- All
Marian senior Jaeda Robinson’s switch from a reserve to a starter has been seamless and successful
East Lansing – Last season Jaeda Robinson was Birmingham Marian’s super sub, the player who came off the bench to add a spark or score a quick basket or two.
And Robinson filled that role well. Not one to grab the spotlight, Robinson learned to enjoy it.
This season Robinson moved into the starting lineup, the lone newcomer in coach Mary Cicerone’s starting five. And Marian hasn’t missed a beat. In fact, this Marian team might be better than the one that won the Class A title last season.
That statement will be qualified Saturday when top-ranked Marian (25-1) plays No. 7 DeWitt (25-1) at noon for the title.
Robinson did her part on Friday, much as she’s done all season. She led Marian with 15 points, six rebounds, three steals and two assists as the Mustangs had a surprisingly easy time defeating No. 3 Detroit King (24-2), 57-37, at the Breslin Center.
Robinson is a strong, athletic guard who signed with Central Michigan. Because of Marian’s wealth of talent that goes beyond its starting five, Robinson often is overlooked.
She’s not complaining. Robinson enjoys playing her role and most of all she enjoys winning.
“It was definitely a big change,” Robinson said of moving into the starting lineup. “I knew I had to handle the ball more. I had to contribute as much as possible.
“I knew coming in the other four had a year under their belts. I was nervous, yes, but I had no doubts I could do it. My teammates helped me develop.”
Among Robinson’s strengths is her ability to shoot from the perimeter. Her and fellow senior Kara Holinski are the team’s top 3-point shooters. Robinson made three 3-pointers in a 51-42 victory over No. 4 Waterford Kettering in Tuesday’s quarterfinal.
Though she made just one of four against King, Robinson concentrated on other areas to help her team.
“My shot wasn’t falling for me (today),” she said. “But I was able to run the break and hit the lanes.
“And I kept my player (King point guard Alicia Norman) in front of me. I think I did that well today.”
Norman is a quick guard but Robinson held her in check holding her scoreless with four assists and four turnovers.
Robinson does have her faults and Cicerone was quick to point that out, but with a pat on the back.
“She’s too hard on herself,” Cicerone said. “And I disagree. She did hit some big shots today that help pull King away from the basket.”
Robinson said she’s trying not to be so self-critical. She said needs to play through her errors, whether they be mental or physical.
“I hang on to my mistakes too long,” she said. “That’s my problem.”
So Robinson’s a perfectionist. Nobody’s perfect.
