Washington Township’s Gracie Little mentioned free throws.
The Senators are about to play in a semistate game for the second time in program history — and first since 2003 — but the 5-foot-7 sophomore guard was looking back at the regional.
“I missed a free throw that could’ve ended the game before overtime,” Little said. “There’s always something you can improve on.”
That sentiment provides a glimpse into the mindset that made Little a varsity fixture at Washington Township (20-6) from the day she arrived. It’s a mentality that has been on display all season and will return to the court Saturday for a Class 1A Frankfort Semistate semifinal against Bethany Christian (22-3).
Little scored 15 points in the Senators’ 55-52 OT win against Argos in the regional final on Feb. 11. That’s in line with her 14.8 average, which puts her right behind sophomore guard Claire Klinger and senior guard Addie Graf, who average 15.0.
The same trio led the Senators in scoring last season, as well, with Little on top at 16.0. She quickly proved to opponents — and herself — that she belonged on the varsity roster.
“I realized I could do things effectively at the high school level, even though I was just a freshman,” she said. “Even against underclassmen, I could still do things that a freshman usually doesn’t do.”
There’s a confidence within Little that has guided her through her first two seasons, a confidence that has developed during several years of AAU basketball. Little started playing in third grade, and by the time she was in middle school, she was typically on the court with players a grade or two above her.
“I wanted to be the underdog,” she said. “It was all about being competitive against the older people.”
That’s what made the transition to varsity basketball easier for Little. She’s willing to tackle any challenge presented to her, whether it’s facing older opponents or devoting extra time at the free-throw line to ensure crucial attempts in postseason games don’t go to waste.
According to Washington Township coach Doug Godbolt, that’s a common theme among his players.
“In practice, whenever you challenge them, they just look at you and say, ‘Is that all you got?'” he said. “They don’t want to lose. They won’t accept it for anything.”
Little spent the offseason becoming a more well-rounded player after the Senators’ loss to Kouts in a 2022 sectional championship game, a defeat they avenged on Feb. 4. Believing she relied too much on shots from behind the arc last season, Little said she added more tools to her offensive arsenal over the summer.
“I knew I’d have to attack more because people would probably close out on my shot,” she said. “So I worked on one-on-ones and things like that to make sure that I can drive to the basket.”
Godbolt said Little has other qualities that are unusual for her age.
“It’s like she’s playing at the mental level of a senior, and she’s only a sophomore,” Godbolt said. “On the floor in practice, she’ll be helping everyone make adjustments. Just having her out there makes a big difference.”
Teammates like senior guard Josie Whitcomb have noticed that. Whitcomb didn’t know Little until they became teammates last season.
“Even when she was a freshman, she wasn’t scared to step up and tell us that we needed to pick it up,” Whitcomb said. “And when she’s on the bench — which isn’t a lot because she plays a lot of minutes — she’s always supportive of her teammates, always wishing for them to do their best.
“It’s the start of someone who’s going to be a great leader.”
Little will admit her own mistakes, going back to those missed free throws against Argos. She also embraced the opportunity for improvement and said she believes she’ll be better for it when the next game arrives.
“That’s what I’m hoping,” she said. “I’ve taken time this week to work more on free throws because they’re easy points.”
Dave Melton is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
