Barrington’s girls basketball team is still learning how to play together this season. The player most in control of that dynamic is point guard Kelly Katis.
A 5-5 junior, Katis is in her third year of varsity play and second season as a starter. Last year, the Broncos’ roster included seniors Brooke Gunderson and Angie Kirchoff. Their presence allowed Katis to develop as a young point guard.
This season, the circumstances are different. Katis is more than a game manager. She’s a game changer.
“Every year with experience, you are asked to do more. Her main job is to distribute and be the coach on the floor,” Fillies coach Babbi Barreiro said. “She has worked very hard to be a scorer and to develop more scoring from the outside.”
Over a three-game stretch in December, Katis emerged as a legitimate scoring threat. In a 51-47 win over Grayslake Central on Dec. 9, she scored 10 points. Two days later, Katis scored 13 points (including 6-for-7 shooting from the free throw line) in a 38-23 win over Palatine. Then she produced another double-digit scoring game with 10 points as Barrington lost 53-46 to Huntley on Dec. 13.
Katis said that with such an inexperienced roster (Barrington has just four seniors), she knew she’d be asked to score more this season. Katis hired shooting coach Dawaun Wells, founder of Limitless Basketball Training, to assist her development as a shooter. Wells also offered advice on interpersonal skills.
“I’d get so frustrated [in previous seasons]. I try and stay more positive with my teammates. If someone misses a pass I’ll say, ‘That’s OK. You’ll get it the next time,’ ” Katis said. “He helped me stay positive with everyone.”
A strong post player can be a great ally for a point guard. Barrington has that in 6-3 junior Megan Talbot. Talbot’s authoritative presence in the post assists Katis’ growth.
“We’ve played together since the fifth grade. We know where each other is going to be and we’re progressing and getting better,” Talbot said.
Katis said: “It’s kind of nice to have your best friend on the court and run pick and roll with [Talbot].”
After finishing 1-2 at the Dundee-Crown Charger Classic holiday tournament, Barrington ends the 2014 calendar year 6-8. Senior forward Bailee McDonald is contributing quality minutes, as are junior guards Abigail Elo and Auri Grayson, sophomore forward Alex Van Ryne and freshman guard Rachel Mori.
On Jan. 6, the Fillies begin a stretch of 10 games in 30 days, eight against Mid-Suburban League opponents. To be competitive, Barrington will need its inexperienced players to continue to emerge. The Fillies will also need Katis to sustain her high level of play.
“It’s a young team, not by age, but by varsity minutes,” Katis said. “We have to come ready to practice and want to get better.”