EQUAL EXCELLENCE CRENSHAW NOT A.V.'S STAR BUT JUST AS EFFECTIVE.

Byline: Nevin Barich  Staff Writer

Looking at Sheena Crenshaw, you'd think there was nothing special about her. Her numbers, however, say otherwise.

Crenshaw, a junior point guard/shooting guard for the Antelope Valley High girls' basketball team, has shown admirable all-around numbers so far this season. She's averaging 12 points, six rebounds, five steals and five assists per contest.

Despite her success, Crenshaw has often been overshadowed this year by Shaquina Mosley, another junior point guard/shooting guard.

Mosley has had a stellar season thus far, averaging 16 points a game. She's also a three-year starter, made first-team All-Golden League last season, was named MVP of the Valencia tournament, co-MVP of the Antelope Valley tournament in December and was an all-tournament selection at the prestigious Centennial of Las Vegas tournament.

Crenshaw, however, has earned similar accolades. She's also a three-year starter, a former all-league selection and was named to the Centennial all-tournament team. In league play, Crenshaw has actually averaged more points than Mosley, scoring 21 a game.

And with whom did Mosley share the Antelope Valley tournament MVP honor? Crenshaw.

``I feel equal to Shaquina right now,'' Crenshaw said. ``I feel like we're on the same pace and everything.''

Senior forward/center Naomi Casey has played with both Crenshaw and Mosley since they began. Casey feels the two are pretty much neck and neck.

``They're kind of even to me,'' Casey said. ``They're both really good scorers on the team. Seeing them grow up through high school, seeing them come in their freshman year ... I was surprised how good they were.''

So why is Mosley getting all the publicity? Antelope Valley coach April Davenport thinks because Crenshaw, at 5-foot-7, doesn't stand out in a crowd.

``If you look at her, you'd think she was just an average kid,'' Davenport said of Crenshaw. ``But the numbers she's putting up are definitely not average. She just has to overcome her build.''

What's even more frustrating for Crenshaw is the fact she wants to play college ball, but few coaches venture to scout that area.

``I may have to start out at a junior college,'' Crenshaw said, ``because college coaches just don't come out here.''

Davenport is convinced coaches would be knocking on Crenshaw's door if they only saw her play.

``Her work ethic is what college coaches are looking for,'' Crenshaw said. ``They just need to come out and see her live, so they would know what we mean. I mean, the girl takes three charges a game. What high school player does that?''

Crenshaw has become a more versatile player this year, playing point guard to complement her post skills. While Crenshaw said she's getting better with the switch, it still isn't easy.

``I'm used to guarding girls taller than me,'' Crenshaw said, ``but all these little guards are 5-5 and under. They're hard to guard because they're so fast. In the post, you don't have to play as much defense. You just have to deny them the ball. But at the point, you need help. You really need to play defense-wise.''

Crenshaw has been a part of Antelope Valley's best seasons. The Antelopes have won two league titles in a row and are angling for a third.

This year's team, Crenshaw said, is the best thus far and should start thinking about a Southern Section division-title run.

``We're hoping to go really far into CIF,'' Crenshaw said. ``We're hoping to take it this year.''

CRENSHAW FILE

Who: Sheena Crenshaw

Team: Antelope Valley girls' basketball

Year: Junior

Position: Point guard/shooting guard

Quote: ``Sheena is very versatile. She started off as a post player and now she can play at point. She's an extremely tough kid who can be put at any position.''

- Coach April Davenport

CAPTION(S):

photo, box

Photo:

Antelope Valley High's Sheena Crenshaw, left, has posted solid offensive and defensive stats this season.

John McCoy/Staff Photographer

Box:

CRENSHAW FILE (see text)