With different styles, guard trio helps women's basketball get back on point

Struggles at the point guard position for the Terrapin women's basketball team last season were emblematic of the squad's inconsistent and disappointing year, one in which the Terps failed to reach the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2003.

And as the Terps transformed themselves into a physically fit, up-tempo team this year, it was again clear their fast-break approach would hinge on the success of the team's three primary ball-handlers: junior Anjale Barrett, sophomore Dara Taylor and freshman Natasha Cloud.

While the three bring decidedly different skill sets to the court, their contributions have helped spark what the No. 22 Terps hope will be a turnaround season.

"I think it's kind of point guard by committee," coach Brenda Frese said. "We want to be able to wear down our opponents, and we feel like we can do that with our point guards."

Of the three, Cloud appears to have emerged as the starter despite, according to Frese, "playing like a freshman" at times.

She is a combination of the speedy Taylor and the strong, steady Barrett, who started the first three games for the Terps and now splits time between the point guard and shooting guard spots.

And while Cloud's size and speed have proven advantageous for the young Terp, perhaps her greatest contribution is difficult to quantify.

"With Natasha, it's more just her natural leadership as a floor general," Frese said. "She has a natural feel for the game, and she affects the game differently with her length and athleticism."

"Anybody who watches the game sees Tasha brings a lot of energy," Taylor added.

When she arrived, Cloud naturally anticipated some bitterness as old clashed with new for the starting position.

"When I came in, I was expecting a battle," Cloud said.

What has developed, however, is nothing more than a friendly rivalry.

"It's a healthy competition," said Taylor, who often helps to mentor Cloud during practices and games. "We've all gotten better from the beginning of the season."

But it's Taylor's progression that may be the most striking. After a wildly inconsistent freshman campaign last year, Taylor played sparingly through the preseason, seemingly slotted at a distant third on the depth chart.

Since the season's start, though, Taylor's athleticism has shone through. The sophomore, whom Frese has called the fastest player she's ever coached, has limited the turnover problems that plagued her last season. She leads the Terps with almost two assists for every turnover, adding another gear to a team intent to capitalize on its fastbreak offense.

"She's just lightning-quick," Frese said of Taylor, who also averages a team-high 3.7 assists. "She makes us go at a different level."

As the sometimes-erratic Taylor and Cloud continue to improve, Barrett remains the backcourt's steadying force. The junior lacks the same level of speed or athleticism her fellow point guards boast, but she has shown versatility in her ability to run the team as a point guard or work in conjunction with Taylor or Cloud as a shooting guard.

"Anjale is more strength and power, and in transition, she can really break down defenses," Frese said. "And anytime you can have a second ball-handler on the floor, it only enhances your ability to break the press."

The point guard play has been far from perfect, and it's fair to say such growing pains will likely continue through much of the season.

But after last year's struggles, this season's Terp backcourt seems poised for a breakthrough season. And for a team whose top-five scorers are all post presences, an improving group of talented point guards could add another dimension to a team with an already lethal inside game.

"When one of us gets tired, we just got to bring another one in," Barrett said. "You can tell we gain confidence from each other."

TERP NOTE: Freshman forward Alyssa Thomas was named ACC Rookie of the Week on Monday after averaging 14.5 points and 5.5 rebounds in the team's two wins last week.

cwalsh@umdbk.com