Jada carving out territory at Long Beach State

• Jada Crawshaw is averaging 10 points and five rebounds in Sophomore season
• Crawshaw had 19 points against UCLA
• Crawshaw was the 2023 NBL1 East Young Player of the Year

Northern Territory-born sophomore Jada Crawshaw (Instagram) is a rising talent at Long Beach State Beach in NCAAW.

Hailing from Darwin, Crawshaw has quickly become an integral part of the Beach's lineup, showcasing her versatility and potential in the 2024-25 season.

At 1.83m tall, Crawshaw possesses the ideal height for a swing forward, allowing her to be a formidable presence both in the paint and on the perimeter.

Before heading to the Us, Crawshaw averaged 15.8 points and 8.6 rebounds for the Sydney Comets in the NBL1 East Conference. She was also in the Sydney Flames squad in the WNBL when she laid claim to the women’s NBL1 East Young Player of the Year award, averaging of 17 points and nine boards.

Season Overview

As we delve into Crawshaw's performance during the 2024-25 season, it's clear that she has made significant strides in her sophomore year. Through 13 games, Crawshaw has averaged 10.8 points and 4.9 rebounds per game.

Her shooting efficiency is a respectable 39%, indicating room for improvement but also showcasing her willingness to take shots and create scoring opportunities. What's particularly impressive is Crawshaw's versatility, as evidenced by her ability to score from various positions on the court, including beyond the arc.

Game-by-Game Analysis

1. vs. UC Davis (1/12/2025) — W 73-60: In a winning effort against UC Davis, Crawshaw played 18 minutes, contributing four points, five rebounds, an assist, two steals, and two blocks. While her scoring was limited, her defensive presence highlighted her all-around game.
2. vs. CSU Bakersfield (1/5/2025) — W 58-43: This game saw Crawshaw at her most efficient, scoring 16 points on 4-from-7 shooting, including 1-from-1 from three-point range. She also showcased her free-throw shooting ability, going 7-from-8 from the line. Her four rebounds and two steals further emphasised her two-way impact.
3. @ UC Riverside (1/3/2025) — W 63-48: Despite a challenging shooting night (3-from-12 from the field), Crawshaw still managed eight points and four rebounds in 23 minutes. Her persistence in the face of offensive struggles is a positive sign for her mental toughness.
4. vs. Bethesda (12/31/2024) — W 122-49: In a dominant team performance, Crawshaw contributed nine points, six rebounds, and two blocks in just 15 minutes. Her efficiency (4-from-8 from the field) was notable, though her free-throw shooting (1-from-7) indicates some inconsistency from the line.
5. vs. Elon (12/20/2024) — L 68-67: In a narrow loss, Crawshaw played a significant role with 11 points, seven rebounds, and three assists in 24 minutes. Her 2-from-3 shooting from beyond the arc showcased her expanding range.
6. vs. #1 UCLA (12/15/2024) - L 102-51: Facing top-ranked UCLA, Crawshaw had her highest-scoring game of the season with 19 points on 9-from-18 shooting. Despite the lopsided loss, her performance against elite competition is more than encouraging.
7. @ Hawaii (12/8/2024) — W 73-69 OT: In a tight overtime victory, Crawshaw played 25 minutes, scoring 10 points and grabbing five rebounds.
8. vs. CSU Fullerton (12/6/2024) — W 67-56: This game saw Crawshaw record her first double-double of the season with 13 points and 12 rebounds. Her all-around performance, including three assists and a block, was crucial in securing the win.
9. vs. Pepperdine (12/2/2024) — W 68-61: Crawshaw continued her strong play with 12 points and four rebounds in 19 minutes. Her efficient 6-from-14 shooting helped the Beach secure another victory.
10. @ Toledo (11/23/2024) — L 79-72: In a road loss, Crawshaw was a bright spot with 16 points and five rebounds. Her 6-from-13 shooting and 4-of-6 free throws demonstrated her offensive reliability.
11. @ Sacramento State (11/18/2024) — W 69-68: Limited to just 5 minutes, Crawshaw had two points, three steals, and 2-of-2 from the line.
12. @ Pacific (11/16/2024) — L 81-65: Crawshaw scored 12 points, grabbed three rebounds, and blocked two shots in 24 minutes.
13. vs. William & Mary (11/10/2024) — W 67-65: In the season opener, Crawshaw set the tone for her sophomore campaign with eight points and eight rebounds, showcasing her ability to impact the game even when her shot wasn't falling (4-from-12 from the field).

Areas of Strength

Throughout the season, several strengths in Crawshaw's game have become apparent:

1. Versatility: Her ability to score from various positions and contribute in multiple statistical categories makes her a valuable asset.
2. Rebounding: Despite not being the tallest player, Crawshaw's rebounding prowess, especially on the offensive end, creates second-chance opportunities.
3. Defensive Presence: With multiple games featuring steals and blocks, Crawshaw has shown she can be a disruptive force on defense.
4. Three-Point Shooting: While not a high-volume shooter from beyond the arc, Crawshaw has shown the ability to hit the three when called upon, adding another dimension to her offensive game.

Areas for Improvement

As with any developing player, there are aspects of Crawshaw's game that she needs to continue to work on.

1. Consistency: Her shooting percentages and scoring output have varied significantly from game to game. Consistency will elevate her to the next level.
2. Free-Throw Shooting: While she's had games with excellent free-throw percentages, there have also been struggles. Improving from the line will only have a positive impact on her scoring average.
3. Ball Security: In several games, Crawshaw has had high turnover numbers.
4. Foul Management: There have also been games where foul trouble has limited her minutes.

The Road Ahead

As Jada Crawshaw continues her collegiate career with Long Beach State Beach, her potential for growth is evident. Her Territory background brings a unique perspective to the team, and her skill set aligns well with the evolving WNBA game. She has the potential to become not just a standout in the Big West Conference, but also a prospect for professional basketball, whether in the WNBA or international leagues.

For Long Beach State Beach, having a player of Crawshaw's caliber and potential is a significant asset. Her continued development could be a key factor in the team's success in conference play and beyond.