By Steve MullinsAssistant Sports Editor
Insult and injury.
Those were the words swirling around the San Diego State women’sbasketball team exactly one year ago today.
That afternoon, SDSU head coach Barb Smith told reporters ClaireSwinbank was one of two guards (along with Brie Ahern) who had justquit the team.
For the Aztecs, Swinbank’s departure was especially painful.That’s because four days earlier they learned senior guard SophiaSledge would miss the entire season after suffering a torn anteriorcruciate ligament in the team’s first exhibition game.
With Swinbank, Sledge and two other guards lost for the year,SDSU’s backcourt situation was in utter turmoil. The Aztecs had justtwo true guards in freshman Jamey Cox and junior Shannon Lee. As aresult, each was forced to play 37.5 and 31.8 minutes per game,respectively.
This season, Cox and Lee can take a breather.
In January, Swinbank first contacted Smith about rejoining theteam. In late May, she was officially readmitted. Sledge will alsoreturn after being granted a medical redshirt by the NCAA. She saysher surgically repaired knee is at 100 percent.
“Last year, it was really hard not having subs,” Lee said. “Thisyear we shouldn’t have as many ups and downs. It’s a lot better nowbecause we have more experience.”
Not to mention more skill.
As a freshman in 1998-99, Swinbank was a Western AthleticConference All-Newcomer Team selection. She started 10 games thatyear, averaging 5.3 points per contest.
Thisseason she will start at the two guard, which will allow Sledge, Coxand Lee to rotate at the point.
“We’re deeper now than we’ve been in the past,” Swinbank said.”We’ll have fresh legs coming in.”
Along with fresh legs, Swinbank will take a fresh outlook into theseason.
“I’m happy now,” she said. “All of the personal problems areworked out. We have a new team, a different attitude. It’s great.”
Smith agrees.
“Claire has been phenomenal,” Smith said. “She’s stepped up andhas shown us she wants to play. She’s also become a more vocalleader.”
Swinbank’s emergence as a leader has taken some pressure off ofSledge.
“It’s easier on me, because it’s one less thing I have to worryabout,” Sledge said. “Claire has really proved to us that she wantsto practice and play. She’s prepared to do what it takes.”
As is Sledge.
Two years ago, she was SDSU’s leading scorer, averaging 10.7points per game. Before getting injured, she was tabbed as the team’sstarting point guard.
“Sophia’s really hungry this year,” Smith said. “Because she had ayear taken away, she wants to have the best year ever. She’s workedvery hard and she’s back to full form.”
At least she was.
Eight days ago, Sledge broke her right thumb in practice. She isexpected to be out until late December.
Said Sledge: “I’m tired of sitting on the sidelines. I’m going togo hard and have some fun.”
With Swinbank and Sledge back, Smith said she believes her teamcan finally play her brand of pressing basketball.
“This is the first year where I believe we can have a full-courtgame of basketball on both ends for 40 minutes,” Smith said. “In thepast, we’ve not had the depth or the talent to make it work.”
