Butler girls basketball improving quickly
Success has been measured in small increments for Butler, currently riding a two-game winning streak to improve to 5-5 under the guidance of third-year coach Kim Wilson.
“Things are really starting to click and I think that we are becoming a lot more competitive, “ Wilson said. “We’ve been working a lot is on the defensive end. Trying to keep the ball out of the middle and boxing out has been a real focus for us this year. On offense, there’s been a great improvement with the confidence of our shooters. Everyone feels confident shooting. We’ve been trying to set screens and roll and everyone’s been pretty active in our offense.”
Taylor Russnak has contributed at both ends of the floor. The senior forward scores 10 points a game while pulling down seven rebounds and coming up with four steals.
Senior point guard Sofia Martini is an extension of Wilson on the court and has contributed seven points and three assists a game. Junior forward Sammy Flynn, the Bulldogs’ defensive specialist, leads the club in scoring with 11 points a game, and in steals with 2.7.
The back court is handled by sophomore Megan Drano (5.3 ppg.) and freshman Melissa Konopinski (3.0 points, 2.3 assists and 1.5 steals).
“I am so impressed with them because they are so open to learning the game of basketball,” Wilson said. “They come every day and are ready to go and are very receptive to learn and to just get better.”
Martine makes a splash
A swimmer during her first two years at St. Elizabeth, Ellie Martine is now making waves on the basketball court.
The junior guard is putting up 11 points and 2.8 steals per game, leading the team in both categories, while pulling down nearly eight rebounds.
“I used to do both,” Martine said. “I played basketball in middle school, and then I switched to swimming in high school because I could only play one sport. But then I missed basketball, so I came back to it, and I’m glad that I did.”
Martine scored a career-high 22 points in leading the Panthers to a 55-21 victory over Vernon on Jan. 11 and had a double double of 17 points and 10 rebounds in a 45-21 triumph over Dover last Friday, the Panthers' third victory in the last five games.
“This is her first year playing basketball since eighth grade," St. Elizabeth coach Bruce McCloud said. "I really like the way she plays with her energy and her hustle. She’s been a good addition to the team.”
Girls Basketball Top 10
1. Morris Catholic 10-2
2. Morristown 9-1
3. Chatham 9-4
4. West Morris 10-2
5. Montville 9-3
6. Mendham 8-3
7. Jefferson 9-1
8. Pequannock 9-2
9. Hanover Park 9-3
10. Parsippany Hills 6-5
(Records through Tuesday)