The Zero Effect

The indomitable Edniesha Curry says Cal State Northridge is about to reach for the stars in women’s basketball.

To see a star, all she needs to do is reach for a mirror.

Curry, a sophomore guard from Palmdale High, is the most dominant player ever at Northridge, and her leadership, ability and pervasive influence could have the Matadors reaching the NCAA Tournament before she is through.

Already Curry has gained national attention. She was a freshman All-American last season, leading the Big Sky Conference in scoring and sparking Northridge to a 14-14 record and a third-place finish in the Big Sky.

But her sights are set much higher. She casts her eyes to the top of the Matador gym and has a vision.

“When I’m a senior I want to look up at the wall and see back-to-back championship banners hanging there,” she said.

For a team that struggled to a 31-155 record in Division I before Curry’s arrival, some might call it a stretch.

No one can tell Curry, whose boundless energy and enthusiasm reaches every aspect of the program. To her, success stands to reason.

And she wants more.

“I want to look in the stands and see them full,” she said. “This team deserves support.”

On some nights, Northridge already displays the promise Curry envisions. The Matadors are 6-4 and open Big Sky play Wednesday against Northern Arizona at Northridge.

“We learned to let those losses roll off our backs,” Curry said. “Our goal is to be No. 1 in the Big Sky. I don’t put my team behind anybody.

“The only thing that can prevent us from being the best is us. I say we should reach for the stars.”

On the statistical sheet, Curry is among the nation’s elite. She ranks ninth with a 22.8 scoring average and is fifth in three-point baskets.

However, she is more concerned with team goals than personal statistics.

“It’s not important whether I score nine [points] or in the 20s,” she said, pointing out that in the last two games--both Northridge victories--she scored a combined 19 points.

“I put a lot of trust in Edniesha,” Coach Frozena Jerro said. “We all have a lot of faith in her to make sound decisions and motivate those around her.”

Curry’s passion for the game was never in doubt, even after the turmoil the team endured at the beginning of the season.

Michael Abraham, who had recruited Curry and developed a close bond with her, resigned as coach two weeks after being charged with selling crack cocaine.

The incident was disruptive to the team and embarrassing to the university.

Primarily through her play, Curry chose to lead the team through the crisis. She strongly supports Jerro, an assistant the players wanted to succeed Abraham.

“I don’t focus on Coach Michael not being here,” Curry said. “I focus on the things he taught me.”

Abraham is gone, but Curry pushes on the same way she pushes the ball up court--relentlessly.

“We are heading right for the top,” she said. “People want to play ball in a successful program. We’re going to be there. Soon.”