As she led her team off the court following an overtime thriller at the Cove last Saturday night, Lydia Gattozzi was vibing. Owner of a career-high 28-point performance, the “Catwoman” was beaming her electric smile, resonant of the “Gat Signal” cast into the sky of a season that looked bleak just a couple weeks ago.
Following injuries to several of her co-stars, Gattozzi has been called upon to lead. The dramatic final act of this season’s narrative — “The Catwoman Rises” — is unfolding at USCB, and you are a fool not to get out and go see Gattozzi.
I learned about “Invest In Women’s Sports Day” as a fan of “Gattozzi on the Go,” a frequent feature on Instagram that is perhaps the finest Person on the Street performance since Billy Eichner started giving out dollar bills on YouTube.
The Catwoman’s infectious personality, diagnosed as “Cat Scratch Fever” by this writer, is evident no better than following her half-court drop following up Nottingham’s Shaniya Rose’s half-court flush on social media last week. Before the winning started, the intercontinental glee of dualling splash shots was clickbait heaven. This team gives this writer the excitations that Brian Wilson dreamed about — Good Vibrations.
“I’m just so proud of this group,” legendary USCB coach Sharon Versyp reiterated in her postgame interview after a 63-59 home win over Lander on Feb. 4. Following a 72-69 nailbiter in overtime against Georgia Southwestern on Saturday, the Sand Sharks are on what’s called a winning streak.
Versyp is a treasure unlocked, inviting the levity required for originality, as half-court splash shots beget vibes. Private eyes demand creativity and invention with every performance in the Cove, but to quote Simone Biles, “Don’t wait until you’ve reached your goal to be proud of yourself. Be proud of every step you take toward reaching that goal.”
Coach Versyp doesn’t suffer fools, and this program fosters a brain trust that values trust amongst teammates. On Saturday night, ball control was the focus, as the Sand Sharks played out the SNL sketch “Supportive Women” in real time.
An offense that flows is liquid. “SPLASH!,” to quote the Sand Shark Gameday Network’s ruddy announcer Justin Jarrett’s preferred allegory for a successful 3-point shot in The Cove. Saturday in prime-time, the Cove was wet with perimeter shots and spacing.
“Jigsaw” Taniyah Bowman, a killer spot-shooter who cuts like a butcher, dropped 15 points, including the game-winning and-1. Janiyah Heyward’s mentality was that of a committed rim runner and block threat, looking to pass first in the mid-range while generating multiple high-percentage opportunities. Heyward is emerging beyond prospect, developing into a Peach Belt star.
The women’s energy ignites the atmosphere at the Cove in a way that resonates into the first half of the men’s game. The “Catwoman” has caught fire, transitioning from star to supernova, and you’re missing your chance to see her raise the roof of USCB’s Peach Belt prospects like Rebecca Lobo razed the Mecca of basketball.
Gatozzi’s cast of characters is floating with the vibe, raising their game just in time for a dramatic final act. With just a handful of games remaining in her standout season, get out and go see Gattozzi. The Catwoman is cooking, and the Sand Sharks are on the rise.
Kevin Libby is a contributor to LowCo Sports. Kevin is a former WHHI-TV News Anchor and current Sports Broadcaster.