OLMA Freshman Shannon Brady Learns on The Job

The move from middle school to high school basketball can be a tough one. Not only are the games faster, but the strategy can be more complex.

While freshman and Glen Cove native Shannon Brady is experiencing that transition first hand, she has shown that she belongs with the big girls. 

"There's so much pressure," Brady said of the advanced defenses she faces in the CHSAA. "It's really hard to handle, but I'm getting better at it."

Through nine games, the freshman is averaging eight points and four rebounds per game as one of two freshman starters on coach John Kiffel's squad. 

Brady's highlights so far this season include a , and more recently, a

Hailing from Glen Cove, Brady played middle school basketball at . It was here where she honed her skills in a more slowly paced offensive set.

"The speed of play is so much faster," Brady said. "But I'm finding that I'm more comfortable with it. I'm composing myself better."

Brady smiled as she thought back to how she handled her first game as a high school player, a late November date with Herbert Lehman.

"I was all riled up," she said, adding that she is glad that her demeanor within games has improved.

Stats and styles aside, Brady's goals for this season are concrete and unwavering.

"I want to win," she said without a moment of hesitation.

But Brady's athletic prowess isn't limited to the gym; she has excelled as a freshman center on the Mustang soccer team this past fall.

"Playing with older kids really helped me get to know what to expect," she said. 

While Brady may be a humble athlete, the task she undertakes on a game-by-game basis can not be understated. She spends most games guarding some of the best high school athletes on Long Island.