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Frosh Clement, a senior leader
By: Jack Herman
Although the Michigan women’s basketball team lost 69-60 to Eastern Michigan on Wednesday, freshman Krista Clement had a very special night.
Was it her four assists, which lead the team?
Was it her 12 points, a new career high?
Was it her outstanding 3-point shooting, as she put in four from long range, including one spectacular shot from well beyond “NBA” range?
Actually, it was none of these — but rather a very special fan in the stands: her sister, who had just returned to the United States after an extended stay in New Zealand.
“She’s been (in New Zealand) for a long time, and I haven’t seen her,” Clement said. “We’re a very close family, so that was great to play in front of her like I did in high school.”
Yet, despite her sister’s homecoming and her own individual accomplishments, Clement’s comments described what makes her a truly invaluable member of the Michigan women’s basketball team. Always a team player first and foremost, Clement cares most about making sure her team succeeds.
“I would rather have the ‘W’,” she said immediately following the loss.
Stats do not tell the whole story for Clement — who is averaging 5.4 points and three assists per game this season. The intangibles that she brings to the Wolverines are what make her a great player.
“She’s such an incredible leader and such an incredible competitor.” Michigan coach Cheryl Burnett said.
Clement came to Michigan as a highly touted prospect from St. Ignace in the Upper Peninsula. After being named an all-state player her sophomore and junior years, Clement received the titles of Michigan Ms. Basketball and Detroit Athletic Club High School Athlete of the Year last season.
Although her current production is a significant drop from her high school averages last year — 24 points and 7.4 assists per game — Clement has shown great progress since the start of the season. She turned the ball over five times in the team’s first game against Alabama, but, since then, she has not had more than three in a game. She has even had two games where she did not commit a turnover.
Clement’s shooting has improved dramatically, as well. She was shooting just 28 percent from the field before her 4-for-7 showing on Wednesday night. Burnett hopes that after this performance the Wolverines will get to see more of the offensive player Clement can be.
“We got to see some of her range offensively, and, again, we just want to build confidence,” Burnett said. “I think she’s special in a lot of ways, and I hope that you can see it.”
Clement brings her desire to succeed to every activity she participates in. She holds LaSalle High School records in three different track events in the one-mile, two-mile and 800-meter runs and also lettered in volleyball.
She takes her passion outside of the gym as well, excelling in the classroom. At LaSalle, Clement was class valedictorian and a member of the National Honor Society. Like Burnett, Clement’s fellow high school classmates recognized her leadership abilities, electing her student council president her senior year.
The greatest compliment for Clement’s immediate impact as a leader for the team can be seen when Burnett mentions her in the same breath as senior captain and the most experienced Wolverine, Tabitha Pool.
“(Clement) and (Pool) are keeping our team very focused and directed all the way down to 0:00,” Burnett said.
