TERRE HAUTE — Chelsea Buher lit up scoreboards not far from Terre Haute during her high school days at Lawrenceville, Ill.
Then after Buher played sparingly for the University of Illinois as a freshman in 2007-08, she sat out last season due to transfer rules. So she’s not a newcomer to the Indiana State program, but she’s new to game action in Hulman Center.
The 6-foot guard hopes to get back to playing big minutes this winter, and the sophomore could be one of several “newcomers” to provide important minutes and energy off the bench for the Sycamores.
Buher’s role in Sunday’s exhibition game against Bellarmine was a sign she could be an important piece of the puzzle for the Sycamores this season.
“I told coach [Jim] Wiedie coming off the floor that was probably the most fun I’ve had in a long time because it’s been such a long time since I’ve been on the court,” Buher said.
In 19 minutes, Buher was second on the team with eight shot attempts and she contributed all across the stat line with seven points, three rebounds, one assist, one block and two steals.
As one of the first two players off the bench, Buher made a head-first dive to secure a loose ball and lunged to the floor after another loose ball in the game’s first six minutes.
“Yeah that’s my gameplay. A lot of people were probably freaking out because I’ve had some back problems. When the ball goes up, I give it my all,” Buher said.
Along with some other players, the sophomore will provide depth that the Sycamores have lacked the last couple seasons.
“I think we have a very deep bench. I think that’s where we’re going to get teams,” Buher said.
Wiedie is getting a feel for the variety of combinations he could use with this year’s team. Buher will be one of several players who give Wiedie and his coaching staff the chance to be creative defensively. At times, Buher was at the point of ISU’s zone defense.
Another potentially strong defender at the point is freshman Taylor Whitley, who showed good speed and quick hands while making three steals in 15 minutes Sunday.
ISU senior captain Kelsey Luna can see the impact Buher and Whitley could bring with their intensity.
“They definitely bring energy to the floor,” Luna said. “Chelsea had some good hustle plays. As a senior, I appreciate that.”
Whitley could play big minutes at point guard for the Sycamores, providing a contrast to Luna, one of the top 3-point shooters in the nation last season.
“Taylor is 90 miles an hour, coast to coast, but Luna is more picking her spots and looking to shoot the 3,” Wiedie said. “It’s going to be fun to rotate those two in at the point guard. Ultimately, I think I’d want to move Luna to the [shooting guard position], just to get her more shot opportunities.”
Freshman Moriah Hodge was also productive off the bench in ISU’s 84-52 victory Sunday against Bellarmine, grabbing five rebounds and scoring seven points in 14 minutes.
With seniors Laurence Rivest and Sara Paul available off the bench as well, the Sycamores will have many lineup options.
“Especially if we can get Andrea Rademacher back, I think it’s one of the deeper teams we’ve had in a long time, probably the most versatile team we’ve had, even going back to the ‘05-’06 team with coach [Melanie] Boeglin,” Wiedie said.
Up next
• The Sycamores are in action again Sunday in Hulman Center against Southern Indiana. Tip-off is at 6 p.m.
