The "Other" Buckeyes

Everyone knows that Ohio State goes as their two stars, Sammy Prahalis and Tayler Hill, go. But, if Ohio State is going to win the Big Ten Tournament, beginning tomorrow, these three other lady Buckeye starters are going to need to step up and provide quality production to assist OSU's dynamic duo.

1. Amber Stokes, G: The third guard in OSU's three guard offense, Stokes plays the role of the dynamic slasher. While Ohio State knows what it is going to get defensively from Stokes, (2012 B10's Defensive Player of the Year) her ability to get to the rim and finish in the paint adds a different dimension to OSU's offense, and will be key. Hill and Prahalis are better as spot-up shooters, not slashers, so OSU will need Stokes' ability to get into the lane and break down the defense to free up open shots for them. The Buckeyes are basically unbeatable when all three guards hit double digits, but Stokes is far and away the most inconsistent offensively of the trio. If she can't find her offense, it puts a lot of pressure on the other two.

2. Ashley Adams, C: If you just looked at her size (6-5) you would assume she's a low post monster, gobbling up rebounds and finishing put backs. Bud Adams' game is much more versatile and perimeter oriented that you would assume. Her height and vision makes her one of the best passers on the squad, and Ohio State likes to place her at the top of the three point arch and allow her to dribble down the wing looking for back door cuts. Her ability to rebound the ball on the defensive end and fire strong outlet passes makes OSU's transition offense extremely dangerous. Ohio State needs Adams to pass effectively and rebound to beat Penn State, if they meet up with the Lady Lions again, because OSU was killed on the glass in the first contest. Her passing is a given, but if OSU wants to win this thing, they need her to improve on her 6.7 rpg numbers, because at her height, that isn't good enough.

3. Kalpana Beach, F: The true freshman is Ohio State's wildcard. He ability to knock down mid-range jump shots offensively, while guarding the post defensively, makes her extremely valuable. However, she can struggle with foul trouble and, as most freshmen do, disappears for long stretches offensively. OSU will need her to knock down open jumpers when Hill, Stokes and Prahalis penetrate, something she's very capable of doing.

Ohio State is going to go as far as Hill and Prahalis take them, however, when the other Buckeye starters are clicking and in rhythm, it makes the Dynamic Duo's job waaaaaay easier. Ohio State can't win the tournament if only Prahalis and Hill reach double figures. Tertiary scoring needs to come from Stokes or Beach, and Adams needs to clean the glass and let OSU push the ball in transition. Sammy and Tayler get the headlines, but the other lady Buckeyes are going to play a pivotal role in their team's tourney chances.