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Cardinals’ Funderburgh does it all

Senior guard is posting big numbers for defending OHC co-champion.

Triad's Kelsey Funderburgh is guarded by Greeneview's Ashton Lovely last season. Funderburgh is averaging 28.8 points per game, 9.2 rebounds, 6.0 steals and 4.2 assists. Staff Photo by Barbara J. Perenic

Barbara J. Perenic Triad's Kelsey Funderburgh is guarded by Greeneview's Ashton Lovely last season. Funderburgh is averaging 28.8 points per game, 9.2 rebounds, 6.0 steals and 4.2 assists. Staff Photo by Barbara J. Perenic

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By Michael Cooper, Staff Writer 11:26 PM Tuesday, December 13, 2011

NORTH LEWISBURG — Triad High School basketball coach Jason Malone could talk all day describing the things Cardinals senior guard Kelsey Funderburgh can do on the basketball floor.

Whether its on-the-ball defending, shooting from the perimeter or finding an open teammate, Funderburgh can make it happen.

“She’s the total package,” Malone said.

Through five games, Funderburgh is putting up big numbers for the defending Ohio Heritage Conference co-champion Cardinals (5-0, 3-0).

She’s averaging an area-best 28.8 points per game, to go with 9.2 rebounds, 6.0 steals and 4.2 assists. She’s also shooting 36 percent from the 3-point line and 74 percent from the free throw line.

Funderburgh said team chemistry has played a big role in her success this season.

“I’m a lot more comfortable with who I’m playing with,” Funderburgh said. “Not that I wasn’t last year, I just feel like we have a better connection of where somebody is cutting or where they’re going next. It’s really helping out a lot.”

Malone said Funderburgh has also shown toughness in helping the Cardinals pull out key victories. She’s scored 31, 29 and 37 points in Triad’s last three wins.

“She’s relentless,” Malone said. “Physically and mentally, she’s on top of her game. She’s confident and it’s showing.”

Funderburgh is one of several strong players in the balanced Ohio Heritage Conference this season. Nearly every night she faces a tough match-up, but doesn’t let it affect her play.

“Those aren’t things I can control,” Funderburgh said. “I just try to think about what I can do right, and what I can contribute.”

She also said her teammates have stepped up in a big way. The Cardinals graduated guard Hannah Smith, but the remaining players have stepped up to put the right pieces together, including juniors Faith Orrechio (13.6 points per game, 9.4 rebounds), Dayna Ober (4.4 assists) and Anna McKenzie (3.0 assists).

“They’re playing with a ton of confidence,” Malone said.

This year, the Cardinals want to repeat as the OHC champs, but want to win the title outright. They shared the championship with West Liberty-Salem a year ago.

“It’s very motivating,” Funderburgh said.

With the Cardinals off to a fast start, Malone knows they’ve got a long grind ahead. The goal, he said, is to peak at the end of the season.

“We’ve got a long road ahead of us,” Malone said. “We’re focusing on what we can do (each day) to get better. The short-term goals will take care of the long term.”

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0365, Michael.Cooper@coxinc.com or on Twitter @SNS_Wizard.

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