The Annual Basketball
Inside the Issue: COURTSIDE
Presented by The Torch
102ND EDITORIAL BOARD
Olivia Seaman
Editor-in-Chief
Kyler Fox
Managing Editor
Malak Kassem
News Editor
Isabella Athanasiou
Asst. News Editor
Isabella Cautero
Sports Editor
James Williams
Asst. Sports Editor
Olivia Rainson
Features Editor
Alexandra Prettitore
Asst. Features Editor
Molly Downs
Culture Editor
Celina Mullady
Asst. Culture Edito
Carlyann Carey
Opinion Editor
Micah Grayson
Asst. Opinion Editor
Megan Chapman
Design Editor
Sebastian Zelaya
Photo Editor
Olivia Rainson
Social Media Manager
Nicholas Diagostino
Co-Business Manager
Carter Kizik
Co-Business Manager
Suzanne Chiechalski
Adviser
Contributed by: Isabella Cautero, Kyler Fox, Megan Chapman, Olivia Seaman, James Williams, Sebastian Zelaya
Cover design by: Megan Chapman
Richmond and Ejiofor
Co-Captain National Championship Quest
Story on Page 8
Simeon Wilcher’s Drive
Fueled by NCAA Snub
Story on Page 10
Shin Splints Won’t Stop
RJ Luis Jr.’s NBA Dream
Story on Page 16
Ber’Nyah Mayo’s Leadership Sparks Unity and Drive
Story on Page 22
Jailah Donald Primed for New Leadership Role
Story on Page 24
Scan the QR Code for additional Torch Sports content:
Torch Photo / James Williams
Torch Photos / James Williams
Richmond and Ejiofor Co-Captain National Championship Quest
Kyler Fox Managing Editor
Following the 2023-24 St. John’s Men’s Basketball team captain Joel Soriano’s departure, Head Coach Rick Pitino needed a new leader. After consulting his squad, the hall-of-famer took to X on Oct. 10 to announce they had tabbed returning junior Zuby Ejiofor and graduate Seton Hall transfer Kadary Richmond to build on the legacy Soriano left behind.
“The team consensus was to name Kadary Richmond and Zuby Ejiofor as team captains for our upcoming season,” Pitino’s post read.
His declaration serves as the second act of a tradition the 71-year-old implemented upon arrival, having handed Soriano the prestigious title in his first act as head coach.
Ejiofor landed in Queens as part of Pitino’s 2023-24 transfer cycle, coming over from Kansas to back up the then-captain. He spent his sophomore campaign developing under Soriano while displaying flashes of a future game-changer. His 4.3 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per contest may seem pedestrian at first glance, but the ingame tape suggests a third-year breakout.
“It was a good role for me,” Ejiofor told The Torch at St. John’s Media Day on Oct. 15. “It was a good opportunity for me to learn under Soriano.”
When discussing his latest accomplishment, the 21-year-old remained humble.
“My teammates and coaching staff have done a really good job of making me comfortable. It means a lot,” he said.
Tasked with a new duty, Ejiofor opened up about what his responsibilities entail.
“Being more of a vocal leader. Being a guy that makes sure we’re all on point, even when we’re down,” he said. “Being a guy that sets an example for the rest of my teammates. I’ve always prided myself on doing everything the right way.”
After going dancing in his freshman season at Kansas under legendary head coach Bill Self, Ejiofor knows what it takes to play deep into March.
“I’ve played at Kansas, and [at St. John’s], so I’ve played a lot of basketball throughout my years,” he said. “I know exactly what it takes to be in the tournament having been there before. So my job as co-captain is to make sure we’re all aligned on one main goal: making the tournament.”
Year two under Pitino plays witness to a different formula than his inaugural year at the helm. In 2024-25, Ejiofor accounts for one-half of his roster’s leadership.
The other belongs to a once-adversary in Richmond.
Fresh off an All-Big East First Team appearance while with the Red Storm’s cross-town rival, the graduate guard was the prize of this offseason’s transfer class. His 15.7 points, seven rebounds and 5.1 assists per game led Seton Hall to a National Tournament Invitational (NIT) title and cemented
his status as a potential second-round selection in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Richmond was listed as 247 Sports’ top-ranked portal member and ultimately chose St. John’s over Oklahoma, Syracuse, Miami, USC and Illinois, per Zach Braziller of the New York Post.
Once the 23-year-old’s decision was made public, there was no shortage of backlash from the Seton Hall faithful, but the noise has faded into the background.
“I’d say when I committed, [there] was the most uproar,” he said. “But since I’ve been here, I haven’t heard or seen much.”
Even among his former colleagues, there’s a mix of understanding and competitive anticipation.
“He’s still family, people gotta do what they gotta do,” sophomore Pirates’ guard Isaiah Coleman told The Torch at Big East Media Day on Oct. 23. “No shame to him, but still looking forward to playing him”.
Throughout his short tenure at the University, Richmond is already galvanizing his new teammates.
“[The team] is really close. Kadary [Richmond] has gotten us even closer since he’s got comfortable with the fellas,” sophomore wing Brady Dunlap said.
Despite an increase in expectations from his previous home, Richmond isn’t feeling the pressure of leading a new atmosphere.
“I wouldn’t say it’s been complicated because I’m starting to learn what [Pitino] expects from us as a whole,” he said. “So I’m able to help in that category.”
As for his personal goals in the final season of his collegiate career, Richmond wants to “win at the highest level, as much as we can.”
United by a drive to honor the St. John’s heritage set forth by the likes of Lou Carnesecca, Chris Mullin, Mark Jackson and Bill Wennington, the duo shares Pitino’s vision of instilling a true championship mentality.
For the last two decades, the Red Storm’s identity had shrunk to the epitome of mediocrity, but Ejiofor and Richmond look to guide the University into a new era of annual national recognition.
Torch Photo / James Williams
Simeon Wilcher’s Drive
Olivia Seaman Editor-in-Chief
As the St. John’s Men’s Basketball season begins, all eyes are on Simeon Wilcher. After a breakout freshman season, the guard has solidified his place as a starter on this year’s squad. His impressive performances teased what fans can expect as he steps into a more significant role.
At the team’s media day on Oct. 15, Head Coach Rick Pitino said that fans could expect to see the New Jersey native as a solidified starter.
Reflecting on the decision, Wilcher said it feels “great.”
“It’s a blessing. To see the work that I put in, and having faith; it all comes to fruition at once,” he said. “You can’t rush God’s time. His journey has been anything but simple. His
freshman year saw the challenge of adapting to the speed and intensity of college basketball. Despite this, the 6-foot-4four guard appeared in 28 games and entered the starting lineup twice, while learning to find his own rhythm.
“The game slowed down for me,” he told The Torch.
“Coming out of high school, college is night and day when it comes to high school basketball. Playing against older guys and playing in the Big East is definitely a challenge.”
He’s also improved his strength and endurance. “Last year I was underweight but going into this year I feel like I’m a good size. I’m going to be able to do a lot of things to help our team win.
Torch Photo / Sebastian Zelaya
Fueled by NCAA Snub
That’s all I care about.”
Wilcher enters the season with a chip on his shoulder — not making the NCAA Tournament. His goal, the same as many of his fellow teammates, is to get there and stay there.
“I want to win big with our guys,” he said.
“Not a lot of us have had the chance to play in March Madness. To be a few games short or a game short; whatever it was that kept the committee from putting us in there, we know how that feels and we don’t want to feel that again.”
“I think this year we have the team to do it,” Wilcher said.
This year’s squad brought in eight new faces, Wilcher being one of five returning players. The team, ranked one of the top recruiting classes in the NCAA, looks to capitalize on its backcourt.
The team’s first exhibition game vs. No. 25 Rutgers saw Wilcher put up 15 points, six rebounds and three assists in 27 minutes.
Postgame, Pitino praised Wilcher for his performance.
“The best part about Sim[eon] is he comes in and, he didn’t play, he just kept saying, ‘we only have two turnovers in the second half’. That’s awesome and that’s what Sim is all about. Sim is already is a great player, but I’ve got a lot of great players in this team, a lot.
Wilcher’s development is a testament to his dedication and the growth of this year’s squad. With the season just days away, the spotlight on him is brighter than ever. As he steps into a starting role, the expectations are high — both for Wilcher and the team.
The combination of his hard work, newfound strength and determination to make it to March Madness has fans and coaches alike anticipating a standout season.
With Wilcher at the point, St. John’s looks poised to make a serious run. The journey begins Nov. 4, and for Wilcher, the only way forward is up.
Torch Photo / Sara Kiernan
Jaiden Glover
#31 #24 Lefteris Liotopoulos Zuby
Brady Dunlap #44
Shin Splints Won’t Stop
Kyler Fox Managing Editor
Of all players on St. John’s Men’s Basketball’s 202424 roster, there may not be a more pro-ready member than RJ Luis Jr.
He possesses all the traits NBA scouts look for in a first-round talent. Luis’ combination of speed, size, defensive instinct and shooting make him one of the Big East’s dark horses for Conference Player of the Year. The 6-foot-7 junior showed flashes of a league-ready prospect last season, but shin splints prevented Luis from displaying everything he’s capable of.
“I’m still trying to find my legs. I feel like my jump isn’t 100% there yet, but I’m still going to be aggressive,” he told The Torch at St. John’s media day on Oct. 15. “I’m just [going to] take what the defense gives me, and always stay aggressive on the offensive end.”
His first season in Queens coincided with head
coach Rick Pitino’s inaugural year at the helm, and once he was cleared from the nagging shin issues, Luis developed into an integral part of the 2023-24 Red Storm’s run.
Despite being banged up, he averaged 10.9 points, 4.6 rebounds and one assist per contest in just over 21 minutes a night. Now healthier and destined for a larger role, those numbers are expected to rise.
That campaign resulted in heartbreak after a miraculous late-season turnaround nearly catapulted St. John’s into the NCAA Tournament. In hopes of righting last year’s wrongs, Luis is itching to take the court with the Red Storm’s talented new faces.
“I feel like the easiest thing to do is play with other great players,” he said. “It just makes my job
Torch Photos / James Williams
RJ Luis Jr.’s NBA Dream
easy. It’s going to be good. It’s going to be fun to see how that all works out.”
As a sophomore, Luis’ sole focus was acclimating himself with Pitino’s system. Now having a year in the hall-of-famer’s scheme under his belt, he’s using a Bible verse from the Book of John to guide his way.
“You don’t know what I’m doing now, but later you’ll realize,” Luis said, referencing John 13:7. “I’m just sticking to the plan that He’s written.”
Historically, Pitino-led teams experienced a significant jump from year one to two. If St. John’s’ 91-85 exhibition victory over No. 25 Rutgers on Oct. 17 displayed anything, Luis is primed to help keep that tradition alive. In a hostile road environ-
ment, the 21-year-old tallied 22 points on 6-of-9 shooting, leading a second-half comeback to knock off the incredibly-hyped up Scarlet Knights.
“When [Luis] moves off the basketball, he’s a lethal player. He’s unguardable,” Pitino said postgame via Bryan DeNovellis. “He is lock, stock and barrel, a first-round draft pick.”
After speaking former Red Storm guard Daniss Jenkins’ NBA opportunity into existence, the 72-year-old may do the same for Luis. Having developed the likes of professional All-Stars Donovan Micthell, Jamal Mashburn and Antoine Walker, Pitino’s word carries weight.
Now it’s up to Luis to turn his head coach’s desire into a reality.
Deivon Smith Set to Join Three-Headed Backcourt Monster
Kyler Fox Managing Editor
Listed at 6-foot-flat, 247 Sports’ 12th-ranked transfer Deivon Smith is the shortest member of St. John’s Men’s Basketball 202425 roster. But if he gets out on the break with no one in front of him, you’ll be treated to a vicious between-the-legs tomahawk slam.
Smith’s bounce is only one aspect of the fifth-year senior’s freakish athleticism, making him a perfect fit for head coach Rick Pitino’s patented up-tempo offense. The hall-of-famer has traditionally run a very guard-reliant scheme, highlighted by his tenure at Louisville.
During the Cardinals’ 2013 National Championship run, Pitino boasted a trio of Peyton Siva, Russ Smith and Kevin Ware. In search of the same feat at St. John’s, he’ll have Seton Hall transfer Kadary Richmond, returning sophomore Simeon Wilcher and Smith headlining the backcourt. The transition to Queens results in a smaller role for the Utah transfer, who is fresh off a
13-7-5 season for the Utes. While the nightly scoring average may drop, his on-court impact is sure to remain the same.
Despite so much ball-dominant talent alongside the preseason All-Big East Second-Teamer, Smith isn’t concerned with the fit.
“I think we’ll be able to feed off each other,” he told The Torch at the Red Storm’s media day on Oct. 15. “[There’s] a lot of good athletes on this team. So it’s not just me that stands out. We got a lot of good pieces.”
Smith got a delayed start to his tenure at St. John’s due to a shoulder injury, but rehab hasn’t hindered his optimism.
“It’s been pretty good on the shoulder,” he said. “Just getting back into the swing of things, getting back to the game reps, back into game shape or practice shape. Just coming back right.”
Since the beginning of training camp, Pitino’s been mum on announcing a set starting five. While he’s offered that Wilcher, Richmond and Zuby Ejiofor will start virtually every game, the remaining two spots will be game-dependent.
“I think probably with this
basketball team, more than any team I’ve coached with the exception of ‘96 Kentucky, you’ll see multiple starting lineups,” he said.
Pitino kept his word in the Red Storm’s exhibition victory over Towson on Oct. 26, allowing Smith to start alongside other core depth pieces. The high-flying guard didn’t disappoint, displaying disruptive on-ball defense, elite court vision and, of course, his unmatched athletic ability. Should Smith find himself consistently leading off next to the confirmed starting backcourt, he’s comfortable with playing in a supporting role.
“I don’t always have to have the ball. Sim could bring it up. Kadary could bring it up,” he said. “I’ve played in similar situations [in] AAU, high school, even my freshman year at Mississippi State.”
Smith added that he “feeds off other guys,” and a trio of himself, Richmond and Wilcher “could be fun.”
Pitino wants to play fast, and there may not be another player within the Big East conference who possesses more speed than his new addition does.
“ ”
[There’s] a lot of good athletes on this team. So it’s not just me that stands out. We got a lot of good pieces.
- Senior guard Deivon Smith
Torch Photos / James Williams
Torch E-Board Season Predictions
Olivia Seaman – Editor-in-Cheif
Kyler Fox – Managing Editor
Isabella Cautero – Sports Editor
James Williams – Asst. Sports Editor
MEN’S WOMEN’S
Record: 22-8
Best Returner: Simeon Wilcher
Best Newcomer: Jaiden Glover
Record: 15-14
Best Returner: Ber’Nyah Mayo
Best Newcomer: Lashae Dwyer
MEN’S WOMEN’S
Record: 24-6
Best Returner: Simeon Wilcher
Best Newcomer: Kadary Richmond
Record: 17-12
Best Returner: Ber’Nyah Mayo
Best Newcomer: Kylie Lavelle
MEN’S WOMEN’S
Record: 22-8
Best Returner: Simeon Wilcher
Best Newcomer: Vince Iwuchukwu
Record: 20-9
Best Returner: Tara Daye
Best Newcomer: A’riel Little
MEN’S WOMEN’S
Record: 24-6
Best Returner: Brady Dunlap
Best Newcomer: Kadary Richmond
Record: 17-12
Best Returner: Ber’Nyah Mayo
Best Newcomer: Jade Blagrove
Olivia Rainson– Features Editor & Social Media Manager
Carlyann Carey – Opinion Editor
Molly Downs – Culture Editor
Celina Mullady – Asst. Culture Editor
Record: 23-7
MEN’S WOMEN’S
Record: 22-7
Best Returner: Brady Dunlap
Best Newcomer: Vince Iwuchukwu
Best Returner: Phoenix Gedeon
Best Newcomer: Kylie Lavelle
MEN’S WOMEN’S
Record: 22-8
Best Returner: Sadiku Ibine Ayo
Best Newcomer: Lefteris Liotopoulos
Record: 19-10
Best Returner: Ber’Nyah Mayo
Best Newcomer: Ariana Vanderhoop
MEN’S WOMEN’S
Record: 21-9
Best Returner: RJ Luis Jr.
Best Newcomer: Jaiden Glover
Record: 24-5
Best Returner: Skye Owen
Best Newcomer: A’riel Little
MEN’S WOMEN’S
Record: 23-7
Best Returner: Brady Dunlap
Best Newcomer: Jaiden Glover
Record: 22-7
Best Returner: Phoenix Gedeon
Best Newcomer: Janeya Grant
‘24-’25
#1 Ariana Vanderhoop
‘The Time is Now:’ Ber’Nyah Mayo’s Journey to Captaincy
James Williams
Asst. Sports Editor
How do you replace a player who was a near 20-point-per-game scorer, a former Big East Sixth-Woman of the year and a unanimous selection to the All-Big East First Team just a season ago?
With someone who strives to be even better.
On Oct. 16, graduate student guard Ber’Nyah Mayo and junior guard Jailah Donald were named team captains of the St. John’s Women’s Basketball team.
In her first season for the Red Storm last year after transferring from the University of Massachusetts, Mayo contributed high-value minutes in the starting lineup nearly every game.
Starting 32 out of 33 games next to fellow guard Unique Drake, Mayo mostly played second fid-
dle to the dominant scoring Drake as an off-ball shooter or the primary passer. With lessened scoring chances, Mayo still averaged 10.9 points on 39.2 percent shooting along with 3.5 assists and 3.1 rebounds per game.
With Mayo expected to take on much of Drake’s scoring responsibilities, she feels no pressure as expectations continue to soar.
“I’ve been ready for this moment since I stepped foot on a college campus.” Mayo told The Torch at Big East Media Day on Oct. 23, “I feel like the time is now.”
Being labeled a team captain adds a substantial burden to anyone, but Mayo sees it as a new challenge to overcome.
“Stepping into that role gets me outside of my comfort zone is pretty easy, you just show up every day and do what you do, you lead by example and help those around you,” Mayo said.
Torch Photo / Sebastian Zelaya
Mayo as a captain shouldn’t surprise anyone and seemed like a no-brainer decision from Tartamella. He spoke at the team’s media day on Oct. 15 of Mayo’s impact and overall impressive play last season.
“We started 2-5 and we came back from Puerto Rico last year in a bad spot, we were just able to turn the corner and [Mayo] was a big reason for that,” Tartamella said. “I thought she was one of the best guards in the league by the end of the season and obviously in the country.”
Tartamella credits her play in the Women’s Basketball Invitational Tournament (WBIT) as evidence for this claim. In the team’s first game against the University of Florida, Mayo scored 16 points on an efficient 7-11 shooting day from the field en route to a 79-60 victory. In round two against the University of Toledo, the team suffered a heartbreaking 72-71 loss but Mayo put up a valiant effort, scoring 13 points and five assists in the
loss.
Along with a 26-point scoring outburst against Seton Hall earlier that season, performances like these are what earned the Johnnies’ captain her new title.
To contrast the team’s slow performance in the opening games last season, one of Mayo’s main goals and expectations for the team was to start hot and stay hot.
“We need to get off to a good start and keep that momentum going, don’t let any games get away from us and play hard every night,” Mayo said.
In the Red Storm’s exhibition game against Pace University, Mayo was given her first chance to hit the ground running in her new position. While her playing time was cut drastically in favor of giving new players time to acclimate, Mayo still contributed five points and two assists on 2-6 shooting during the 80-48 blowout win.
Torch Photo / James Williams
Jailah Donald Primed For a New Leadership Role
James Williams Asst. Sports Editor
New management and new people taking on leadership positions can bring forward a difficult transitional period in any setting, even without the overwhelming pressure of collegiate sports. But for the St. John’s Women’s Basketball team, this change falls into the capable hands of junior guard Jailah Donald and graduate student guard Ber’Nyah Mayo.
On Oct. 16, Donald and Mayo were named captains for the upcoming 2024-2025 season. Now entering her third year with the Johnnies, Donald is more than prepared for a new role.
“It’s definitely an honor.” Donald said at Big East Media Day on Oct. 23. “I have to play more of a leader role, just supporting my teammates and doing everything I can for the team.”
Last season, Donald’s part on the team was to act as more of a spot-up shooter during her occasional starts. The California native shot .35 percent from 3-point range on 2.7 attempts, resulting in 5.8 points per game. Behind Unique Drake, Donald was statistically the second best shooter on the team – tacking on 41.5 percent from the floor and a team-best of 90 percent from the freethrow line.
In addition to her new responsibilities as team captain off the court, she also wishes to add different aspects to her on-court abilities.
“I’m obviously expanding my game, getting to
the cup, pull-ups, but still shooting the ball as well,” Donald said.
If Donald can move inside the 3-point arc more frequently and become a confident three-lev el scorer, then she will be a huge factor in Head Coach Joe Tartamella’s “score by committee” tactic on offense.
This offensive strategy is a stark contrast to last season’s game plan, which was to play through their main scorers. An all-hands-on-deck approach to scoring the ball will give players like Donald more opportunities for high point performances.
Increasing her scoring output and honing leadership skills aren’t her only expectations for this season. At the team’s media day on Oct. 15, Donald mapped out a very clear plan for the team this year.
“Being able to compete, work hard and be consistent,” Donald said. “We know we want to win and get to March Madness.”
A trip to the NCAA tournament this year for St. John’s would be Donald’s second appearance, the first coming in her freshman season in 2023. Under the direction of Donald and Mayo, a run into the postseason is a real possibility.
Donald and the rest of the Red Storm will suit up for their first game of the season against Saint Peter’s University in Carnesecca Arena on Nov. 4.
Junior guard Jailiah Donald We know we want to win and get to March Madness.
Torch Photo / James Williams
Torch Photo / Sebastian Zelaya
Torch E-Board Season Predictions
Malak Kassem – News Editor
Isabella Athanasiou –Asst. News Editor
Nicholas Diagostino –Co-Business Manager
Carter Kizik – Co-Business Manager
Record: 23-7
MEN’S WOMEN’S
Record: 18-11
Best Returner: Sadiku Ibine Ayo
Best Newcomer: Leteris Liotopoulo
Best Returner: Jayda Brown
Best Newcomer: Lashae Dwyer
MEN’S WOMEN’S
Record: 24-6
Best Returner: RJ Luis Jr.
Best Newcomer: Jaiden Glover
Record: 17-12
Best Returner: Jayda Brown
Best Newcomer: Lasahe Dwyer
MEN’S WOMEN’S
Record: 21-9
Best Returner: Rj Luis Jr.
Best Newcomer: Kadary Richmond
Record: 18-11
Best Returner: Ber’Nyah Mayo
Best Newcomer: Kylie Lavelle
MEN’S WOMEN’S
Record: 24-6
Best Returner: Zuby Ejiofor
Best Newcomer: Kadary Richmond
Record: 14-15
Best Returner: Ber’Nyah Mayo
Best Newcomer: Kylie Lavelle
Sebastian Zelaya – Photo Editor
Megan Chapman –Design Editor
Isabella Acierno – Outreach Manager
Alexandra Prettitore –Asst. Features Editor
Record: 21-9
MEN’S WOMEN’S
Micah GraysonAsst. Opinion Editor
Best Returner: RJ Luis Jr.
Best Newcomer: Kadary Richmond
Record: 19-10
Best Returner: Ber’Nyah Mayo
Best Newcomer: Kylie Lavelle
MEN’S WOMEN’S
Record: 20-10
Best Returner: Rj Luis Jr.
Best Newcomer: Jaiden Glover
Record: 18-11
Best Returner: Ber’Nyah Mayo
Best Newcomer: Ariana Vanderhoop
MEN’S WOMEN’S
Record: 19-11
Best Returner: RJ Luis Jr.
Best Newcomer: Deivon Smith
Record: 20-9
Best Returner: Skye Owen
Best Newcomer: Naveah Wingate
MEN’S WOMEN’S
Record: 18-12
Best Returner: Brady Dunlap
Best Newcomer: Ruben Prey
Record: 17-12
Best Returner: Skye Owen
Best Newcomer: Ariana Vanderhoop
MEN’S WOMEN’S
Record: 20-10
Best Returner: RJ Luis Jr.
Best Newcomer: Kadary Richmond
Record: 17-12
Best Returner: Skye Owen
Best Newcomer: Ariana Vanderhoop
Lashae Dwyer Plans to Push the Pace for Johnnies’ Backcourt
James Williams
Asst. Sports Editor
After an active offseason that saw two-star players leave for greener pastures and five new faces join the locker room, senior guard Lashae Dwyer’s addition to the 2024-25 St. John’s Women’s Basketball team will add veteran stability in a transitional year.
As a Miami Hurricane, Dwyer saw multiple attempts at an ACC Championship and two appearances in the NCAA Tournament — including a run to the Elite Eight in 2023.
In a historic 70-68 upset against the No. 1 seeded Indiana Hoosiers, Dwyer scored a solid four points and four assists off the bench, showing she can contribute in high-pressure environments. An experienced veteran player like Dwyer is invaluable to the Johnnies’ push to return to the NCAA tournament after missing out last season.
In her three seasons at Miami, Dwyer was used as a spark plug off the bench or rotational minutes in the starting lineup where her impact was clear on both sides of the court. In addition to her 6.7 points and 2.7 rebounds per game last season, Dwyer averaged 1.5 steals – the third most on the team.
Her two-way prowess is something that impressed Head Coach Joe Tartamella.
“[She] brings us incredible intensity defensively and I think she’s going to be able to score at a higher rate,” Tartamella said while speaking at the
team’s media day on Oct. 15.
Dwyer’s addition fits well into Tartamella’s fastpaced offensive and defensive schemes. The team’s ability to push the floor and create open shots was stressed by Dwyer and fellow guard and captain Jailah Donald at Big East Media Day on Oct. 23.
“We can push pace, we have a lot more guards and a lot more shooters,” Donald said.
Dwyer fits seamlessly into this plan as a speedy guard who shoots a capable 30% from 3-point range.
When discussing the differences between her time at Miami and future with St. John’s, Dwyer had a similar outlook on this year’s team.
“This team is very good, we play fast and we’re building our chemistry,” she said
The ability to bond with her new teammates and coaches has come easy for the Toronto native and has allowed Dwyer to buy into the culture of St. John’s.
“When I visited the school, my teammates showed me love as soon as I walked in,” Dwyer said. “I felt the family vibes and that’s a reason I committed [to play at St. John’s].”
At the Johnnies’ loaded guard position, Dwyer will likely play the same role she did with Miami, this time behind Ber’Nyah Mayo and Donald. Her addition will also be seen off the court as a veteran teacher to underclassmen players and an experienced presence to all.
Dwyer and the new-look Johnnies will start their season off at home against Saint Peter’s University on Nov. 4.
“
When I visited the school, my teammates showed me love as soon as I walked in.
” - Senior guard Lashae Dwyer
Torch Photo / James Williams
Torch Photo / Sebastian Zelaya
Madness On Her Mind: Skye Owen’s Junior Season
Isabella Cautero Sports Editor
For junior guard Skye Owen there is one expectation this year: “make it to March Madness.”
As a freshman on the St. John’s Women’s Basketball team, Owen got a taste of what madness March can bring. In the 2022-23 season, led by Kadaja Bailey, Jayla Everett and current Director of Basketball Operations Danielle Patterson, the Red Storm made it through the NCAA First Four game against Purdue University before falling to No. 6 North Carolina in the first round.
In her sophomore season, the team fell short of that NCAA tournament opportunity after losing a gutsy Big East Tournament quarterfinal game against Georgetown University in which Owen recorded six points in 27 minutes of play against the Hoyas.
The team went on to compete in the Inaugural Women’s Basketball Invitational Tournament (WBIT) instead — where they eventually fell to Toledo in the second round.
With a taste of glory, Owen is ready to make it back to that post-season berth.
In her freshman season, the Staten Island native saw 13 games worth of action with an average of 1.2 points per game in 3.5 average minutes played.
As a sophomore, Owen made four starts and appeared in all 33 games for the Red Storm. She averaged 5.4 points per game, with 1.9 assists and 1.4 steals. She was a staple from the free-throw line, shooting 76.9 percent from the charity stripe last season.
Under the wings of star guard Unique Drake,
Owen came off of the bench for most of the 202324 season. As a utilized “sixth-woman” she has come to embrace her role and do what is best for the team.
“It depends on who we play, and how the team is looking,” Owen said of her role as a potential starter. “It’s a new team so we’re just gonna go into each game looking to win.”
“Whatever is best for the team,” she continued at St. John’s Media Day on Oct. 15.
At the team’s 80-48 exhibition win against Pace University on Oct. 21, Owen recorded 10 points, one steal and one rebound for the Red Storm as their first player off the bench.
Owen regarded her “playmaking” as one of her biggest attributes for the team. In a 67-55 win against Xavier last season, Owen put up nine points and collected five rebounds off the bench. Her ability to create open space on the floor and find her teammates is something that Head Coach Joe Tartamella has continued to praise since she arrived in Queens..
“Without [Owen’s] contributions today I don’t know if the game is in our favor,” Tartamella said postgame. “She was terrific.”
After the game, Tartamella went on to describe all of the things you need from her as guard to bring St. John’s success — momentum changing plays and controlling herself through the game. That mid-season game started a shift for Owen as a physical presence on the court. She finished the year averaging 22.6 minutes per contest.
Owen is a staple of this St. John’s Women’s Basketball team and is poised to step up in her junior season as such on the court.
Torch Design / Megan Chapman
‘Persistence and Resilience’ Drives Deeper Motivation for Tara Daye
Isabella Cautero Sports Editor
With the 2024-25 St. John’s Women’s Basketball upon us , junior Tara Daye is ready to bring her competitive spirit to the court.
The 5-foot-10 guard from Newark, NJ made her debut for the Red Storm last season after transferring from DePaul University following her freshman season. As a Blue Devil, she averaged 1.9 points, 2.3 rebounds and shot 42.3 percent from the floor.
Daye jumped up in the stat sheet and averaged 4.2 points with 3.2 boards in her first season with the Red Storm. Against Big East competition, she recorded an average of 5.8 points and 4.5 rebounds – including a 12-point performance at Seton Hall on Jan. 22. The gritty contention of the Big East is no stranger to Daye, but it’s the competitiveness she faces in practice that continues to drive her further.
“You have to fight for your spot,” she said. “Being consistent and staying motivated, that’s the biggest takeaway for me.”
In her first year with the Red Storm, Daye made 31 appearances with 19 starts – a fact she is well aware of going into the new season.
“Last season I started 19 games,” Date told The Torch at St. John’s media day on Oct. 15. “There are more than 19 games a season.”
‘Persistence’ and ‘resilience’ are two of the biggest lessons she has learned from Head Coach Joe
Tartamella since arriving in Queens a year ago.
With eight returning players and six new faces added to the roster Tartamella and his coaching staff are prioritizing staying healthy with the depth they have in multiple positions on the court.
“We’re excited about the way they’ve been competing early in the year,” Tartamella said in his opening statement at media day.
In an 80-48 win over Pace University during an exhibition matchup on Oct. 21, Daye came up with 11 points, seven boards and three steals. She shot 100 percent from the floor with five field goals made on five attempts.
Regarding the roster acquisitions this year Tartamella spoke on the importance of leaning on veteran players, such as Daye, Jailah Donald, Ber’Nyah Mayo, Skye Owen, and Phoenix Gedeon to ground the newcomers.
“Every year is a re-tool at this point, in terms of the landscape,” Tartamella said. “You lean on those players to be able to acclimate them quickly as teammates.”
Although Mayo and Donald were named team captains on Oct. 16, Daye spoke to The Torch the day prior about her work in the off-season and how much it propelled her position as a leader for the Johnnies.
“It’s seeing what the team is missing and being that for the team,” Daye said. “I like to lead by example, but I also like to know my personnel. I like to get to know all my teammates.” “I understand how they react to things differently. I don’t talk to everybody the same way, but because we have the same goal – which is to win – everybody understands that when I do say something or act differently it’s because of that passion,” she continued.
Daye worked a lot on her game over the summer to step into that position for her teammates, but also for herself.
“In the off-season, I worked on everything,” Daye said.
“I just had to work on my game, all aspects,” she continued. “I’ve been in the gym. My practice stats are looking good. I feel more confident.”
As a player, Daye makes sure to bring the energy no matter the situation — showcased in her Tip-Off walk-out song and choreographed dance number with the St. John’s Dance team.
“I’m always looking forward to bringing the energy,” Daye said. “I’ve always been that player to make sure that everyone’s head is right, including my own, and I try to be consistent with that.”
With a well-rounded performance in an exhibition game already under her belt, Daye is showing signs of stepping into that dynamic role for this roster.
“This is gonna be a big season for me and I’m looking forward to it,” Daye told The Torch.
“Everything’s gonna show.”
Torch Photo / James Williams
Torch Design / Megan Chapman