A trend at Bellwood-Antis this year is underclassmen athletes stepping up and filling big roles.
On a limited girls basketball roster that features just 13 players, five of whom are freshman, the pressure was on for ninth graders to step up this season.
Playing 18 minutes per game and averaging, 5.7 PPG, 1.8 APG, 3.8 RPG and 1.7 steals per game, Izzy Sloey has done just that.
She is this week’s BluePrint Athlete of the Week.
Izzy is a point guard for the Lady Devils. Coming into this year, she was not too sure about what her role would be this season. She was just excited to be on a team with such great athletes. Little did Izzy know, she would soon become one of those athletes.
Izzy has stepped up big this year for the team and is doing so in a time of need, and she has played her best basketball since returning from Christmas break, with consecutive double-digit scoring games against Huntingdon, Clearfield, and Bellefonte.
“Izzy has been doing a great job for us in her freshman year,” said Coach Kyley Longo-McGarvey. “She is eager to learn and allows us to coach her. She asks questions when she is unsure of things and has been working hard to continue to improve her game.”
Izzy has high hopes for the team this year, including making an appearance in the state playoffs. When asked about what her favorite part of the season was, Izzy said, “My favorite part of this season was getting closer to the girls and honing in her skills.”
Izzy gives credit to her dad, along with Mike and Will Morse for her athletic success in her life. She also credits her mom for being a role model for her life.
Shy and reserved by nature, Izzy has stood out this season by letting her play on the court do her talking.
“Izzy has really come out of her shell. It has been a joy to see her grow as a player, a person, and in her faith this season,” said Coach Longo-McGarvey, “We are pleased with her growth and are excited to see where the next few years take her.”
Izzy has had a busy freshman year. Along with basketball, she plans on running track in the spring. Last fall, she was a member of the cross country team.
When Izzy graduates she wishes to continue her sporting career into college. While she is unsure where she wants to go, she knows that she wants to study nursing while in college.
The BluePrint wishes Izzy good luck the rest of the season.