Student-Athlete Spotlight: All-around athlete lives up to name

Susie Puchino is standout, as three older sisters were

By Jim Benton
Posted 2/19/20

Yes, there is still a Puchino participating in athletic endeavors at Littleton High school. Susie Puchino, a multi-sport soccer and basketball athlete who is currently the best player on the Lions …

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Student-Athlete Spotlight: All-around athlete lives up to name

Susie Puchino is standout, as three older sisters were

Posted

Yes, there is still a Puchino participating in athletic endeavors at Littleton High school.

Susie Puchino, a multi-sport soccer and basketball athlete who is currently the best player on the Lions basketball team, is the younger sister of Stephanie, Laura and Katie Puchino, who were standouts on Littleton athletic teams.

“Earlier in my years here at Littleton there was more pressure to play as well as they did,” said Susie. “If someone scored so many points in a season, I had to try to top that. As I've gotten older, I have realized we've all played different positions and types of games so some of the pressure has let off a little bit.”

So this season in basketball, Susie Puchino is the Lions leader and one of the top defenders in the Jeffco 4A league.

“I have a good mindset to play defensively,” said Susie. “Anyone has the potential to be a good defender if they stay low and move their feet well. I have good bursts of energy to keep up with someone for a couple dribbles because they don't dribble too much more than that. Consistency is important, and as the game moves on, not being tired, staying low and not going up for fakes.”

Key stats

Puchino's role changed this season from an assist first player to a scorer. After 19 games she is the Lions' top scorer with an 8.2 average and leads the league with 3.6 steals per game.

COACH'S TAKE:

`She is our best player. She's been watching Littleton games since she was 6 or 7 years old. She is probably the best perimeter defender in our league. She has solidified that this year against some of the best players in our league.'

Adam Williams,

Littleton girls basketball coach

Q&A with Puchino

Who is your favorite athlete and why?

Julie Ertz, because she has great leadership skills and she always plays so hard no matter who her opponent is.

What would be a perfect performance in your sport?

Knowing my assignment and playing good defense on the other team's best player, not allowing them to score a lot of points along with having a lot of rebounds and deflections.

What are your habits before shooting a free throw?

I usually do a couple dribbles, then I spin the ball back to me and then I do a couple more dribbles and then take a breath and be confident that the free throw is going in.

What is your favorite class in school and why?

Science. It works well in my brain and I've always liked science.

What are your plans after high school?

Going to Metro State to play soccer and majoring in environmental engineering is the plan right now.

What is your favorite book?

“The Help.” It's a historical fiction book in the civil rights era.

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