Fighting Bee's still in postseason chase

Feb. 10, 2005
By Maggie Hughes
Staff Writer

What a difference a year can make.

For sophomores Chris Washington and Brandon Smith, this past year has been quite a transition.

Washington, a sophomore guard from St. Joseph’s in Chicago, barely saw the floor last year while backing up All-American point guard Matt Fitzpatrick.  This year Washington is the second leading scorer and leads the team in assists and steals.

Smith, who joined the team late because of football, did not even play basketball last year.  After watching his friends play last season, Smith says he realized how much he loved and missed the game, and decided to give it a shot and go out for the team this year as a sophomore.

Being such young leaders on the team might seem tough, but both players say that knowing their roles helps keep them focused.  As point guard, Washington says that as the floor leader his main goal is to work off his teammates.

“If Ryan (Johnson) and Nick (Ferriera) aren’t having a good game, I know it’s my job to step it up,” Washington said.

Washington has stepped it up to say the least.  Last week he was named MCC player of the week after two great games against Viterbo and Iowa Wesleyan, and will be a great candidate for several postseason awards.

But Washington does not credit it all to himself.  He says that the support of this teammates and the “push” from Coach Ray have been a big part of his success.

“Coach is always on me.  Every day I learn from my team and coaches,” Washington said.  “I am still a rookie, and I have a lot to learn.”

Smith, however, feels a bit different about his role on the team.  Now a starter and the teams leader in offensive rebounds, Smith is proving himself as an effective player.

“I like to be they guy that does the dirty work,” Smith said.  “Nick, Ryan, and Chris can score, but I like to concentrate on doing the little things, like rebounding and defense.”

He also credits Coach Ray and his teammates.  He says that the coaches and players were very welcoming when he joined the season late. 

“They treated me like I had been there all along,” said Smith.  “Coach Ray has been great to me.  He doesn’t just teach basketball, he teaches us about life.”

With the rest of this season playing together, and two seasons following, it is a good thing that both players enjoy being teammates.   For Washington, he says that Smith provides a spark that gets the whole team excited about the game.

“Brandon gives us the energy boost we all need during games.  His intensity spreads to everyone.”

Smith feels the same.

“Chris is a great leader,” Smith said.  I love being on the floor with him.”

As for the rest of the season, Washington, Smith and the rest of the team still have a big job ahead of them, however, Washington is optimistic.

“Our main goal is to go out there and win.  Our only threat is ourselves.  We can win conference.”

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