MISSOULA — Injury problems are nothing new for the Montana Lady Griz. They have four guards out for the year, and their starting point guard continues to play, despite breaking her nose twice during the season.
McKenzie Johnston looked destined to become a star after a fantastic finish to her sophomore season, but the junior has seen her scoring, shooting percentage and assists per game take a slight hit since she first broke her nose back in December.
Last week, she broke out with two strong performances on the road, including a season-high 21 points at Idaho. And Johnston will feel even more comfortable going forward, because she won’t have to wear the annoying protective mask anymore.
“It’s just hot,” said Johnston about the mask. “Peripheral-wise, there is just a lot of things that I didn’t notice were as difficult until I started playing in it more. This last weekend helped me get some confidence going. I had a couple good games, just scoring-wise. I get my mask off this week, so it’s exciting. I’m looking forward to not having to play with that anymore.”
Johnston and the Lady Griz shoot to sweep the season series versus last-place Weber State in Dahlberg Arena Thursday night. They’ll tip off at 7 p.m. versus the Wildcats.
