COLUMN: I'll miss everything (except the losses)

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Basketball is truly a beautiful game. There is something about every play, and every player, that can be appreciated.

While the Greencastle girls' had a fantastic year, winning their sectional, the rest of the teams in Putnam County faced some struggles. But though there wasn't always success on the scoreboard, covering all the games this year was still a great experience.

Here's all the things I'll miss now that the girls' basketball season has ended:

(In no particular order)

* Leanna Masters crouching down like a baseball catcher before attempting each free throw.

* Sydney Shrum's timely passing, mostly from the elbow to the block where her teammates converted for easy layups.

* The intensity Sam Lucas had when she boxed out her opponents.

* Alex Basile using her spin to crossover an opponent in the middle of the court.

* Mallory Cash lining up for her quick-release three, then blocking her face as she shot so it was impossible to get a good picture.

* Paige Gruener stealing a pass with confidence, then getting more and more nervous as she approached the rim for a layup.

* Morgan Smith smiling, whether driving to the rim for a layup or tossing a pass straight to the opponent.

* Jessica Lenihan subtly shrugging her shoulders after sinking shot as if to say, "Of course."

* Brooke Cundiff chasing the ball on defense, then trying to avoid it on offense.

* Bethany Wiatt posting up her opponent, even when she gave up five inches.

* Callan Taylor chasing around the other teams' point guard the length of the court.

* The juxtaposition of Nikki York (passive and cerebral) and Amanda Barnes (I've got the ball and I'm going to the basket) playing together in the frontcourt.

* Taylor Clark blocking two or three shots in a row, then running back on offense like she was surprised the team got the ball back.

* The change North Putnams' forwards (Cayla Kientz, Taylor Nauert) made from jacking up threes in the beginning of the year to getting inside shots late.

* Taylor Stoltey's pregame rituals as the starting lineup was introduced, including chestbumps, salutes and bowing from her knees.

* Mattie Varvel sucking it up and playing the point to help her team, even though her best skill was as an off-ball scorer.

* Bristy Skiles' never-ending confidence that the next one was going in.

* Madi Asbell getting forgotten about on offense, then flying for a frustration rebound.

* Jessi Covert making plays when she got a chance, then smiling and cheering on her teammates when she watched.

* Brooke Cundiff staring directly at the ball as she dribbled, then looking up and flinging a pass to her teammate when it seemed impossible she knew where to look.

* Amillia Nally trying to run past everyone, and, when that failed, settling for just jumping over top of them.

* Rayleigh Amis sticking right to here team's strategy, on offense and defense, against every opponent.

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