The old heads are gone now. That means that Howell sophomore guard Gabby Piepho is comfortable taking control of games and taking control of the moments.
She respected outgoing seniors Molly Deurloo, now a freshman guard at Alma College, and Sophie Daugard, who was named Livingston Daily’s female athlete of the year, mostly for what she did in track and field. Deurloo and Daugard produced great moments on the basketball floor and were leaders of the team. But neither one is as talented in hoops as Piepho who can run the team from the point and hit three’s with consistency.
Piepho showed why she is the best female hooper in Livingston County when she hit personal bests in three-point shots (eight) and points (34) during a thrilling 60-59 victory over Farmington Hills Mercy (1-1) in the season-opener last week.
Her eight three-pointers were a school record. And Piepho’s 34 points were just four off the school record. Considering she played just 22 minutes against a tough Catholic League opponent and that she is just a sophomore, that scoring record is likely to fall at some point.
The Highlanders (2-1) are so talented that Deurloo predicted this squad will win a Class A state title before Piepho graduates.