Nearly a month into the 2024-2025 season, the NIU women’s basketball team sits at a record of 3-3, with an even win percentage of .500. Needless to say, the Huskies have a boatload of potential.
Here are my three takeaways after covering the team so far this season.
KOKER PICKS UP WHERE SHE LEFT OFF
After missing the entirety of the 2023-2024 season, graduate student guard Chelby Koker returned to the floor this season. In her last healthy season Koker was electric, finishing second on the team in scoring – only behind former NIU star forward A’Jah Davis.
Although she missed three games due to an undisclosed lower body injury, Koker currently leads NIU in scoring, averaging 14.7 points per game on nearly 60% shooting.
On top of her efficient scoring, Koker is an all-around guard. She is second on the team in rebounds – averaging 5.7 per game – and leads the team in assists, averaging 6.0. When Koker has played this season, the Huskies are 2-1, with the only loss being to the University of Illinois Chicago.
Her efficient scoring and willingness to do the dirty work will prove vital come Mid-American Conference play.
IMPRESSIVE TRANSFERS
Among the group of transfers NIU picked up this offseason, junior guard Alecia Doyle and junior forward Reagan Barkema have been major factors for the Huskies this season.
Starting all six games, Doyle is second on the team in scoring. Doyle currently averages 13.7 points per game, while also grabbing 3.7 rebounds per game.
Doyle has shown impressive resilience this season, fighting through a fractured nose suffered against University of St. Thomas on Nov. 10. Since then, her offensive efficiency hasn’t let up.
Despite only playing two games, when she sees the floor, Barkema serves as a spark plug for the Huskies. Shooting 50% from three-point range, once Barkema enters the game her impact shows immediately.
Barkema is fourth in scoring for the Huskies, averaging 10.5 points per game. Her best performance was a 12-point showing against the University of Louisiana at Lafayette on Nov. 4.
MAC CHAMPIONSHIP POTENTIAL
Despite having an even record through the first leg of the season, the Huskies have shown MAC Championship potential. Assuming Koker and the remainder of NIU’s core stays healthy, the team will be dangerous down the stretch.
Graduate student forward Brooke Stonebraker, a returning Huskie, is a key part of the team’s core. Stonebraker has started every game and has been one of the Huskies’ most consistent players.
Stonebraker is third on the team in scoring, averaging 11.5 points per game. Averaging 6.5 per game, Stonebraker leads the team in rebounds and has also blocked five shots this season.
Another returning Huskie who will be crucial as the Huskies reach conference play is redshirt senior guard Sidney McCrea. McCrea is a spot up shooter who has sunk vital three-pointers multiple times this season.
Leading the team in three-pointers made, McCrea has drilled 14 shots from downtown. McCrea has also picked up three steals this season, while averaging 3.0 rebounds per game.
The combination of NIU’s returning players and new transfers has shown to be lethal. Despite NIU’s strengths, turnovers have plagued the Huskies this season.
NIU currently averages 18.8 turnovers per game, compared to its 15.6 turnovers per game last season.
If the Huskies stay healthy and clean up their turnovers, NIU has a great shot at making a run in the MAC Tournament.
UP NEXT
NIU returns to action at 2 p.m. Saturday, heading to Colombia, Missouri, to face off against the University of Missouri. The game will be streamed on ESPN+, with listening available through WDKB 94.9 FM and live stats will be provided by StatBroadcast.
