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Martins continued her typically stellar play with an exceptional month. She had 29 points and 13 rebounds Jan. 20 against Albertus Magnus and posted 20 points and 12 rebounds in a Jan. 7 rout of Woodlands. She also put up 34 points Jan. 16 against Pearl River.
The senior said her success starts with the success of the team around her.
“The Irvington girls’ basketball team has a had a really good month and kind of playing off the success of our team has helped me to individually have a good month, as well,” Martins said.
Martins and teammate Brittni Lai have been a one-two punch and have led Irvington to a 12-1 record.
Irvington coach Gina Maher has worked with Martins since she came off the bench in the eighth grade. The senior has helped build the Irvington program not just with her skills but with her mind.
“She knows the game. She loves the game. That’s her biggest asset,” Maher said. “All the points and rebounds are important, but her appreciation of the game of basketball is far beyond her age.”
Martins has played both AAU and CYO basketball for most of her life, in addition to her time with the Bulldogs. She committed to Lehigh last year, which Maher thinks has helped her game in her final season.
“Maybe she’s relaxed because she’s known since last spring,” Maher said. “I think she’s very, very focused.”
The coach and player have precious little time left to work together, and Maher plans to enjoy every last moment.
“I cherish it. We hopefully have a month or so left,” Maher said. “Every practice, we’re getting closer and closer to the end. We try to make every minute count.”
Martins, too, wants to ensure her team realizes the importance of this final month.
“Just kind of taking advantage of every moment that we get to do good things,” Martins said. “Once we hit sectionals, our last home game, stuff life that. It’s really just making sure I take advantage of those moments because there’s so much to look ahead to.”
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