Toppin, Lanpher and Kenefick Named Captains
Central Connecticut women's basketball officially named its three captains for the 2021-22 season ahead of Tuesday's season opener against the University of Massachusetts. Forever Toppin, Belle Lanpher and Meghan Kennefick were selected to lead the group through the season.
On the subject of selecting captains, interim head coach Kerri Reaves said that "Trying to mesh 6 new personalities and skill sets heading into this season has been a fun-filled and eye opening experience. Forever, Belle and Meghan have emerged not only as leaders between the lines, but also in the locker room and the CCSU community. Their collective intelligence, attention to detail, and toughness will be needed as we head into a very competitive non-conference schedule, as well as in NEC play."
Toppin has has developed into a star guard for the Blue Devils as she comes into her fourth season with the team. She started in all 18 games last season and averaged a career-high scoring average (12.1 points per game) while leading the team in steals (1.4 per game). The Blue Devils will once again be running the ball through Toppin at the point this season.
Lanpher burst onto the scene in the shortened season last year and made an immediate impact as a freshman. The 5-5 guard out of Princeton, MA averaged 7.4 points per game while playing an average of 15.1 minutes per game. Like Toppin, Lanpher was also great at forcing contact from the defense, and was able to convert on 82.5% of her trips to the line.
Kenefick is playing in her first season with the Blue Devils after transferring from Cleveland State University and has clearly already made an impact in practices and off the court. The six-foot forward will be adding some length to the Blue Devils defense and will hopefully bring along with her the success she's found before collegiate athletics. While attending Saint Paul VI Catholic high school, Kenefick led her team to an insane 113-21 record.
Toppin, Lanpher and Kenefick will be taking the court as captains together for the first time tonight as women's basketball faces off against the Minutewomen at 5 p.m. The game is available to be streamed on ESPN3.
