Bishop Dwenger’s Eleni Shea has been in the spotlight for years, but the 6-foot senior forward will get even more attention beginning today.
The SAC’s decision to play girls-boys basketball doubleheaders on Fridays will allow fans to see top girls players such as Shea.
“I feel it will bring in more fans for the girls because we usually don’t get as many as the boys do,” Shea said.
“A lot more students will come if there is a girls game beforehand. In the past, there have been more fans there when that has happened. There’s more of a good atmosphere, and it’s exciting.”
Shea and the Saints have played some of their SAC rivals in Friday doubleheaders in the past, and her steady career improvement has her ready for prime time.
Shea is being counted on this year to lead the surging Saints (4-3), who have won 3 of 4 games. She is Dwenger’s captain as well as its leading scorer (13.7 points) and rebounder (7.8).
“When I was a freshman, I didn’t have much of a role,” she said. “When I started dressing varsity, I didn’t get much playing time. But now I am a senior, and I feel like I need to be a leader and set an example for the younger girls.
“Obviously I play more and do more in the games now. I have a lot bigger role than when I first came in.”
It began last year when she averaged 11.4 points and 5.5 rebounds and earned first team All-SAC honors.
“Her role has changed every year, as a sophomore she was a support player, last year we expected her to rebound more and this year she has emerged as one of leaders, scoring and rebounding,” Dwenger coach Dave Scudder said.
It hasn’t always been easy for Shea to lead. “At first, I was kind of shy when I talked to the older girls, and now I can be more vocal and let people know what we need to do and stuff and give directions,” she said.
“I have more confidence in my game and my abilities since I have been playing more. It has helped playing with girls that I am comfortable with, and the coaches telling me I need to be more of a leader and pushing me toward it. It came naturally after awhile.”
It could lead her into a new role next year in college, as she’s drawn interest from several NCAA Division III schools.
“Eleni’s hard work and dedication has helped her develop in to a good player who looks to continue playing in college,” Scudder said.
