Epstein assists PDS in third straight win

Scorer has taken on new role

By Justin Feil, Assistant Sports Editor
   Hannah Epstein will gladly be No. 2 if it means the Princeton Day School girls’ basketball team gets closer being to No. 1.
   The Panthers’ leading scorer the last two years, the senior guard hasn’t been the high scorer in any game yet this year. Freshman Tiffany Patterson has that honor, and scored another 19 in a 47-29 win over Timothy Christian on Friday. Epstein had 11 points but is happier about some of her other contributions for first-year coach Jessica Katz.
   ”I came off the court and Jess looked at the stats and said you had five assists,” Epstein said. “That’s my favorite stat.”
   Another favorite is three, as in the Panthers’ third straight win to climb above .500 for the first time this season. PDS was 3-2 heading into a stiff challenge in Rutgers Prep on Monday before they host New Egypt today. The Panthers hope to keep their momentum going.
   ”When they came out for the George game they didn’t quite believe they were a different team from last year,” Katz said of the season-opening loss. “We had a little bit of a talk after that. They realize they’re good basketball players. They stepped up the defensive intensity and they’ve been understanding they can compete.”
   Epstein is happy to be putting some of the frustrations of the last couple of seasons behind her. A varsity player since her freshman year, she is hoping to go out with the program on an upswing, but understandably had some skepticism after three years of struggles to even reach .500.
   ”I was trying not to let myself get too hyped up,” said the Pennington resident. “I had heard Tiffany was the real deal, but I didn’t want to get too excited. Last year, I thought it was going to happen. I thought we were going to turn things around. It’s my senior year, and I want to try to go out and have some fun. So far, it’s looking really good.”
   It might look like Epstein is in a reduced role for PDS, but in actuality she’s probably more important than ever. Epstein has bought into her role.
   ”I’m definitely adjusting,” Epstein said. “It’s hard to go from being the leading scorer to passing to the girl inside. But it’s fun because we’re playing as a team. It’s everybody is putting out.
   ”I’ll take 0 points and 10 assists for a win vs. 30 points (in a loss). Tiffany is such a team player. She never comes off the court, saying ‘I’m the best player.’ She’s a real team player.”
   The Panthers took a giant leap forward with a 55-48 win over Blair on Tuesday. Patterson had 28 points and Epstein had 17 points as PDS picked up a rare win over a Prep A opponent.
   ”That showed us we can do it,” Epstein said. “Now we have to remember the feeling of winning a game like that. The coaches say to keep both feet on the ground, and don’t get too excited. Every one is important. Jess reiterates it all the time. We’re not the same team as we were last year, and that could be the same for other teams too.”
   Said Katz of the win: “They were psyched. They were definitely pumped. The best part is the fourth quarter was our best quarter. They really stepped it up and wanted it. We were down by five going into the fourth quarter and they pulled it together. They played solid basketball. It was a lot of fun.”
   The new coach is seeing big changes in the Panthers. They are starting to play the way she had hoped and they are starting to understand their strengths. Much of their success is coming after the realization of what talents they have and how competitive they can be this year.
   ”I think that it was just a matter of intensity,” Katz said. “They started out the season against George playing expecting to lose. We were right in the George game until the fourth quarter. They’re just not used to being able to pull it all together. They’re getting to know each other better and how they play. It’s all starting to flow. I think the mindset is definitely coming around. That took a little while to get that new mindset.”
   Added Epstein: “You need to think you’re good. I think that’s what happened against Blair. We all turned it on. We were up and we were down. We all were like, we don’t want to lose this.”
   It was Epstein’s first win over Blair in her career. She played against Blair and Timothy Christian in the point guard spot she occupied in her previous seasons. This year, she has been asked to move to a shooting guard, but an injury to normal point guard Raquel Phillips had her back at point.
   ”We need her to shoot and need her to score,” Katz said. “The first few games weren’t showing her potential as much. They weren’t showing the same Hannah that has been used to carrying this team and this year she doesn’t have to. There are other people that can score and help on offense. It’s been a switching role and she’s suddenly realizing the freedom that gives her. It’s fun having an offense with lots of people involved. That’s been a difference. We have lots of players that can score.”
   As much as her scoring and playmaking, her leadership and experience may be the things that help the Panthers the most this season.
   ”She leads by example,” Katz said. “She’s working hard every practice. She’s working hard every game. It rubs off on other girls. She had 17 points against Blair. She had to carry the ball because Raquel was injured. She turned it up a notch. Besides her leadership on the court, her leadership off it has been big for these girls. Her experience has made a difference.”
   A recruited lacrosse player, she is likely playing her final season of organized basketball. She is making the most of it as the Panthers are blossoming in her senior year, and enjoying every opportunity she has.
   ”I’m definitely treasuring every win,” she said. “I’m convinced we’re having a winning season. That’s big for me. I’ve been in the program for three years, and I know where we’re coming from. Not to put us down before, but we’re looking for big stuff this year.”