Senior forward Talia Banner She was expected to be a key contributor for South Elgin in her third varsity season, but things didn't turn out that way.
A number of key injuries early in the game, especially to starting cornerbacks Izzy Fernandez And Molly Stahlreshuffled the Storm lineup. Suddenly Banner starts talking.
And you have to learn to do it on the fly.
“I'm getting better at lifting the ball because that's what I'll have to do when I go to college,” Banner said. “It’s getting me ready now, so I’m ready for this whole ball game.”
Banner continued to hold the helm Tuesday night, scoring the first 10 points of the game to spark the host Storm to an easy 46-14 Upstate Conference eighth win over Elgin.
The 5-foot-9 Banner finished with a game-high 11 points for South Elgin (7-5, 4-0). Liv Miller added six points, nine rebounds and four steals while returning from injury.
Doniel “ZeZe” Smith also scored eight points off the bench for the Storm. Trinity Riggins scored three points with four rebounds and four steals to lead Elgin (0-13, 0-4).
It's a whole new world offensively for Banner, but South Elgin coach Emily Driessen believes Banner's combination of experience, athleticism and positive attitude gives him the best chance.
“She’s been on the varsity team for three years now, so I think she can handle it,” Driessen said of Banner. “She brings a lot of energy and the pace at which she plays is a huge benefit to the team.
“She's a driven person who will make things happen for us. That's what's helped her be successful so far.”
With the cast still trying to figure out roles, “Storm” got off to a slow start on Tuesday. The game was scoreless until Banner hit a pair of free throws with 4:26 left in the first quarter.
That started a streak of 10 straight points from Banner that lasted into the second quarter. South Elgin ultimately led 23-0. Selena Westlund hit Elgin with a free throw to break the ice.
While the outcome was good, that is not Banner's goal in her new situation.
“I really try to create something for my teammates,” Banner said. “I don't want to be a pig. I want to create for the team.”
Banner also knows her team is in a tough spot right now, so a positive attitude can be contagious.
“I try to keep my spirit and energy up because I notice that as soon as my energy goes down, the whole team goes down,” Banner said. “I try to keep moving forward so everyone can stay on the right path.
“I notice that my energy is a big part of the team, so I always try to support it and give them motivation.”
After a standout freshman season, Fernandez injured her foot on Dec. 6 against DeKalb. How long she will be out remains to be determined. Then Stahl came down and found himself in a walking boot.
While Driessen expects Stahl to return in the next couple of weeks, Miller also missed time due to injury. Other players are also on the sidelines, so the Storm creates a mix as they go.
“We try to preach the next man up a little bit,” Driessen said. “I think our problem right now is possession. I have a lot of small forwards and centers there.”
“We're working on trying to adjust some things, figure them out, keep us in it and keep us in games as successfully as possible.”
Meanwhile, Banner is ready to help.
“We’re going to learn how to play together and keep pushing for it,” Banner said. “Invite new players and see how it goes.”
Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
