advertisement

Smith, South Elgin learning to deal with adversity

There isn't a sports team in America that enjoys seeing its leader go down with an injury.

But in the case of the South Elgin girls basketball team, Becca Smith's knee injury, while not a good thing, is helping the Storm grow up.

That was evident Saturday when the Storm weathered a storm and hung on to beat East Aurora 44-41 in the South Elgin gym, giving the Storm a 2-2 record without their Division I recruit on the floor.

With Smith on the bench learning how to be a “coach”, her teammates got another day of learning how to play more as a team, learning how to depend more on each other and not just on No. 15.

“The kids have much more responsibility now,” said South Elgin coach Tim Prendergast. “At times people just stand around and watch Becca. So her being hurt does help us in a way. They're learning to play without her and that will make us a better team when she comes back.”

Prendergast was hoping Smith, who averages 20 points per game, would be back Thursday against Lake Park or, at the latest, Saturday against East Aurora. But Smith's physical therapist recommended more rehab and in watching Smith limp around the gym Saturday it's obvious more PT is needed. Smith described the injury as being to her kneecap, as well as some minor cartilage damage. And you can tell the three-year varsity starter is not all that thrilled being on the sidelines.

“It's horrible,” she said. “This is the first time I've missed varsity games in my life. Being hurt just (stinks). There's no other way to put it.”

The Storm players who have had to step up and make a difference with Smith sidelined have done so, for the most part. It's still a very young team and on Saturday had just two seniors in uniform. One of those, Kelsey Prince, continued to take more of a scoring load by leading the team with 14 points. But senior Deandra Anderson, juniors Lania Robinson and Nicole Lewis, sophomore Kara Rodriguez and freshmen Savanah Uveges and Kennede Miller, who hooked up for what turned out to be the game-winning points Saturday, are learning more and more about teamwork and playing through adversity.

“I don't see them as freshmen anymore,” Prince said of Uveges and Miller. “They step up as much as they can and help out.”

Being a junior, as long as she comes back strong, Smith's college stock shouldn't be affected by this injury. According to Prendergast, Smith has major interest from, among others, Bradley, Illinois State, Loyola, Duquesne, Princeton, Kansas State and NIU.

Above all, Smith is learning something new as well. It's called facing reality and learning patience.

“This really makes you appreciate how much of a gift it is to be able to play,” she said. “I just love to play and I can't wait to get back on the court.”

When she does, it's a pretty safe bet the entire Storm team will be better. South Elgin has more than week off now before tackling Streamwood, Metea Valley and Bartlett before the postseason begins.

And all you have to do is remember how soundly this team whipped 18-4 Waubonsie Valley two weeks ago to know that if Smith is healthy, this bunch is capable of making some postseason noise.

jradtke@dailyherald.com

Images: South Elgin vs. East Aurora girls basketball

South Elgin hangs on for win