Big tests coming for Butler
BUTLER TWP — Don’t look now, but here comes Butler.
The Golden Tornado girls basketball team carries a four-game winning streak into Monday night’s game at Section 1-6A co-leader Norwin. The Knights defeated Butler, 56-32, Jan. 5 in the Tornado gym.
Butler is 4-2 in section play. Norwin and North Allegheny — which Butler hosts on Thursday night — are both 5-1. The Tigers won a 64-47 decision over Butler in the NA gym on Jan. 10.
“I like the position we’re in,” Tornado coach Mark Maier said. “I feel like we’re a different team from where we were last time we played those teams.
“Last time we played Norwin, they jumped on us and had a big lead at halftime. We have to play them tough for the first three quarters to give ourselves a chance in the fourth.”
While senior Justine Forbes and sophomore Amelia McMichael have been consistent double-figure scorers for Butler, sophomore point guard Sydney Patterson and senior forward Kelli Kovalick came up with critical scoring contributions in last week’s 58-55 win over Seneca Valley.
Patterson scored 12 points, tallied nine assists, four rebounds and three steals, Kovalick scored nine points, including a 3-pointer that gave the Tornado a seven-point lead in the fourth period.
“Teams are going to be face-guarding Justine and Amelia,” Maier said. “It’s critical we get some offense from other sources. Sydney may be turning the corner for us that way. I thought she made some great decisions with the ball in that game.
“Our sophomore class was unbeaten in junior high, but varsity ball is a lot different. Teams throw different defenses at you, more complex. It’s a learning experience. That’s why we benefit from having two point guards in Hannah (Aldridge) and Sydney. One can pick up the other.”
Patterson recognizes the importance of contributing offensively.
“The lanes are there when defenses guard Justine and Amelia so closely,” she said. “I saw opportunities to get to the basket. I know I need to look for that more often.”
Maier said he was equally impressed with the nine assists Patterson accumulated against the Raiders.
“You rarely see that kind of individual total in a high school game,” he said. “Sydney was making great decisions with the ball. Again, that’s very encouraging.
“We have three of those sophomores starting now (McMichael, Patterson and Madi McGarrah) and a couple more are pushing for playing time. Hannah hit some big free throws (against SV) and can look for her shot a little more. We’re going to need that balance this coming week.”
Patterson had a big steal to clinch the Seneca Valley win as well.
“I like our team right now,” she said. “We’re gaining confidence, getting better.”
Norwin is one of the top-ranked Class 6A teams in the state. The Knights snapped a two-game losing streak with a 68-45 win Saturday at Bethel Park.
Butler's girls (10-7, 4-2) have not won a section title since 2010. The Tornado finished second in their section in 2018 and 2013. Only three years ago, they won seven games and four section contests all season.
“I’m not saying we have to win these next two,” Maier said. “That’s the goal, of course, but the big thing is we show we’re ready to compete with those programs. That’s all part of the process.”
