosted Buffalo State in their home opener, winning 78-44. Coming off being named Co-Player of the Week, Jean-Baptiste scored 14 points to lead the team and tallied three steals. Through three games, she is averaging a team-leading 18.7 points and 4.3 steals, four rebounds and an assist.
Jean-Baptiste is entering her third season with the program. In her first year with the team, she was named SUNYAC Rookie of the Year. In year two, she earned 2nd team All-SUNYAC honors. As the team enters its first season in the Empire 8, Jean-Baptiste and the team have their minds set on having a successful season.
“Every team’s goal is to win a championship,” Jean-Baptiste said. “Before that though, we are looking forward to making the playoffs and getting a top seed.”
The team had several new faces come into the program this season, who will be important to the team’s overall success.
“It’s just the beginning for us as a team,” Jean-Baptiste said. “The chemistry is only going to get stronger as we go on and we will get to know each other more and build more trust.”
The Golden Eagles will look for win number three on the season when they host Hamilton College at home on Nov. 19. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m.