BUFFALO TWP — There comes a time in most games for the Freeport girls basketball team when the Yellowjackets can smell the blood in the water.

“Oh, no doubt, we can,” said junior guard Sidney Shemanski, chuckling. “We love that feeling. When we can sense our press is getting to them, it just makes our adrenaline pump more.”

And the points to come faster.

Freeport is averaging 70.2 points per game this season, largely on the strength of a press that is forcing turnovers in bunches.

Some games, the deer-in-headlights look from the opposition comes early.

“Our press gives us a lot of opportunities to score,” said junior Maddie Clark, who put up a career-high 31 points last week in a 76-44 win over Burrell. In that game, that smothering press allowed the Yellowjackets to jump out to a 32-7 lead after just one quarter. “I think our press has been working really well.”

It's no accident that press has been so effective.

Shemanski said a large portion of practice each day is dedicated to what the team calls its “yellow” press — a 2-2-1 that takes advantage of the athleticism the Yellowjackets can put out on the floor.

“We talk about defense every single day in practice,” Shemanski said. “Defense wins games. Every time we step out onto the court, we want to force turnovers and run on them and get off to quick leads.”

Shemanski is off to a great start this season, averaging 19.5 points, 10.2 rebounds and 4.7 steals per game.

She's emerged as the Yellowjackets' go-to player on a team that features four double-digit scorers.

“I'm very surprised,” Shemanski said of her start. “Last year I wasn't asked to be the main scorer. I just helped out on defense and offense.

“Coming into the season, I knew Jenna (Manke) was gone and I had to step up and be a big leader,” Shemanski added.

Freeport coach Fred Soilis said he knew that wouldn't be a problem.

Shemanski was second on the team in scoring behind Manke last season at 10 points per game.

“I think she has stepped up big time as a leader,” Soilis said. “She's been able to get everyone to step up. She leads more by example than vocally.”

Shemanski is also a star in soccer and track and field for Freeport.

That doesn't leave much of an offseason for her to focus on her basketball skills.

Yet, Shemanski has found a way.

“I've gone sport to sport all my life,” Shemanski said. “Going from soccer to basketball is a hard transition. The only offseason I have is in the summer when I can play in leagues and tournaments.”

Shemanski, though, has plenty of help on a deep and young roster.

Maddie Clark is averaging 16.2 points per game and her twin sister, Samantha, 11.7.

The Yellowjackets also received a boon when junior guard Harley Holloway moved back into the district after spending her first two seasons at Kiski.

Holloway is averaging 12.8 points per game.

“It's great to have her back,” Shemanski said. “I've been playing with these girls all my life.”

That has shown on the court, especially with the four leading scorers who have meshed well together.

“It's clicking for them,” said Freeport coach Fred Soilis. “I'm happy for them.”

Even when Freeport is forced into a half-court attack, it takes a different approach.

“It was new last year and it took us awhile to get the hang of it,” said Maddie Clark. “It's not like we have a set play. We have a lot of freedom with it.”

After dropping its season opener, Freeport has won five consecutive games.

The Yellowjackets will get a good early litmus test Jan. 3 when they host undefeated section foe North Catholic, which is averaging a staggering 82.8 points per game.

“After that opener, we've been playing really well,” Shemanski said. “We feel very confident. We have some great athletes and we've been getting off to quick starts with our speed. We're clicking and we feel great.”