By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications
SALEM, Ore. -- Willamette University point guard Drew Farmer (Jr., Brookings, OR/Brookings-Harbor HS) has contributed to the Bearcat women's basketball team in a variety of ways during the first four games of the 2018-19 season. She has performed the basic duties of a quality point guard -- running the offense, supplying assists to teammates, and guarding an opposing player on defense -- but that's only the start.
Farmer also has driven to the hoop when a lane opens up on offense, and at other times, she has taken a series of open jump shots. She has moved well without the ball, helping create space for other players.
She scored 10 points against Warner Pacific University and later earned 10 points versus Evergreen State College. She tied a career-high with eight assists against Warner Pacific. All of her efforts have helped the Bearcats.
Her own stats show part of what Farmer has provided so far this year. She is averaging 9.0 points per game along with 4.0 assists, 1.8 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game. She has a +1.43 assist-to-turnover ratio with 20 assists and 14 turnovers. Farmer has shot 55.0% from the field (11 of 20). From 3-point range, she has hit an impressive 50.0% of her shots (6 of 12). She has converted 8 of 8 attempts at the free throw line.
"I'm so proud of what Drew has been able to accomplish so far this year," Willamette Head Coach Peg Swadener said. "She has always been a spark plug on the floor, but this year her role has expanded to be one of our leaders on the floor. As a coach, I put a lot of responsibility on the shoulders of our leaders and she is really starting to flourish in that role."
Farmer's scoring success and her quality passing have led to success for other players as well. Britanny Kochenderfer (Sr., G, Klamath Falls, OR/Henley HS/Idaho State Univ.) leads the Bearcats with 14.3 points per game and is averaging 11.8 rebounds per game. Elizabeth Logsdon (Jr., F, McMinnville, OR/McMinnville HS) is averaging 8.8 points and 5.3 rebounds per game, while shooting 50.0% (16 of 32) from the field. Also averaging six or more points per game are Amanda Carpenter (So., G, Beaverton, OR/Sunset HS) with 6.5 points per game, Kassin Hopkins (Jr., Connell, WA/Connell HS/Bellevue College) at 6.3 points per contest, and Kali Vickery (Sr., G, Glide, OR/Glide HS) at 6.0 points per game.
There are five Bearcats who have made at least five 3-point baskets so far this season. Kochenderfer leads the way with nine 3-pointers, while Farmer has connected on six 3-point shots. Tied with five 3-pointers each are Carpenter, Hopkins and freshman Madison Ballard (G, Monroe, OR/Monroe HS). Willamette has scored a total of 32 three-pointers, while the Bearcats' opponents have hit just nine 3-point shots. The Bearcats have held opponents to 20.9% three-point shooting.
Willamette will be back in action on Tuesday, Nov. 20, when the Bearcats will take on Pomona-Pitzer (Calif.) in a non-conference road game. Tipoff in Claremont, California, is set for 5:30 p.m. (PST).