Sewickley Academy sophomore Emma Eannarino was averaging a team-leading 15 points, 4 steals and 5 rebounds per game earlier this season.

A 5-foot-4 point guard, Eannarino picked up where her older sister and role model Libby left off at Sewickley. Libby, now a freshman at Vanderbilt, led the Panthers in scoring the past two seasons and was one of the top players in the WPIAL, averaging 21.5 ppg as a senior.

Then, disaster struck.

The younger Eannarino sibling suffered a broken right hand during the Panthers’ recent section loss at Springdale and is out for the season.

Sewickley coach Jill Capozzi is looking for additional contributions from other team members such as sophomore forward Grace Jardini, senior guard Skylar Nocito, senior forward Josie Whitcraft, freshman guards Molly Cephas and Bella Walsh, freshman forwards Gabby Edmunds and Lena Rothbauer, and sophomore forward Layla Miller.

Without Eannarino in the lineup, Sewickley defeated section foe Leechburg, 30-29, on Jan. 13 behind Jardini’s 17 points. Cephas also chipped in with eight.

“Grace stepped into a role that will demand her to score and she embraced it big time,” Capozzi said. “And Molly played very well too.”

The Panthers, who improved to 3-4 in Section 1-A and 4-7 overall, led by a slim margin the entire second half and were up by one with 24 seconds remaining and with possession. The Panthers were able to run out the clock.

Before she was injured, Emma Eannarino took time from her then-bustling daily schedule — she’s a three-sport standout — to reflect on the Sewickley girls basketball season.

What are your thoughts on the basketball team’s performance so far?

At this point in the season, I think our team is showing constant improvement and relentless fight in games. We’ve really been putting the work into practices — even the dreaded Saturday morning ones — and it’s 100% showing on the court. We leave it all out there every game, which can especially be seen in our ever-improving defense. Players often have steals in the double digits, and on the offensive end of the court our players are never afraid to take the ball to the hoop, regardless of the threat of our opponents underneath.

I’m really proud to (have) teammates who put so much effort into every play. And, on top of all that, they do it with a great attitude. I also think the team has been performing well even under pressure, as close games have turned into close wins. Ultimately, our commitment, grit and positive attitude are what have set us apart from other teams we’ve played so far this year.

What are your expectations for the team in the second half of the season?

We’re super excited to have a new assistant coach on our team, coach (Shannon) Rankin, who undoubtedly pushes us to be our best and will only help us improve. The competition in our new section is a good level for our team, and we’ve all been improving over the course of the season.

The underclassmen especially, who make up the majority of our team, have been developing rapidly as they get more comfortable with the older competition and the increased pressure of high school basketball. I expect us to continue improving and giving every game our all.

How are you able to fit in academics while competing in soccer, basketball and lacrosse at Sewickley?

While I love being a three-sport athlete at Sewickley, academics have and always will be a priority for me. So, as I’ve made my way through the senior school, I’ve found that it’s all about balance and time management.

When I’m in school, I focus on my classes and get as much done as I can, and while I’m on the court, my attention is solely on the game at hand — not any homework due the next day. That being said, if we’re driving to an away game on the bus or I’m on my way to or from school, I try to take advantage of that time as much as possible and get readings and assignments done.

I’ve also been fortunate to have my older sister to look up to for advice. She’s served as a role model for me, teaching me how and when to study as well as pushing me in practices and games. Furthermore, I’ve found that my teachers are more than willing to work with me if I seek extra help or teaching on class material and homework, so their flexibility has also enabled me to perform in the classroom and on the court to the best of my ability.

Have you always been interested in playing sports?

I’ve always been passionate about athletics, having played soccer, basketball and lacrosse most of my life. I think that sports are an amazing way to maintain both mental and physical health while also learning about teamwork, hard work and leadership — skills that will serve you well for the rest of your life.

The competition of team sports has also always been one of my favorite parts of athletics — along with winning. The bonds I’ve formed with my teammates over the years are an added plus. I really enjoy my time with them both inside and outside of practice.

Are you still 5-foot-4?

Yes, I am. All the height in the family must’ve gone to my sister.