Elisabeth Wentlent learned the importance of sharing from an early age. Growing up in a household of nine, it was congested at the dinner table, and no doubt Mom and Dad Wentlent made sure everyone got their fair portion.
So it’s no surprise “Lizzy” has taken her sharing mentality to the athletic arena. “She has got to be the most unselfish player of any sport I have had the privilege of coaching,” said Greene girls’ varsity basketball coach, Dave Gorton. Gorton has 13 years of high school coaching experience, and in most years was coaching every season. “I think she is one of those rare kids who has the old-fashioned belief that you never worry about personal glory, but what’s good for people. She’s a strong character type of individual.”
Wentlent isn’t just the Trojans’ primary ballhandler, she takes care of the ball as if she is a lioness protecting her young – and she is just as fierce.
Wentlent has put up 12 points, eight rebounds, and six assists over two Greene sectional wins, and has her team in position to win its first Section IV title since the 1996 season. She is the orchestrator of the highest scoring playoff team – boys or girls – in the entire section, and for a day will not have to share a thing as our Smith Ford LLC/Evening Sun Athlete of the Week.
Wentlent made her first impact as a varsity player when longtime head coach Bill Case called her up as an eighth-grader. Late in the finals of the Norwich Pennysaver Tournament, Wentlent picked up a steal and basket to secure her team’s championship win over the Tornado. Over the years, she has grown into a standout varsity player with few if any weaknesses.
“I owe Mr. Case so much,” Wentlent said. “He saw me when I was young and trusted me enough as an eighth-grader. I think that’s why I’m mature as a player. I’m calm and just go for it. (Mr. Case) gave me a lot of confidence.”
Gorton, in his first year as the varsity coach, is reaping the benefits of an experienced team led by one of its most experienced players. Wentlent doesn’t put up flashy statistics – ones that show up in box scores – but she leads the team in defensive charges with 10, leads in assists, is among the leaders in rebounds, and always – always – guards the other team’s most talented offensive player. “I fully believe she is capable of scoring 15 to 20 points a game,” Gorton said. “She’s an outstanding shooter, and she may have to score that many for us next year. She doesn’t do the things that get all of the glory, but when she is on the floor, I feel confident something good will happen on the floor.”
Wentlent makes it a point to regularly study the point – elite point guards on the collegiate level – and has gleaned one important tidbit: “If you watch point guards. on the good college teams, they get the ball to everyone,” Wentlent said. “I’d rather have 10 assists than score 30 points.”
With a bevy of talent around her this year, Wentlent probably will not have to score close to 30 points this Saturday for the Trojans, but 10 assists might come in handy. And with those assists would likely come a big championship trophy.
“If we win on Saturday it will be emotional, but we’re all having the time of our lives,” she said.