Kennady Kotowski got a taste of what it feels like to play at state in the fall, helping Providence’s girls volleyball team take third place in Class 3A.
Now, Kotowski wants more. The 6-foot-1 sophomore guard/forward is giving her all to make sure the girls basketball team also gets to state for the first time
“I want to do it so badly,” Kotowski said. “It’s such a great experience and I think everybody should get to experience it. I feel like our hard work has just paid off so much, and I hope that this team will get to state, too.”
Kotowski helped the Celtics get one step closer to the promised land Tuesday night.
She scored 12 points and pulled down 10 rebounds as Providence rolled to a 65-42 win over T.F. North in a Class 3A Hillcrest Sectional semifinal in Country Club Hills.
Pepperdine recruit Landrie Callahan finished her huge night with 23 points and 16 rebounds to lead the top-seeded Celtics (30-4). Taylor Healy added 12 points, while Layken Callahan — Landrie’s sister — contributed with 11 points.
“I’m so grateful for the teammates I have and seeing everyone score couldn’t make me happier,” Landrie Callahan said. “Seeing them get a ton of points in this game is amazing.”
Providence will play at 6 p.m. Thursday in the sectional final against second-seeded Hillcrest (27-7), a 47-39 semifinal winner over Marian Catholic (13-18).
Lauryn Jackson and Natalie McGhee scored 11 points apiece to lead fourth-seeded T.F. North (22-9). KaMariyah McClinton chipped in with five points and eight rebounds.
Kotowski, meanwhile, is bringing all her postseason experience to the basketball court. She knows what it’s like to make it to the biggest stage.
“It definitely helps,” Kotowski said. “The big thing is just knowing how to calm nerves and keep the team together when it feels like it’s falling apart. Knowing what it feels like playing in those big games, it really helps keep everyone together.”
Kotowski hit an early 3-pointer as part of a 14-1 surge to open the game for the Celtics, who led 21-7 after the first quarter. Providence coach Eileen Copenhaver knew how vital it was to play well early.
“How important was that fast start?” Copenhaver said. “They played us even after that. We’re thankful that we came out as intense as we did.”
Kotowski was one of the big reasons the Celtics were able to stay in control the rest of the night, and Copenhaver cited her versatility as a major strength.
“Kennedy is one of those glue players,” Copenhaver said. “She can do anything. She can play any position. She can pass. She can post. She can drive. She can shoot threes.
“When you put together everything she does with her rebounds plus assists and buckets, it means a lot.”
Kotowski is quite content taking on multiple roles.
“I see myself as a player that whatever the team needs, I’ll do,” Kotowski said. “If we need more boards, I’ll board extra. If we need a lot of communication or just some energy on the court, I’m up for any of it.”
Landrie Callahan, who heated up with seven points in the second quarter and then six in the third, appreciates the winning mentality Kotowski brings.
“She’s been a very impactful player,” Callahan said. “She knows her position really well. She knows how to pass, she knows how to drive — but her shot, you can’t break it. It’s so good.
“At Providence, they have a lot of honor in teams getting to state and stuff. For her to come straight from that volleyball team to basketball, it’s exciting.”
About that transition? It was a bit rushed after playing until the final day of the volleyball season, but Kotowski wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I didn’t get to do much basketball in the preseason, so it was a bit tough,” Kotowski said. “But I’ve been playing for a while. It was difficult, but I love doing it.”
