Head Coach Kim Barnes Arico Shares Thoughts Amid Three-Game Winning Streak

Michigan women’s basketball (3-1) has been on a roll since it fell to No. 1 South Carolina to open the season. On Sunday the Wolverines took care of Oakland 88-42. The maize and blue have outscored their last three opponents 273-159. Michigan hosts LIU tonight at 5:30 p.m.

Michigan WBB on Three-Game Winning Streak

The Wolverines have one of the youngest teams in the country this season. At times, Michigan has had five guards on the floor with most of them being freshmen. Head coach Kim Barnes Arico spoke to the media after the win over Oakland and said the young players set the example.

“They’re freshman, but the way they play the game of basketball – they’re extremely talented, they’re extremely unselfish, they play the right way and they’re incredibly hard workers,” Barnes Arico said. “When you have arguably your most talented kids as some of your hardest workers it just sets a great example for everyone else. It also then allows the older kids to really embrace them because (of) how unselfish they are and how hard they work.

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“They’ve been phenomenal, they’re just a tremendous group. They complement each other so well, and I just think they’re handling this stage pretty well.”

With five guards on the floor, success in the paint could be hard to come by. That is especially true when it comes to crashing the boards. Barnes Arico said its something they’ve had to focus on. 

“Especially with five guards, we’ve spent a lot of time talking about putting pressure on the rim,” Barnes Arico said. “If we just line up around the three point line and never cut to the rim, we’re never putting pressure on the rim, and we’re never putting ourselves in a position to offensive rebound, so that’s really been a point of emphasis of ours in the last two weeks.”

Young Stars

Freshman guard Mila Holloway has been a prototypical floor general so far this season. Holloway is averaging 11.3 points per game and pacing her team in assists with 21. Holloway is also tied for second on the team with seven steals. 

Barnes Arico said Holloway plays beyond her age. 

“She’s extremely talented. She’s really a special player,” Barnes Arico said. “She runs our entire team. She plays with tremendous pace, she’s a great decision maker for such a young kid. The fact that she’s scoring the basketball is just a bit of a bonus. I knew that she can score, but her ability to lead at that position as a young kid is exceptional.”

Freshman guard Syla Swords put her name on the map with a 27 point, 12 rebound game against South Carolina. Barnes Arico said Swords can get it done on the other end of the floor too.

“She is probably one of the best defenders in the country as a freshman, and that’s ridiculous,” Barnes Arico said. “… She is relentless. She never takes a possession off. She has an incredible motor to impact the game.”

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