BUTLER TWP — Quiet aggression.

That’s what Butler graduate Julia Baxter brings to the court for the Butler County Community College women’s basketball team these days.

“She’s a very humble athlete who doesn’t say a word,” Pioneers assistant coach Kathy Wood said. “But Julia is incredibly strong and she plays that way.

“Her aggressiveness is definitely her strong suit.”

BC3 has won 13 of its first 19 games this season and Baxter is a big reason why. The freshman forward is averaging 24.6 points, 13 rebounds and 4.7 blocked shots a game.

All of those figures rank among the best in all of NJCAA Division III. Baxter ranks third in scoring and blocked shots, ninth in rebounds.

“I knew I was coming here since last December,” Baxter said. “It’s close to home, it’s affordable and it was a chance to play for Coach (Dick) Hartung afgain. He’s always made the game fun.”

Hartung coached Baxter when she was a fifth and sixth-grader in the Butler Area School District.

“Julia’s always had the athleticism,” Hartung said. “When she told me she was coming my way, I said we’ll be glad to have her.

“Clearly, she’s added a lot to this program. But she’s got some good talent out there with her, too. We’ve got a good outside and inside game.”

Miranda Williams of Oil City is the only sophomore on the Pioneers’ roster. Baxter is one of three Butler players on the team, joining former high school teammate Kalynn Callihan and Shelby Campbell.

“I don’t see any reason why we can’t get to Minnesota this year,” Baxter said, making reference to the site of the NJCAA Division III National Tournament.

“I feel like my game has grown here. I’m handling the ball more and taking more outside shots.”

But make no mistake. In the paint is where Baxter shines.

She’s felt some pain in there as well.

Baxter had 22 points and nine rebounds early in the third quarter at Waynesburg Dec. 19 when she caught an elbow above an eye while going for a rebound.

“All I saw was a bunch of blood on the court,” Harting said. “All I could think was ... ‘What just happened here?’”

Nearly 20 stitches were needed to close the gash above Baxter’s eye. But she never missed a game and has since scored 25 points in a win over CCAC South and compiled 37 points and 11 rebounds in a loss to Potomac State.

Baxter is good for double digits in points and rebounds on a regular basis and has increased her stock in college basketball.

“I definitely want to keep on playing,” she said. “If I’m back here next year, I’m fine with that. But I’d like to go to a four-year school eventually. I’m looking at Slippery Rock right now.”

The Rock is looking at her as well.

“They’ve been down to see her a couple of times,” Hartung said. “Their coach (Bobby McGraw) played here, so we have connections. If we lose her because she moves on, hey, we’ll wish her well. That’s what we’re here for.

“Julia moves very well to her left. To really advance in the college game, she’ll have to learn to go to her right a little bit. She may develop that in time.”

Just moving to her left makes her tough enough for the opposition.

“Believe me ... I’m glad she’s playing for our side,” Wood said.