Emily Fisher’s name preceded her game — at least on the varsity level.
Libertyville’s 5-foot-11 freshman guard built a reputation as an elite player in middle school based on her highlight-reel plays, especially in AAU.
Fisher received a scholarship offer from Iowa State in mid-July, a full month before her first day of class at Libertyville. She made unofficial visits to Nebraska and Iowa State in the fall, a rarity for a Lake County perimeter player so young.
But Fisher’s ballyhooed varsity debut arrived later than scheduled due to a stress fracture in her back. She sat out the first 10 games and made her first appearance Friday. She provided a glimpse of her potential with 5 points, four rebounds and three blocks in a win over Niles West.
Fisher, also an elite soccer player, had her coming-out party Saturday. In limited minutes, she scored a game-high 14 points to go with a few eye-catching plays in a 70-24 win over Vernon Hills in the Libertyville Winter Classic.
“It’s so wonderful, stressful at first, but once I got out there and played with everybody, it was so fun, so fun to not be sitting and finally being out there on the court,” Fisher said.
“It’s a wonderful feeling, especially with the team accepting me as a freshman, and it’s a great feeling. I’m glad to be playing, helping make the team better and contributing.”
Fisher’s presence definitely makes the Wildcats (8-4) better. Her uncanny poise and physical strength are uncommon for a freshman guard. Fisher stymied the Cougars (6-7) with spin moves, patient drives and whipped passes, and by crashing the boards.
Libertyville coach Greg Pedersen, breaking character from his normally reserved demeanor, has been effusive in his praise of Fisher.
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“Her driving to the basket and finishing is one of the best we’ve ever had in this building,” he said. “Adding that with what we already have with our set of shooters on the perimeter is going to make it tough for people to stop. She’s special.”
Indeed, Fisher’s presence could be the X-factor in leading the Wildcats to new heights in the Class 4A playoffs.
“On the court, she’s pretty much unstoppable,” Libertyville senior guard Margaret Buchert said of Fisher.
Vernon Hills coach Paul Brettner added: “She adds another weapon when they really didn’t need one.”
Raining threes: Lydia Crow highlighted Libertyville’s running-clock victory Saturday by hitting four 3-pointers. The Wildcats torched the nets for 10 threes in the first half and finished with 12 in the shortened game.
“It was nice to shoot like that, especially since I’ve had a rocky start,” Crow said. “I was glad to knock some down, was getting some great passes by my teammates. We were moving the ball really well.”
Buchert said the Wildcats showed they can be a hard team to defend with so many players able to spread a defense out, especially with Fisher in the rotation.
“It’s really fun when we are all making our shots and threes,” Buchert said.
Leading a young team: Vernon Hills junior guard Daniella Jarrell is adapting to being a leader on a team with two freshmen and a sophomore among the starters.
Jarrell scored six points in the loss Saturday and nearly hit a three-quarter-court shot at the end of the third with a one-handed heave.
“It’s definitely different, especially having freshmen and sophomores on the team,” Jarrell said. “Our team is definitely young, but I’m excited for our potential in the future.”
Bob Narang is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.