To the casual observer, Carmel’s Maron Bowes might not stand out on the court.
After all, the 5-foot-7 junior forward doesn’t score many points.
But Bowes’ teammates and coaches know such observations miss the point altogether.
“Everyone on our team sees it,” Carmel junior guard Josie Hartman said. “She’s always on the boards, on the ground, doing all the dirty work for us.
“When she’s not on the court, we definitely feel a difference.”
Bowes understands the part she plays for the Corsairs.
“Coming into Carmel, I knew I wouldn’t ever be the leading scorer, and I scored a ton in eighth grade,” she said. “I think that knowing your role is super important, and this is a role I’ve grown into. Every role is different, and I realize that I’m more of a role player. But me doing what I do leads to other players having success.”
Bowes’ philosophy was reinforced during fourth-seeded Carmel’s 67-29 win against seventh-seeded Grant in the Class 4A Round Lake regional semifinals on Monday. As Hartman scored a game-high 26 points and sophomore guard Maliyah Mays chipped in 16 points, Bowes contributed six rebounds, two assists, two steals and two deflections.
“The little things can add up,” Bowes said. “I don’t score as much, but I feel like as a player, I know my role — getting rebounds, finding people on outlet passes, running up the court, playing hard defensively. My team always supports me. I feel like everything balances everything out.”
Bowes, who entered the game averaging 4.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.0 steal and 2.0 deflections, has a particular affinity for offensive rebounds. Two of her rebounds on Monday came on the offensive end, and both led to points for the Corsairs (15-16), who will play top-seeded Libertyville (26-5) in the regional championship game at 6 p.m. Thursday.
“Every time I get an offensive rebound, that’s a key to that possession, and I take pride in that leading to someone else scoring,” Bowes said. “When I do that, I feel extra satisfied.”
On the defensive end, Bowes is almost always tasked with checking the opponent’s most physically imposing player, despite her size.
“She’s our anchor inside, and she’s going to play physical and do the things we need her to do,” Carmel coach Ben Berg said. “She does the things that other players don’t always necessarily want to do.
“She’s always giving up size, normally with them several inches taller than her. But she battles and always does it with a smile on her face. I’m proud of the leader she’s become.”
After getting less consistent playing time last season, Bowes was named one of three team captains, which did wonders for her confidence.
“Knowing I had that role come upon me, it made me feel that what I am doing really does help the team,” she said. “Being a captain gives me a sense of purpose. My teammates are so supportive, and I try to give back that support, helping the younger girls.”
That’s one reason Carmel is playing its best at the right time. The Corsairs have won eight of their past 11 games.
So Bowes isn’t going to change the formula.
“Obviously, I’d like to score, but if I don’t, it’s OK,” she said. “Whatever’s best for the team. I’m not going to hang my head because we did win by 30 and our team played great. Everyone filled their role, and we won. That’s the goal.”
Steve Reaven is a freelance reporter.
