Petty Inspires E&H Basketball Team With Actions Instead Of Words

EMORY, Va. – Sarah Petty is a different type of team leader.

Instead of encouraging her teammates with words, the junior guard provides inspiration through her dynamic actions.

With a mix of drives, moves and jumpers, the 5-foot-7 Petty led the Emory & Henry Wasps last season with 13.5 points per game.

“I’m kind of a quiet person, but things change once I get on the court,” Petty said. “I try to make things happen any way I can.”

With a roster made up entirely of underclassmen, Petty was forced to take a prominent role at point guard. In addition to her scoring, Petty supplied 5.7 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 2.1 steals per game.

“We struggled at first against more experienced and stronger teams, then we all realized that we had to step up our games,” Petty said.

That maturation process began in February when the Wasps lost by just five points to eventual Old Dominion Athletic Conference champion Virginia Wesleyan. The following day, E&H shocked the 19th-ranked team in NCAA Division III in Randolph-Macon.

“Even though we were young, we really didn’t have to time to be afraid of the competition. We had to do the job,” Petty said

Petty was familiar with the reconstruction process. In her first season, the Wasps were forced to adjust after all the upperclassmen left the squad at midseason.

“The past two seasons have been an experience,” Petty said. “We’ve just depended on each other, and tried to grow together.”

The Wasps hope to benefit from their growing lessons this season, as every player returns.

In addition to Petty, players to watch include junior guards Baylie Snyder and Brittany Rogers along with 5-10 juniors Samantha Shepard and Alex Lyons.

“Anticipation for this season began as soon as last season ended,” E&H coach Joy Scruggs said. “With a team of only sophomores and freshmen, we knew that we had plenty of challenges but great potential to develop.”

Scruggs has been delighted with the development of Petty, who took over as the starting point guard halfway through last season.

“Sarah came to Emory with some strong skills, but she has really grown as a player as she has become more confident,” Scruggs said.

As a former point guard for the University of Tennessee, Scruggs understands the essentials of a quality floor leader.

“Sarah has a good understanding of the game and excellent court vision, so being a decision-maker at the point guard spot really gives our team an advantage,” Scruggs said.

And once Petty makes a decision, she acts quickly. The second-team All-ODAC pick engineered the landmark win over Randolph-Macon, then guided the Wasps to important victories over Eastern Mennonite, Roanoke and Washington & Lee.

With the overtime win against W&L, E&H secured a spot into the ODAC tournament.

Petty traced the tournament run to a bonding process which began over the Christmas break.

“We were the only students on campus at the time so we spent a lot of time together,” Petty said. “That really helped with team chemistry.”

Petty came to E&H with an extensive hoops background. She picked up the game at age eight, and refined her skills on the AAU level for seven years. Petty’s Nashville area team advanced to the 17-under AAU national tournament in Florida during her senior year at Creek Wood High School in White Bluff, Tn.

“I played with and against a lot of players in AAU that went on to NAIA and larger colleges,” said Petty, referring to notables such as current Tennessee Lady Vols guard Cait McMahan from Maryville, Tn.
“I’ve worked hard on my game, and Coach Scruggs has pointed out things that I can improve on.”

According to Scruggs, one of the strengths for Petty is her team-first approach.

“Sarah can not only create offense for herself or teammates, but she’s also a team tough defender,” Scruggs said.

While Petty may never be the prototypical floor general, she is firmly established as the go-to player for the Wasps.

“I try my best to keep everybody focused and involved in the offense,” Petty said. “I like to drive the lane, but I don’t have a problem helping my teammates get a shot.”

Now that the Wasps have been tested under fire, Petty is eager for more intense battles.

“We’ve learned what we need to do to win games,” Petty said. “We’re looking to have a more aggressive mindset now.”

agregory@bristolnews.com (276) 645-2544