Later today, the Bowdoin College women’s basketball team will board their team bus for Logan Airport in Boston before jetting off to Minneapolis, Minnesota, for Friday’s NCAA Division III national finals, where the Polar Bears face undefeated and second-ranked Wartburg at 8: 30 p.m.
When watching the Polar Bears, it is important to keep your eyes on the court when Choate has the ball. A blink or two of one’s eyes can mean missing a couple key plays from the junior as she quickly sprints down the court , either cutting to the basket for an open layup or dishing the ball to an unmarked teammate after drawing the defense her way.
“ She is fast and has developed a tactical side to her game as our point guard,” said Bowdoin coach Adrienne Shibles after watching the Nashua, New Hampshire, native average 9.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, three assists and pick up 59 steals this season. “ She now uses both of her hands really well and has grown in her leadership role. As a defender, she is superb and has really increased her game. She has certainly put it all together this season.”
“I use my speed to my advantage,” said the daughter of John and Carlisa. “Each of us bring different things to the floor. For instance, (sophomore) Sam Roy is a ball handler, where speed is my strong suit. But most importantly for me is the team. When I visited Bowdoin during the recruiting process, they were so welcoming. I knew that I had to come here.”
“She has emerged as a leader for us,” added classmate Hannah Graham.
“ She took on this new role and her confidence has continued to grow. She is superbly quick, and that leads to a lot of things for us.”
Challenges
Like most freshmen beginning their college careers at Bowdoin, Choate had to bide her time, playing only a minimal role two seasons ago while lear ning the college game, where defense is key, along with more strength and strategy than Choate saw during her days at Nashua High North, where her team went to the Final Four her junior year. Choate also starred in track (no surprise here as she was a sprinter) and volleyball. Taylor followed sister, Summer, 22, onto the court before she headed to Georgetown University, while younger sister Alana, 18, just completed her final high school basketball season.
“ It was hard my freshman year after being used to being a top player in high school,”
Choate agreed.
“ But, everyone in college has to learn, work hard and wait their turn. I did the best I could to learn the system and contribute when I had a chance.”
“ S h e shows poise when she steps on the court,” said
Shibles.
“ She owns her mistakes, and then she makes the next play and makes those adjustments that are needed.
And, she puts the team first, just very selfless.”
Choate stepped up last weekend when the Polar
Bears won a pair of contests in Scranton, Pennsylvania, downing host Scranton in the “ Sweet 16” then earning a bit of retribution against NESCAC rival Tufts in the “Elite 8” on Saturday, sending Bowdoin to the Final Four.
Against Tufts, a 66- 48 victory, Choate scored a game-high 18 points, helping her team bounce back after falling to the Jumbos in the NESCAC semifinals two weeks earlier.
“Getting eliminated in the NESCAC Tournament served as fuel for us,” said Choate. “ It was painful to lose, as one of our goals was to win NESCACs. After losing in the NCAA Tournament last season (a first-round exit against Mount Ida), we worked hard. Everyone was just more intense. We didn’t want to feel that type of loss again.”
Choate knows facing Wartburg on Friday will be a challenge for her Polar Bears.
“ We need to get out there and focus on us, be us,” said the junior, who majors in biology. “These are high- stake games. Like last weekend, we know these teams are good. But, we are treating it like a NESCAC weekend. We are used to playing on Friday and Saturday, so hopefully this weekend will be no different.”
In Friday’s opening game, top- ranked Amherst faces No. 3 Thomas More.
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