Susie Puchino is a soccer player who is becoming more confident as a point guard in basketball.

Puchino, a 5-foot-6 junior co-captain at Littleton High School, is the Lions' leader in almost every team category.

She is a two-year soccer starter and this is her third season with the basketball team, where her development on the basketball court is evident.

“I've grown the past few games,” she said. “I think I have finally realized that I can take it to the basket and I have the ability to shoot, so I got more confidence and that has helped me grow the past few games.

“My coaches have been trying to get it out of me the past couple years that I've played here. I did it a couple times and then the next game I would keep building the confidence and then the last games I had a lot of confidence.”

Puchino is obviously the player opposing teams set their defense to stop.

“It is definitely a challenge,” said Puchino. “I have to figure out ways that I can get myself open. It makes our whole team work a lot more together because we have to be able to screen for each other, and if I am have not having my best game and if I cannot get open, other people will have to step up.”

Key stats:

Puchino is the team leader in scoring (eight points per game), rebounding (5.9), assists (3.1) and steals (4.1). According to Jeffco 4A stats compiled through games of Jan. 22, she was the league leader in steals and second in assists.

Coach's take:

“Susie is a two-sport athlete, one of our two captains and has really turned the corner with her play in the last couple weeks. She is a great kid.”

— Adam Williams, Littleton High School girls basketball coach

Q&A with Susie Puchino:

Who is your favorite athlete and why?

Julie Ertz on the U.S. national soccer team. I love watching that team play together and she has a lot of skills that I try to find in myself, and I try to practice and learn from her.

What or who motivates you most to excel in sports?

My parents (Amy and Mike) and especially my sisters (Katie, Laura, Stephanie) because they have always been there to push me, and if I'm not having my best day they are there to push me to and they are always trying to make me better.

What would be a perfect performance in basketball?

A perfect performance would be to have a variety of statistics, like having points but also rebounds, steals, deflections and not necessarily just focusing on the stats.

What is your favorite class in school and why?

Math, because there are a bunch of different ways to solve problems but you are always trying to get the same answer as other people.

What do you like to do away from sports and school?

I hang out a lot with my family and friends.

What are your plans after high school?

I want to play soccer in college

How hard is it to make a decision to pass the basketball or shoot it?

It is definitely tough. I just try to stay in the moment and look for my best option. I think playing soccer and basketball has given me good court and field vision so I have the ability to make quick decisions.