YSU’s Martin signs first player as Penguins coach

By JOHN VARGO Tribune Chronicle
YOUNGSTOWN — Cindy Martin knew the Youngstown State women’s basketball team was in need of a point guard after losing hard-nosed starter Lauren Branson to graduation.

Martin, who was hired as YSU’s coach last month, signed 5-foot, 3-inch point guard Macey Nortey of Long Beach, Calif. to a National Letter of Intent Monday.

Scout.com stated Nortey ‘‘should be nicknamed Mighty Mouse. She is very small, but makes her size work with great quickness and a fearless approach. She has a compact build, which helps her withstand contact on penetrations and finish.’’

She averaged 4.4 points, four assists, 2.4 rebounds and 2.8 steals per game in 2007-08 for Millikan High School, leading it to a school-record 24 wins last season.

Martin said several universities close to YSU’s size were also pursing Nortey.

‘‘She wanted to go somewhere where she could play right away and we needed a point guard quite badly,’’ Martin said.

Camisha Alexander, a 5-5 guard from Bexley, W.Va., who former coach Tisha Hill signed in November, is still coming, according to Martin.

There are three more scholarships available of a possible 15.

‘‘Last day of signing is Friday. We’re hoping to ink one more in that time frame,’’ Martin said.

However, she added there may be a possibility YSU may fill any remaining scholarships after the Friday signing deadline, which is allowed. The only stipulation is if a player is signed after Friday, YSU must commit the scholarship even if they player changes her mind after signing.

There are 10 players remaining from last year’s team that haven’t graduated — five guards and five post players. All of them are either juniors or seniors.

Martin has had four sessions with her players, but not all at once. She was only allowed four sessions, according to NCAA standards.

‘‘I think we’re increasing the tempo,’’ Martin said. ‘‘More than anything, I wanted to meet with them and see what we’re working with.

‘‘I think they’re working really hard,’’ I’m really happy with our post play. Need a few more guards. Few injuries with guards and need more depth at the guard positions.’’

For now, signing Nortey is a good start for the YSU women.

‘‘I’m excited. What better way than bringing in a small, point guard,’’ Martin said. ‘‘She’s a very athletic player. She’s going to push the offense and harass the opposition on defense — all over the floor. She has a three assist to one turnover ratio, which is pretty good. She’s able to push the tempo with out turning the ball over.’’

jvargo@tribune-chronicle.com