When head coach Todd Buchanan attended a Dickinson High School exhibition game a few years ago, he was fascinated with junior forward Marissa Ashton’s potential and knew she could become a special player because of her skill set.
“I’ve watched Marissa since she was in high school before I was even the coach here at UH,” Buchanan said.
“I was always struck by her ability to step out and shoot the three, giving us that versatile skill set that we really didn’t have.”
Ashton was a standout at Dickinson as she averaged 12 points and 10 rebounds per game. She also accumulated accolades — including Freshman Newcomer of the Year, first team All Galveston County and first team all district honors — in all four years. She helped lead her team to the 2007 state championship final and was crowned district MVP as a senior.
Buchanan missed out on Ashton at first.
Ashton played the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 seasons at Texas Tech, where she averaged 2.7 points and 10 minutes per game. Even after her two-year tenure as a Red Raider, Ashton knew she wasn’t comfortable, and it was time to make a change.
“I just didn’t fit into their program of what they wanted me to do,” Ashton said. “I was unhappy, and it made me want to transfer someplace closer to home.”
Buchanan said he knew the Cougars would be a young team this season and was looking for a player who had experience.
“I thought certainly she can step in and give us that experience and leadership qualities, and she’s done that for the most part,” he said.
Ashton has lifted her game since becoming a Cougar, as she improved her scoring average to eight points per game and is shooting 33 percent from behind the arc to lead the team.
Despite coming off the bench, Ashton made memorable performances that include three double doubles and a game in which she posted career highs with six 3-pointers and 22 points against New Mexico State.
“She’s more comfortable with that role, she’s likes to watch the game for the first few minutes to see how the game flow is. I like to have that scorer that comes off the bench to give us that energy,” Buchanan said.
“My only thing is that I wish we wouldn’t have started her the first few games so she can be a prime candidate for Sixth Man of the Year in Conference USA.”
Ashton said she is satisfied with her role in making an impact when the game is on the line.
“I embrace it. I’m not a selfish player, and I know that it’s all about my team,” Ashton said.
“It doesn’t bother me or phase me that I don’t start because I’m in the game towards the end anyway when it’s crunch time.”
Buchanan said Ashton gained a lot of confidence and has grown on and off the court as she continues to take leaps and bounds.
“Once they understand how much you care about them, they’re going to play their heart out for you. I think she is a perfect example of that,” Buchanan said.