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The role of the point guard in D2 women’s basketball is one of leadership. The point guard essentially sets up the offense, makes key shots from the field or the foul line, dishes the rock to her teammates, and plays solid defense.
These ten point guards are among the best in the nation. But, who truly is the best “1” in the country? We selected these ten gems of the court by reviewing the top 50 scorers in the country who are also among the nation’s leaders in either assists or steals.
Now, it’s up to you to decide. The poll is on the last page of the slide show. It closes Friday at Noon Pacific, so be sure to get your vote in on time and share with friends so they can vote as well. So let's get to it.
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Kiana Johnson, BR-10 Virginia Union
5’6” G, Sr., Chicago
When you compare last season’s CIAA standings to this season’s standings, the biggest surprise is NOT the impressive bounce-back from perennial powerhouse BR-67 Shaw. That honor goes to the Lady Panthers of Virginia Union.
Kiana Johnson, the former Michigan State standout, returned to the hardwood after a season off and landed at Virginia Union. To describe Johnson’s arrival in Richmond as a blessing for first-year coach AnnMarie Gilbert would be putting it mildly.
Johnson has a chance to pull off a feat rarely seen in any level of college basketball: record a “triple crown” as the nation’s leading scorer (currently first with 26.2 points per game), assister (currently second in the nation with 9.7 per game) and steal-artist (her 4.4 steals per game are third most in the nation). Johnson boosted her case with a 30 point, 10 assist performance in Virginia Union’s 76-64 win over BR-102 Chowan on Saturday.
Yes, three years at a “power five” school gave her experience most D2 players could only dream about. But you probably won’t hear any of the maroon and steel-clad partisans inside Barco-Stevens Hall complaining, especially if the Lady Panthers cut down the nets in Charlotte after winning their first CIAA title 1982.