NORTON SHORES – Olivia Sobczak has always had a lot of offensive talent, with a knack for hitting three-pointers.

But the Mona Shores girls basketball standout still had some work to do on her basketball IQ and gaining a broader understanding of how the entire offense works.

She got a crash course on all of that last season as a junior, when she was assigned to be the starting point guard for the Sailors, because there really wasn’t another candidate.

She did great in that role, learning how to quarterback the offense and set up plays while still maintaining her shooting presence. Sobzcak averaged nine points per game and led the team in three-point shooting percentage last season, despite being the team’s main ball distributor.

Her efforts helped the Sailors finish with a 14-4 record, an O-K Green conference championship and a Division 1 district title.

This year is a lot different for Sobczak and the Sailors, because they have a talented young point guard in sophomore Khaleeya Cook, which means Sobczak was free to move back to the shooting guard position and start playing more of a scoring role again.

It’s working out well for Sobczak and the 2021-22 Sailors so far.

The Sailors are off to a very good 4-1 start, and Sobczak has played a very big role in three of those victories.

She scored 21 points in Mona Shores’ 62-31 victory over Sault Area. She scored 15 points in the Sailors’ 54-31 victory over Forest Hills Eastern.

Nobody scored very many points in Mona Shores’ 38-37 victory over previously unbeaten Grand Haven on Dec. 14, but Sobczak played the starring role anyway.

She totaled 12 points, including six in the crucial fourth quarter, and sank the winning free throw with six seconds left.

“She’s a senior, a returning captain, and she thrives on those situations,” said Mona Shores Coach Mike Phillips. “If we’re going to win or lose a ballgame, there is no better kid to have at the line in those situations.”

Sobczak, who is averaging 12.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2 steals per game, believes the season she spent at point guard has actually helped her become a better shooting guard.

“I feel like I was very timid with the ball,” Sobczak said about her skills in the past. “I would look to give it away and pass to others. But I feel like last year forced me to attack the basket more at times and get off quick shots. I became more comfortable with the ball and had to step up by playing point guard.

“I really did enjoy it. I think I got so much better seeing the court and open lanes or where the best passes are. Now whenever I get the ball, I’m able to bring it up if needed, and I think I’ve improved my court vision because of being point guard.”

Coach Phillips is very familiar with Sobczak and her skill set, because he coached her in youth leagues from the second through fifth grades.

“She’s always been a kid who loves to shoot the three,” the coach said. “She was forced to play point guard last year, which was more of a position she doesn’t want. She wants to be off the ball, but she was the best ballhandler and thrived in it. Now she has the ability to play a little more off the ball. She has done a good job of attacking the basket and trusting her teammates, which started last year. If she makes that extra pass, someone will make that shot or find her back on the cut.”

“It’s been kind of fun to watch her grow in her trust of others, because that’s an evolution for her. She was forced to play that position and it helped her grow.”

With her team playing so well, Sobczak is excited about being in the hunt for another conference and district title. Few expected the Sailors to be back in contention this year, since they lost three of last year’s five starters to graduation, but the new-look team is getting the job done.

Sobczak knows that Reeths-Puffer and Muskegon appear to be good again, so it could come down to the same three neighbors battling for the trophy again. The Sailors will host the Rockets on Jan. 18 and the Big Reds on Jan. 21 in two very big games.

“I’m so excited,” said Sobczak about the idea of having all three area teams competing for a conference title. “I get chills just thinking about it. I remember when COVID wasn’t a thing and I was on varsity my sophomore season. I remember the stands being packed for those Reeths-Puffer and Muskegon games. I’d look around and be amazed by how many people were there and how excited they were. It keeps you in the game and wanting to do your best.”