Senior Emily Todor is heading into her fourth varsity season at Indian Creek.
When Emily Todor was thrust into the Indian Creek girls basketball rotation as a freshman, the expectation was simple — come in and play lockdown defense so that the Braves’ veteran guards don’t get into foul trouble.
She’s seen her role increase every year since, becoming one of those veterans that coach Brian Ferris can’t afford not to have on the floor. Still a tough perimeter defender, the 5-foot-7 senior has also been handed the keys to the Braves’ offense.
“We’ve been very lenient with some of her mistakes as she’s matured,” Ferris said. “This year, when we talk to her, it’s like, ‘You’re it now. You can’t make those sophomore mistakes anymore.’”
In averaging 11.8 points, 2.4 assists and 2.4 steals last winter, Todor showed that she’s capable of delivering at both ends of the court. Now, as she’s done in each of her previous seasons, she’s planning to take on even more responsibility both on and off the floor.
“In the past, I’ve just had to lead more by example,” Todor said. “This year, I have to be a lot more vocal and help younger people, tell them what they need to do and stuff.”
Of course, some of the Braves’ younger players have already proven themselves. Lauren Foster, the team’s top returning scorer (17.4 ppg), and Faith Wiseman (9.3 ppg, 9.5 rebounds, 3.0 blocks) were both immediate contributors as freshmen, helping Indian Creek win its first sectional title in five years.
Todor was the team’s top shooter from both the 3-point (39%) and free throw (85%) lines, so it’s not like she isn’t capable of putting the ball in the basket. But having at least two dependable scorers at her side takes some of the pressure off of her to do so every night.
“Knowing that there’s other girls who also are going to make their shots makes it a lot easier,” Todor said, “because I know I don’t necessarily have to score every possession. I can pass to one of them and know that they’re going to make their shots.”
Also a standout shortstop, Todor has started to draw some Division I softball interest — but her love of basketball is strong enough that she’s still considering the possibility of going to a smaller college where she could continue to play both sports.
If this is her last season on the hardwood, Todor plans to make it a good one. Indian Creek would like to get one step beyond where it did a year ago and win its first-ever girls basketball regional. For the Braves to make good on those plans, they’ll need plenty of contributions from Todor … both with the ball in her hands, and as the defensive stopper that she was when she first arrived.
