Shootaround: Freshman Duo Very Present

Freshmen are recruited to be the future of a program, but Brooke Carlson and Kloe Froebe have been a big part of Colorado State's present this season. Their impact was recognized Sunday when both were selected as part of the Mountain West All-Freshman team.

Just as expected. The playing, at least, maybe not the accolades.

"Yes. I know I can speak for myself and probably Brooke, too – we came in and we wanted to make an impact right away. I feel like we've been able to do that," Froebe said. "that's been really great. Obviously, we still have a lot to improve on. We have three more years, and that's really exciting."

Froebe has started 18 games this season, Carlson 14. Coach Ryun Williams has tried to balance cutting them loose and protecting them in certain matchups, but their progress has been undeniable.

Carlson has earned the role of the starting point guard, reaching double figures in 14 games as she averages 7.6 on the season. She posted a career-best eight assists against San Jose State, producing a pair of games with seven in each. She has 79 on the season to sit second on the team, and as a gambler on the defensive end, she is one of three players on the team to have at least 40 steals.

Her Illinois partner in crime has done it in her own way. Froebe is third on the team in rebounds but is clearly the leader on the offensive glass with 57, a number which seemingly defies her 5-foot-8 stature, helping her averaged 8.6 points per night.

She has three double-doubles for the campaign, highlighted by an 18-point, 18-rebound night against San Diego State.

The whole of it all has been an experience. For both of them, filled with highs and lows, but each step part of their growth.

"It's just been amazing, especially having people like Emma (Ronsiek) and Hannah Sim (Simental), all those seniors and fifth-years who lead the way and are such great role models for us," Froebe said. "It's been a learning year. It's been a great year that way."

Now the two of them are set for their first Mountain West Tournament, which begins Monday for the team against an opponent still to be determined.

One of the best parts is the two who played as preps 166 miles away from each other is going through it all together.

"It's amazing, especially having someone from the hometown. We get to connect faster, and we can lean on each other," Carlson said. "Honestly, I just came in expecting to do what I can. I feel for us we've grown throughout the year, and it's been exciting. We have great people to play along with, and it makes the game so much more fun. Just keep progressing, getting better each game and each day is our goal."

Not a Wasted Day

Though the Rams won't play the first day of the tournament, it isn't exactly an off day for the team. Coach Ryun Williams believes it's an important day to set up success. It's a long day. A difficult one to manage. With breaks. And when the team finally takes the floor on Monday, it will play out much the same.

"This is always the hard day when you have that bye. Everybody rolls into Vegas, they're really, really excited and then you kind of have to hold them back a little bit," Williams said. "Obviously having practice this morning helps, but it makes for a long day."

Sunday began with a quick practice at 10 a.m. local time, then the players were given some free time. In the evening, it was back to the Thomas & Mack Center to take in part of the Fresno State-San Jose State matchup, the winner being the Rams' foe on Monday.

As the tournament plays out, the Rams will always have the last game of the night.

"We really have two full days before you get on the floor. You just have to keep the poise and self-control in check," Williams said. "There's some similarities today for tomorrow, from the time we practice to the game. Athletes are creatures of habit. You want to keep them in somewhat of a routine."

Here and There

Colorado State is 23-22 in the Mountain West tournament, having won titles in 2001 and 2016. Only New Mexico (30) has more wins in tournament play. … The Lobos and Boise State have the most titles in tourney history, each with five. … The team can lay claim to three tournament records: Ellen Nystrom holds the record for assists in a game with 16, set in 2016 against Fresno State; the Rams also hold the record for most fouls in a game – 32 – against Wyoming in 2014; and in that same tournament, the team set the record for most free throws over the course of the event, shooting 93.

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