Bloomington scorer elevates into metro elite

With a Division I college scholarship offer from Bradley University secured, Britney Scherber could have coasted, relying on her past performances and saving herself for the future.

But Scherber, a 5-foot-9 senior point guard, knew her Bloomington Jefferson teammates were counting on her to lead them. So she spent the offseason improving her game, adding a midrange jump shot to a repertoire that already featured dead-eye three-point shooting and a knack for driving to the basket.

The result is that Scherber has moved herself into the conversation centering around the elite players in the metro. She had scored 30 or more points in three of the Jaguars' four games leading up to Tuesday's game at Lakeville North. She had a school-record 45 points in a victory over Lakeville South on Friday.

Scherber talked with staff writer Jim Paulsen about her growth as a player.

Q You already have a scholarship to Bradley. What was your reason for improving your game?

A I just wanted to get better for my teammates. There's a lot of pressure on me to do well so we can win some games. I've worked really hard to get where I am.

Q Where have you seen the biggest improvement?

Q You scored 45 points Friday. Did you have any idea during the game that you were having that kind of game?

A My coaches told me at halftime that I had 21 points, but I never thought I had as much as 45 points. I was shocked when I heard that.

Q What was working for you that game?

A My three-point shots were really falling. I had seven of them. I was scoring in the lane and I was also driving, drawing the defense and kicking the ball back out.

Q Did you know going in that you were on your game?

Q You get most of the defensive attention from opponents, yet you've still been successful this season. Why?

A I know the defenses are trying to stop me, but I like the challenge. It makes me want to play harder and show them what I can do.

Q Describe tactics you have faced?

A Most teams have tried to keep someone in the lane to stop me, but then I just drive and pitch the ball out to a teammate. And some teams have shown me a box-and-one [defense.].

Q Sounds like you've expanded your game in response to the opposition. Your future college coaches have to like that.

Q What team did you play for in the summer?

A I played for the Minnesota Metro Stars. We had players like Jackie Johnson, Alexis Foley, Katy Beth Biewen. Some really good players.

Q That's a lot of talent around you. It had to help your game.

A It really did. When you play with the best of the best in practice and in tournaments, you improve a lot.