Kristin Auvil (3) brings thed ball up the floor for Moniteau. The sophomore has stepped up her game this year in helping the Warriors overcome graduation losses from a year ago.

CHERRY TWP — Kristin Auvil is not shy.

The sophomore guard on the Moniteau girls basketball team will fire up a 3-pointer from just about anywhere on the court and she's far and away the team leader in that category.

“She likes to shoot,” said Moniteau coach Dee Arblaster.

The only time Auvil is a bit shy is when she talks about her proclivity for firing up long-distance shots.

And her boldness in doing so.

“I guess, if you want to say that,” Auvil said, smiling. “That's my best skill. I've always had that confidence. I don't know why. It always comes natural to me and it shows, I think.”

Auvil was one of several young players being asked to take on big roles for the Warriors this season after the program lost a slew of well-established talent.

Out the door were 1,000-point scorers Kristina DeMatteis and Alazia Greaves as well as key contributor Sara Hull to graduation. Cambrie Campbell also left after decided to focus on track and field instead of basketball.

Auvil was quick to jump into that void.

“I didn't get much playing time last year,” Auvil said. “I've just been working to make my game better and I think I'm starting to show that.”

Auvil actually started to show that late last season.

She scored 12 points to lead the Warriors in a one-point loss to North Clarion in the Keystone Shortway Athletic Conference title game.

All 12 of those points came on 3-pointers.

It made Arblaster think big things for Auvil heading into this season.

“We saw some of that in the playoff game,” Arblaster said. “She played really well for us. I expected her to do that. She wants the ball in her hands.”

Auvil has helped Moniteau reach the District 9 3A semifinals where the Warriors will square off against rival Karns City on a day and time and at a site to be determined.

Auvil hit a big 3-pointer to help beat the Gremlins last week in the final regular season game for Moniteau on senior night.

“Coach truly expects a lot from me,” Auvil said. “I try to do everything I can to help the team win.”

That includes honing her game.

vAuvil also wants to be seen as more than just a dangerous outside shooter.

“I've been working on driving and other things so they don't know my game,” Auvil said.

“Last year I just had to start proving myself,” Auvil added. “And this year I feel like I have.”