The Saint Louis University women’s basketball team has Conference USA’s newest Star.
After appearing in 12 games off the bench last year, sophomore Star Jackson moved into the starting point guard role and has turned heads with every game she’s played.
“I learned a lot last year,” said Jackson. “I really learned to be patient.”
Jackson stepped into the starting position when sophomore Harmonie King tore her anterior cruciate ligament this summer, prior to the Billikens’ trip to Europe.
“It just kind of happened,” Jackson said. “This was basically a new team with Kara [Wile] and Mandy [Lueking] graduating. It’s not an easy position to fill. I had to learn a lot in a short time. My teammates were very supportive. It just happened that it all worked out.”
Jackson added, “It helps when your teammates are behind you. I can just go out and just do it when they’re behind you 100 percent. It makes the transition so much easier. I can focus on what I can do and what I need to take care of.”
Jackson made an immediate impact, scoring 15 points in her debut against Drake. She shot 4-7 from the field and 1-2 from behind the arc.
This would be a recurring theme for Jackson and the Billikens as the season would progress. She posted 15 points in back-to-back contests against Hampton and Charlotte. Jackson is averaging 8.8 points a game, 4.1 assists and 1.4 steals.
“Star gives us some scoring at the position. It doesn’t allow her defender to get in the paint and help,” said coach Jill Pizzotti said.
She also pulls in 2.7 rebounds a contest and is shooting 40.7 percent from three-point range.
“Our point guard spot raised the most questions before the year began,” Pizzotti said. “Star was handed the starting position in Europe. We told her she would have to control the point for 40 minutes. She’s advanced beyond our expectations, and our expectations were high.”
Jackson’s quick development was evident in her play last weekend. She dished out 16 assists and committed just five turnovers.
Jackson was a point guard her junior and senior years of high school in Cibolo, Texas. Her experiences there helped her lay the background for her success this year.
“Sophomore year, I played with five seniors,” Jackson said. “We had a whole new team junior year.
Jackson has accepted her newfound leadership and the responsibility that comes with her position.
“With that position comes that responsibility,” Pizzotti said. “There’s so much to grasp. She’s worked hard to be a vocal leader. That’s an area she’s gotten better in.”
“There’s a lot of responsibility,” Jackson said. “Your teammates hold you responsible for what you do and your coaches hold you responsible for what your teammates do.”
Jackson has taken that responsibility as a leader to a new level.
“I can honestly say that as a leader on the floor, you have to be liked by your teammates,” Jackson said. “I try to be available for all my teammates. I lead by having a rapport with everyone. As a leader, I have to be sure that we’re all on the same page and that we don’t have any division. As a point guard, you have to know to deal with people. You have to deal with people in different ways.”
Jackson credits a higher source for her success.
“Without my relationship with Christ, I wouldn’t be here now. God allowed me to be ready to play this year,” Jackson said.
Jackson has a definite plan as the Billikens look toward the C-USA Tournament at Marquette.
“We need to focus week to week,” Jackson said. “We’re looking to win our next four. I can only worry about what I can do.”
