Eva Zink is the latest NHIAA Division I girls basketball player to draw the unenviable assignment.
In Bedford High School’s 43-38 home victory over Londonderry on Tuesday night, the sophomore spent most of the night guarding Lancers star Sammie Sullivan.
“I knew I had a big job this game and I was feeling confident,” Zink said after the win.
A 5-foot-10 senior, Sullivan is second in the division in points per game (21.3) and can score from anywhere on the court.
Of all those who have guarded Sullivan this season, Zink might have the most insight into how to slow her down.
Sullivan, who is committed to NCAA Division I Bryant University, and Zink, who has offers from Bryant and the University of New Hampshire, were teammates with the MCW Starz AAU program.
“We’re good friends outside of basketball so playing her is always so fun,” Zink said.
A 6-foot sophomore, Zink knows Sullivan’s signature moves, like spinning to the left.
Zink face-guarded Sullivan throughout Tuesday’s game. Zink often had backside help — typically from 5-foot-8 classmate Juliet Laws — while defending Sullivan in the paint.
When Sullivan went out to the perimeter, Zink stayed with her.
Sullivan was held to five points in the first half before finishing with a game-high 22.
“I have no qualms about putting her on small forwards, large forwards,” Bedford coach Kevin Gibbs said of Zink. “Our game plan was to force Sammie to the perimeter. … Eva can defend the (No.) 1 to the 5.”
Guarding a three-level scorer like Sullivan was an exciting challenge for Zink.
Zink, who logged a steal and a few blocks on Sullivan, said the matchup is a valuable experience for her. For example, it’s good practice at keeping opponents in front of her.
Zink is one year removed from her freshman campaign and Sullivan is one year away from being a Division I college player, Gibbs noted.
“She plays a lot bigger than her (6-foot) frame,” Gibbs said of Zink.
Bishop is Trinity boys’ ‘heart and soul’
Connor Bishop is known for his contributions to the Trinity football team, which won the Division II title last fall.
A tight end/linebacker and captain for that squad, the Manchester resident is a vital member of the Pioneers’ boys basketball team, too.
“That’s the dark horse on our team,” third-year Trinity boys basketball coach Ray Farmer said. “Connor Bishop is the heart and soul of this team. I wish I had a million of him.”
Over Trinity’s 3-2 start to the Division I season, Bishop, a senior, averaged 7.7 points per game. During that stretch, he tallied at least 10 rebounds in three straight games.
Trinity defeated Spaulding 76-39 on Tuesday to improve to 4-2.
Bishop gets every big rebound, makes every big stop and buys into his role, Farmer said.
In the Pioneers’ 78-66 victory over Nashua South last Friday, the forward made a 3-pointer and tallied five points, five rebounds and three steals.
“He does so much for us,” Trinity junior guard Jordan Torres said of Bishop. “He works so hard. He’s a football guy but he comes here, uses his strength, his size and he’s just a beast down low.”
Karavanic growing into leader for South boys
Nashua South junior Daniel Karavanic loves to joke around.
The 6-foot-8 forward/center is hilarious and happy-go-lucky, Purple Panthers coach Nate Mazerolle said.
When it’s game time, Karavanic’s mood changes.
Against Trinity last Friday, he was vocal on the court and recorded 11 points and six rebounds.
Karavanic isn’t a natural leader but is getting more comfortable in the role with each game, Mazerolle said.
He led the Panthers in points per game through their first five games (16.8) and is often asked to be their best rebounder and anchor the defense.
South defeated Londonderry 69-64 on Tuesday night to move to 3-3.
“He’s always joking around until we get inside the four lines and then he takes it seriously,” Mazerolle said, “because the hilarious nature — the goofiness — masks (that) he’s really intense and he’s a competitor and he hates to lose.
“He knows when to tell a joke and when to get on his teammates about improving.”
1,000 points and counting
Woodsville senior Ryan Walker and Pittsburg-Canaan senior Daemon Jaimes both joined their program’s 1,000-point clubs on Monday.
Walker scored 38 points in Woodsville’s 59-42 Division IV win at Gorham.
Jamies tallied a team-high 17 points in Pittsburg-Canaan’s 53-39 Division IV loss to Groveton.
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The High School Basketball column runs weekly during the season. To contact Alex Hall, please email ahall@unionleader.com.
