All Briana Betz-White wished for was the opportunity to showcase here dazzling ball-handling and ball-hawking skills at the next level. Turns out, that opportunity exists about 75 miles south of Trinity High School.
The Shamrocks 5-5 senior guard recently announced her intention to continue her budding basketball career at Loyola in Baltimore.
Not only will Betz-White join big-sister Ashley in the NCAA Division I ranks, but Trinity's inspirational leader will suit up for Philadelphia native Joe Logan and a familiar Trinity alum, Loyola assistant Jill Glessner.
“[Ashley] helped me a lot with my decision. I would call her and talk to her about school. She almost knows me better than I know myself,” said Briana. Ashley is gearing up for her junior season at Old Dominion.
“She gave me great advice and what I like, and she like Loyola for me, too. I went on a couple of visits and really liked the coaches, the atmosphere, and the style they play.”
Logan's preferred “style” is to push the tempo and crank up the pressure on defense, two areas where Betz-White has guided the Shamrocks for the last two seasons.
The Patriot-News Big 15 pick – Betz-White was a second-team selection as a sophomore – posted nearly 14 points a game and connected on nearly 30 triples last season.
Betz-White also will get plenty of pointers form Glessner, another Greyhounds alum who played professionally in England's premier Division I league and Norway's top league.
To boot, Logan's ninth season in 2013-14 with be Loyola's first in The Patriot-League. The Greyhounds will be tested alongside American University, Bucknell, Lafayette and Boston University, among others.
Ironically, Ashley Betz-White and the Monarchs became members of the massive Conference USA picture earlier this month.
“I really like [Glessner]. She's one of the main reasons why I committed to Loyola,” said Betz-White, who will officially sign her letter-of-intent in November.
“She's very charismatic. There's a lot of energy in the program. Coach Logan is a family guy, too. He knows how to coach his players.”
Betz-White said American and Mt. Saint Mary's were on her short list of schools, but the city of Baltimore also helped sway her decision. “I always told my mom that I wanted to live down there,” she said.
Loyola was 12-18 last season as Logan rolled his school mark to 121-123 overall. The Hounds were upended by Manhattan 50-49 in the opening round of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Tournament in Springfield, Mass.
Betz-White is hoping to elevate those numbers when she arrives.
“I think defense and my court vision,” said Betz-White, asked to list her best intangibles. “I feel like I'm able to see the court really well in my point guard role. I like to make my teammates look good and pressure the ball.”
Epler on Twitter: @threejacker