WILKES-BARRE – The commemorative basketball will provide a reminder that Taryn Ashby became a 1,000-point career scorer in the district playoffs of her senior year.
Watching Ashby’s all-around performance and effort in the District 2 Class 5A girls basketball tournament, however, left a distinct impression of a player who is so much more than a scorer.
First known around the Wyoming Valley Conference as a relentless defender, Ashby never forgot that and other parts of the game as she developed into more of a scoring threat over her four-year career.
The numbers show the many ways Ashby contributed right up through the time she hit five straight free throws for the last five points of the Pittston Area season. The first, with 29.9 seconds left in regulation, forced overtime against top-seeded and state-ranked Wyoming Valley West, the Wyoming Valley Conference Division I champion. The last four gave Pittston Area an overtime lead before falling, 55-52, in the district semifinal Feb. 25 at Wilkes University.
Ashby finished her final game with 25 points, seven rebounds and three assists.
In the quarterfinal, when her foul shot in the last minute closed the scoring in a 58-44 win over North Pocono, Ashby had 22 points, nine rebounds and three assists.
The numbers, though, only tell part of the story.
Scoring comes from working on the skills of shooting and making offensive moves.
Being a defensive stopper comes from combining quickness with the willingness to do the difficult work not always appreciated while potentially taking energy away from the more noticed end of the court.
There was no doubt in her final high school game Ashby was willing to do what was difficult.
Her graceful athleticism was no help when Ashby bravely stood her ground and repeatedly took the game’s biggest hits.
Others take an occasional charge or come up with the theatrical flop when drawing a little contact.
Ashby never flinched while taking hits from bigger and/or fast-charging opponents. She drew two charges, took on a tough blocking call without a complaint and paid the price on an incomprehensible non-call.
And, when it came time to take a hit on the offensive end of the floor to get to the foul line where she was 10-for-12, it was all part of a day’s work.
Kirsten Durling added 13 points in her final game while freshman Leah Hodick contributed 10 points and 11 rebounds in the season-ending loss.
The Lady Patriots were unable to extend a 14-10 season that had started with a bit more promise, but the team’s senior leader left a lasting impression with one final, spirited performance that went way beyond adding up points.
