On-the-job training
GROVE CITY — Megan Gebrosky is fireproof.
She should be. The Seneca Valley graduate and sophomore on the Grove City College women's basketball team has been thrown into the fire enough times.
Last year, there was no breaking-in period for Gebrosky. Because of injuries and other factors, the Wolverines had only six players on the roster for much of the season.
This year, she was handed the offense after point guard Raeann Szelong graduated.
"I knew I had some big shoes to fill," Gebrosky said. "I knew I needed to be ready."
So Gebrosky hit the gym and the weight room six days a week. She played as much as she could and honed her ball-handling and passing skills to ready herself for the taxing position of point guard.
It's still a work in progress, but Gebrosky is settling into the role for the 12-11 Wolverines.
"One of Megan's gifts is she is a smart basketball player," said Grove City women's basketball coach Sarah Harris. "It's really nice as a coach to say things to her and she knows what I mean. When I say 'Control the tempo,' she knows what I want.
"It hasn't been easy," the coach added. "A lot of our talk has been about her struggles. But she is getting there."
This isn't the first time Gebrosky has had to change positions on the fly.
At Seneca Valley, she took over at point guard during her senior season after spending much of her career at shooting guard.
"Experience is always a big plus," Harris said.
Gebrosky scored 8.8 points per game a season ago. While her scoring has dipped to 6.9 points per contest this season, her assists are up.
"I felt comfortable after five or six games," Gebrosky said. "I feel very confident."
So is the team, which has won four of the last five games with its only loss coming in overtime against Bethany. The Wolverines are 8-5 in the Presidents' Athletic Conference and are very much alive for a playoff spot.
Still, Gebrosky said she believes the team could have improved even more.
"I honestly think we could be better," Gebrosky said. "But I feel like we are getting better at the right time."
Harris said part of the reason why the Wolverines are on a run late in the season is because of Gebrosky.
"She keeps the team calm on the court," Harris said. "She knows how to do that. That makes my job as a coach that much easier."
Harris, who was the coach of the year in the conference last season, said she has no regrets about putting so much responsibility on Gebrosky.
Neither does Gebrosky.
"My goal this season was just to be a leader out there," Gebrosky said. "As a starting point guard, I knew there weren't going to be as many opportunities to shoot as much as last year. My job is to get opportunities for others and run the show."
