Whitfield takes it to the hoop

by Lonnie McMillan
Staff Writer

When the Ohio women's basketball team has needed a lift off the bench, they have known whom to turn to.

Guard Ronita Whitfield has been a constant contributor in a role that many seniors are not comfortable with, but Whitfield said she does not mind coming off the bench, even though she started the majority of Ohio's games during her first three seasons.

"You feel a sense of relaxation coming off the bench, because you get a sense of the flow of the game," she said. "I've pretty much adjusted to what I need to do for the team."

Whitfield has received significant playing time, 24.3 minutes per game, despite starting only five of 23 games this season.

"She has handled (coming off the bench) very well," guard Heather Laughlin said. "She's doing everything she's been asked to do. We need someone to come off the bench and provide a little bit of a spark, and I think she does that."

Whitfield is the teams' third leading scorer, averaging 11.7 points per game. In addition, she has shot .520 from the floor and has averaged 4.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.5 steals per game.

In a Feb. 10 double overtime loss to Northern Illinois, Whitfield started and had one of the best games of her career. She finished the game with 21 points and 12 rebounds for her first career double-double. She also added six assists.

Coach Lynn Bria said Whitfield has been a more consistent player this year.

"Last year, I would start her, and she wouldn't play as well," Bria said. "She's very consistent this year. Once I saw how consistent she was, I decided to start her."

Bria also said even though it helps to have Whitfield come off the bench, she is likely to remain a starter for the rest of the season.

"There's a big advantage to having her come of the bench," Bria said. "I find comfort in bringing her off the bench. If we didn't start well, I could bring her off the bench. It's critical now that we get off to a good start."

Laughlin said Whitfield's talent is her versatility.

"She's obviously very strong," Laughlin said. "If she can drive, she can get to the basket. If she needs to, she can pull down a lot of offensive rebounds."

Whitfield said she recognizes her strengths, and tries to use them to benefit the team.

"My strength is driving to the basket," she said. "Penetration is one of my strengths. I just look to do what's necessary to help my teammates out."

Bria said Whitfield has steadily improved during the season.

"In one year, she's improved dramatically," Bria said. "I've finally convinced her to do what she does well. Her game is penetrate and go to the basket, and she does that well. She's become much more consistent."

Whitfield is a mechanical engineering major, but she said she would consider using her improvement this season to extend her basketball career.

"If the opportunity presents itself to play at another level, I will consider it," Whitfield said. "But if not, I have other things I can do with the rest of my life."

Whitfield, a product of Warren Central High School in Indianapolis, began learning basketball from her half-brother and her grandfather. Her half-brother Robert McMichael, who is 11 years older than Whitfield, played basketball for Sullivan Junior College.

But Whitfield's talent extends beyond the skills she learned on the court. Laughlin said Whitfield's personality is good for the team.

"She keeps it light," Laughlin said. "She's funny. She keeps the atmosphere light, especially when it's tense."

Whitfield said enjoyment is the main reason she plays basketball.

"My main goal is just having fun," she said.