During a fourth-quarter timeout on Friday, first-year Niles West girls basketball coach Kyle Braheny addressed his team. Then, Wolves junior guard Lidia Fakhoury spoke to her teammates.
“I’m almost positive I said: ‘No matter what, leave everything on the court,'” Fakhoury recalled.
One of three captains, Fakhoury said she is comfortable being a vocal leader for Niles West, which went on to suffer a 49-36 loss to Maine South in Central Suburban South play in Skokie. Fakhoury said she often speaks up in order to reinforce Braheny’s message and to help inspire confidence in the inexperienced Wolves, who start a sophomore and a freshman.
“I’m just talking up what coach says. I’ll also do whatever it takes for my team to believe in themselves because I feel that’s something we’re lacking right now,” said Fakhoury, a Skokie resident who scored seven points against Maine South.
Fakhoury is a second-year varsity player who saw limited minutes as a sophomore. But just before the season opener in November, the Wolves players chose Fakhoury as one of the team’s tri-captains.
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Braheny said he was not surprised Fakhoury earned that distinction.
“She’s very vocal. She’s been a leader since Day 1 (in the offseason), in our open gyms, in our weight rooms, she’s always making us better,” said Braheny, who was officially hired in May. “Sometimes people won’t speak up, but (Fakhoury) is not afraid to. She knows the game, she’s smart and she’s trustworthy.”
Joining Fakhoury as captains are junior guard Sam Galanopoulos and senior guard Tricia Pabst. Fakhoury said she has been friends with her fellow captains for many years, and their presence has helped her adjust to a leadership role.
“With Samantha and Tricia, I grew up playing with them. We know each other. We have chemistry on and off the court,” Fakhoury said. “Being a leader with them, they make the transition (from reserve to leader) so much easier.”
Braheny describes the 5-foot-5 Fakhoury a good passer and a 3-point shooting threat. Fakhoury’s accuracy from behind the arc has been on display throughout the season, most notably when Fakhoury hit four 3-pointers and scored a season-high 14 points in Niles West’s 45-38 loss to Yorkville on Nov. 14.
“She’s a fantastic shooter. She’s hit several big shots,” Braheny said. “That’s a great role for her, as an outside threat. We have Galanopoulos (the team’s leading scorer) on offense, we have Tricia Pabst and (junior) Bryanna Manogura to run our offense, look to dribble/penetrate. As long as we have (Fakhoury) on the outside, (the opponent) has to honor her.”
Notes
Galanopoulos led Niles West with 12 points against Maine South. Sophomore forward Dahlia Maxwell added seven points and six rebounds for the Wolves.
Dan Shalin is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter @Pioneer_Press