STrib: Sara Scalia Reinvents Her Game

[Ignatius L Hoops]

Gophers women's basketball junior Sara Scalia reinvents her game while carving a legacy

The prolific shooter enters the Big Ten tournament with a new range of experiences developed since point guard Jasmine Powell left the program.

www.startribune.com

Youngblood:

Scalia's assists nearly doubled down the stretch, compared to her season-long numbers. She has gone back to the step-back three – a staple of her high school days – to find space. When Powell was at her best, she could draw defenders and dish to Scalia. Now Scalia is often initiating the offense.

"I have grown as a player since Jas left,'' Scalia said. "I had to work more as a distributor. It's a sacrifice.''

There will be a lot to work on this summer. With five seniors leaving the program, Scalia will have to become more of a vocal leader, not a natural strength. "I've come a long way since freshman year,'' she said. "Freshman year I didn't say a word.''

Scalia will spend her summer trying to get stronger, better at finishing at the rim. And, of course, working on her shot.