Junior level guard Molly Knight can shoot the 3-pointer for Providence and isn’t afraid to assault a zone protection head on. Who did she be taught that from? Family and associates.
And it additionally helps to have sisters.
Her oldest sister, Lauren, a 2020 Providence graduate, is now enjoying at Carthage. Kelly, a 2022 alum, is enjoying at Coe. You can rely on them as being the largest influences.
What did she be taught from them?
“Keep moving the ball, and no matter what, don’t stop shooting, basically,” Knight mentioned with the massive smile of somebody who likes to shoot the ball. “They always had that range.”
Knight felt at residence from any vary Wednesday night time, sending the Celtics to a 39-29 victory over Lincoln-Way West in a WJOL Tournament second-round recreation at Joliet Junior College.
The 5-foot-9 Knight led all scorers with 16 factors and added 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals for Providence (2-0). She hit three 3-pointers within the second quarter and one other on the finish of the third that allowed the Celtics to take a 25-23 lead that caught.
Her final 3-pointer was close to NBA vary and hit nothing however internet.
All of that was a lot to the delight of Providence’s Eileen Copenhaver. What does she see within the newest good Knight that reminds the veteran coach of these terrific older sisters?
“They all can shoot the three,” Copenhaver mentioned. “They all play hard. They all want to win. They are very competitive.”
Lincoln-Way West (0-2) obtained a aggressive effort from junior ahead Caroline Smith, who completed with eight factors, six rebounds and 4 blocked pictures regardless of fouling out late. Senior guard Peyton Madl chipped in 10 factors.
Knight, although, wouldn’t be denied, even because the Warriors performed a suffocating zone all through. Providence used crisp passes on the perimeter till somebody — normally Knight — would get open. And if not, she would drive the lane for a shot or kick the ball out.
As some extent guard, management is changing into a giant a part of what Knight does and, actually, who she is. She discovered lots about that part from 2023 graduate Annalise Pietrzyk, who averaged 19 factors and 5.7 rebounds as a senior and is now enjoying at Hillsdale.
“Try to keep everyone up when they miss a shot,” Knight mentioned of her management strategy. “Because I know I get down on myself sometimes.”
It’s rubbing off on gamers like sophomore capturing guard Eilish Raines, who put the sport away with a 3-pointer with 4:06 remaining.
“Last year was her first year on varsity, so she was learning from Annalise,” Raines mentioned of Knight. “Now that she’s our chief, you be taught lots from her via communication.
“She tries to pick everyone up. Even when things don’t go her way, she stays calm.”
Copenhaver mentioned relating to management, Knight is maturing.
“Where things might have bothered her last year, like a missed call or a missed shot, she’s really grown up in my eyes,” she mentioned. “She’s enjoying via issues higher.
“She’s becoming more valuable as she does that — a big growth thing for a young kid.”
Knight began enjoying journey basketball in second grade along with her sisters. Her dad, Matt, was the coach.
Fast ahead to highschool, and Molly by no means did get the possibility to play along with her sisters. Lauren had graduated and Molly was on JV when Kelly was a senior.
In different phrases, as a varsity participant, she’s dealt with all the things by herself. And but, she hasn’t, studying from her sisters. She’s prone to take her journey all the way in which to the following stage.
Again, it helps to have sisters.
“I for sure want to play in college,” she mentioned, nonetheless holding that profitable smile.
Gregg Voss is a contract reporter for the Daily Southtown.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com