For TheMash
A lot was expected of Niles West’s Jewell Loyd heading into her sophomore season, and she hasn’t disappointed.
Heading into Monday’s sectional semifinal against Maine South, she had averages of 23 points, 12 rebounds and more than four assists. “This summer, I really worked on my game, on my shooting and getting stronger,” Loyd said. “Now I’m not just that little girl who shoots.”
She definitely is that girl that scores.
She poured in a career-high 40 points against New Trier last month, including 23 in the fourth quarter. The performance capped a span in which Loyd went over the 30-point mark in four straight games.
“Those were important games and if I hadn’t gone off like that, we may not have had a chance to win them,” Loyd said. “If the ball keeps going in, why stop shooting it?”
Her strong play has continued in the playoffs. She scored almost half of the Wolves’ points (22) in a 48-39 win over Niles North last Tuesday.
Loyd has played with a sense of urgency of late, not for herself, but for the sake of Niles West’s four senior starters.
“This is their last time to prove something,” Loyd said. “None of us want the ride to end.”
Loyd’s high school career will undoubtedly end with a full ride to college. Coaches from all over the country have Loyd on their radar, but she’s not letting the attention go to her head.
“I’m staying humble; there are a lot of things I still want to work on,” Loyd said. “I’m just happy playing the game I love. You can’t ask for anything more than that.”
