Binford Era Team

[mslacat]

This year marks Coach Binford’s 20th season leading Montana State. It’s safe to say we’re firmly in the “Binford Era,” a time that’s brought significant impact to women’s basketball here. Reflecting on this era, I was reminded that when we discuss the greatest players in Bobcat history, names like Kathleen (McLaughlin) Howard and Cass Bauer often come to mind. But who stands out as the top player from the Binford Era? Could it be Katie Bussey, Darian White, Peyton Ferris, Rebecca Mercer, or someone else entirely? I’d love to hear your nominations, and then we might run a poll with the top picks.

The next step: selecting an All-Binford team—the five players who would form a “Mount Rushmore” (+1) for this era.

Rules for Nominations: There aren’t many rules, except that players from the current team are ineligible, as their stories are still being written. Otherwise, it’s up to you! You might consider the best player overall, those who had the greatest impact on the program, or players who best embodied what it means to be a Bobcat. Whether you choose by position (though good luck picking just one point guard!) or go with the most deserving players regardless of position, pick those who you feel truly represent the Binford Era.

[arvcat2]

I’m kinda late to the game, it was the 2016-2017 season when I made the conversion to Cat WBB. So my reference point starts there:

Peyton Ferris – still can’t believe she was only 5’9” as she played so much “bigger”.
Riley Nordgaard – her hustle was off the charts.
Oliana Squires – just a complete and exceptional all round player.
Fallyn Freije – Big Sky MVP in her one year with the Cats. Nothing but money on that great 2019-2020 team.
Darian White – no brainer pick but it is all those rebounds she got for a 5’6” point guard that is often overlooked.

[BelgradeBobcat]

A favorite of mine and a national three point shooting champ-Tori Martell

[CatRowdy]

1. Katie Bussey
2. Rachel Semansky
3. Hannah Caudill
4. Darien White
5. Madi Jackson

Alternates -- Peyton, Ferris, Tori Martell, Ashley Brumwell, & Kola Bad Bear.

[MSU01]

To me there are three no-brainers: Darian White, Katie Bussey, and Peyton Ferris. Lots of other candidates for the other two spots but I'll take Jasmine Hommes and Rachel Semansky. Good topic, interested to see what others think!

[BobcatDel]

In the spirit of how Coach Bin uses her team, running a full 10 person rotation I actually picked a top 10 with alternates:

Jasmine Hommes
Rachel Semansky
Sarah Balian
Katie Bussey
Darian White
Hannah Caudill
Peyton Ferris
Erica Perry
Tori Martell
Nubia Garcia

Alternates: Fallyn Freiji, Riley Nordgaard, Madeline Smith


And I prepared a brief bio on each player and why selected. Things such as three who were Big Sky Players of year…Hommes, Ferris, Freiji. Or were BS 1st team performers more than once like Erica Perry..who was 1st team twice and also twice BS all-tourney team performer. Or my most unrecognized, most invisible, most under-appreciated player of all time Hannah Caudill, who leads all time records by a wide margin in assists and is the only player ever to record over 500 assists….and at the same time has the second most made 3 pt field goals in history and the second best 3 pt shooting percentage in history (i joked to some folks that since she shot nearly 39% from the arc….why did she ever pass so much to give out assists)!! Anyway, I can share my brief bio if you want to see what ladies all accomplished. These folks would be a dang salty team.

I also have my three favorite teams.

[BelgradeBobcat]

In the spirit of how Coach Bin uses her team, running a full 10 person rotation I actually picked a top 10 with alternates:

Jasmine Hommes
Rachel Semansky
Sarah Balian
Katie Bussey
Darian White
Hannah Caudill
Peyton Ferris
Erica Perry
Tori Martell
Nubia Garcia

Alternates: Fallyn Freiji, Riley Nordgaard, Madeline Smith


And I prepared a brief bio on each player and why selected. Things such as three who were Big Sky Players of year…Hommes, Ferris, Freiji. Or were BS 1st team performers more than once like Erica Perry..who was 1st team twice and also twice BS all-tourney team performer. Or my most unrecognized, most invisible, most under-appreciated player of all time Hannah Caudill, who leads all time records by a wide margin in assists and is the only player ever to record over 500 assists….and at the same time has the second most made 3 pt field goals in history and the second best 3 pt shooting percentage in history (i joked to some folks that since she shot nearly 39% from the arc….why did she ever pass so much to give out assists)!! Anyway, I can share my brief bio if you want to see what ladies all accomplished. These folks would be a dang salty team.

I also have my three favorite teams.

Nice work! Madeline Smith, to me, is by far the most underrated player we've had in the Binford era. Super high field goal percentage. Great rebounder. Steady every game.