As a freshman in 2018-19, Lauren Daffenberg (Yorkville, IL/Yorkville) made an immediate impact for the Hillsdale College women's basketball team.
In 2019-20, Daffenberg took the next step, taking a spot in the starting lineup and quickly becoming a leader on the court for the Chargers.
In recognition of her improvement, Daffenberg earned a spot on the All-GMAC second team at the Great Midwest Athletic Conference's annual women's basketball banquet hosted on Thursday night at Walsh.
In an injury-plagued year for the Chargers, Daffenberg was a consistent, positive presence, joining teammate Sydney Anderson as one of just two players to start all 27 games for Hillsdale in 2019-20.
Daffenberg led Hillsdale in scoring with a 12.7 points per game average and also led the Chargers in steals (22) and free throw percentage (86 percent, minimum 20 attempts), while finishing second in minutes per game.
The sophomore had four games of 20 or more points, including a season-high 25 in the team's opener against Saginaw Valley St. on Nov. 8, and finished in double figures in 18 of her 27 games.
Known for her long-range shooting ability, Daffenberg shot 32.7 percent from 3-point range on the season, hitting a career-high seven 3-pointers in the Chargers' season finale against Findlay on Feb. 28 and making six 3-pointers in three more games in 2019-20.
Daffenberg is one of three starters slated to return for Hillsdale in the 2020-21 season as the Chargers hope to stay healthier and move up in the GMAC standings.
Photo: MaryKate Drews