Taking care of business
BUTLER TWP — Dorothea Epps isn't losing any sleep trying to figure out the WPIAL playoff scenarios.
The Butler girls basketball coach isn't consumed by the what-ifs.
She's only concerned about winning.
"I've just been telling the girls it doesn't matter," Epps said. "If we win, we don't have a problem — we're in. We have to take care of what we control, and that's Friday's New Castle game."
Butler certainly controlled Monday night's game against North Hills in a 54-21 win.
The Golden Tornado (15-7 overall and 8-5 in the section) controlled the game from the start, taking a 14-2 lead after the first quarter.
North Hills had more turnovers — 33 of them — than shots from the floor (31).
It was senior night, and two seniors made the biggest impact for the Golden Tornado.
Samantha Karns scored all 10 of her points in the first half and Amy Achesinski also scored 10 points to go along with nine rebounds.
"We need Sam to score, too," Epps said. "We've talked about that the last couple of games. She wasn't looking to score. She was more of a defensive presence and rebounder. But we need her to contribute scoring-wise, and she has started to do that."
Achesinski saw limited playing time because of the nature of the game. At halftime, she was presented with a commemorative basketball after scoring her 1,000th career point against Seneca Valley last week.
Achesinski demands attention inside, which opens things up for senior Julie Ehrman outside.
Ehrman also scored 10 points, hitting three 3-pointers.
The inside-outside dynamic has spurred Butler this season.
"They have to spend so much time worrying about where Amy is and what she is doing, it opens up (Ehrman's) outside game," Epps said. "Any coach loves the inside-outside game because it is so, hard to defense. Hopefully that will carry over to Friday."
Friday is a big day for Butler — maybe.
The Tornado could know their playoff fate Thursday when Fox Chapel and Shaler play. Both teams are 8-5 in the section after wins on Monday and are in a three-way tie with Butler for the two remaining playoff spots behind New Castle (13-0) and Seneca Valley (9-4).
If Fox Chapel wins, Butler is in the playoffs. If Shaler wins, the Tornado would have to beat the Red Hurricanes to make the postseason.Epps, though, is focused on New Castle.She said it is fitting the season could come down to what they do against the Red Hurricanes."We thought so," Epps said. "It seems like that is always the game. When we looked at the schedule, we kind of felt it would come down to that."When you know it's a rivalry, you're going to be up. Plus, I know the girls know the urgency of it. It's like the Seneca Valley game — you better show up to play or you're going to get blown out."<B>NORTH HILLS 21</B>Chris Harding 1-2 1-2 3, Tara Veverka 1-4 0-0 2, Julie Raitano 1-2 0-0 2, Jordan Zangaro 0-2 0-0 0, Kelly Brennan 0-2 0-0 0, Britt Fries 0-0 0-0 0, Kate Manjerovic 2-8 2-4 6, Ericka Slagel 1-2 0-0 2, Julie Havrilla 0-1 0-0 0, Jamie Harkness 1-7 3-4 5, Emily Fidago 0-0 0-0 0, Mallory Klein 0 1-2 1. Totals: 7-31 7-12 21<B>BUTLER 54</B>Rachel Berry 0 0-0 0, Ashley Nocera 0-3 0-0 0, Amy Achesinski 5-10 0-0 10, Maria Baroffio 1-4 2-3 4, Samantha Karns 4-6 2-2 10, Abby Herrit 1-2 0-0 2, Karissa King 1-1 0-0 3, Lyndsy Day 0-0 5-6 5, Jen Lesniewski 0-0 2-4 2, Elizabeth Schultz 1-4 0-0 2, Kelly Crater 2-3 0-0 4, Julie Ehrman 3-5 1-2 10, Michelle Ritchey 1-2 0-1 2, Emily Miller 0-3 0-0 0. Totals: 19-43 12-18 54<B>3-point goals:</B> Ehrman 3, Berry<B>JV:</B> Butler 44-21 (King 11)<B>Friday:</B> Butler at New Castle
