Junior forward Lucy Cosme has the luxury of knowing exactly what Marist needs.
As the team’s sixth man, Cosme studies the early action from the bench, noticing where to assert herself into the narrative when her time comes.
“I have that feel for the game of knowing exactly what to do,” she said. “You come in, and you just feel like you can contribute any way possible.
“If I score early in the game, it just gives me the confidence to keep playing hard throughout and be more focused.”
Cosme provided focus Monday night, hitting four 3-pointers and scoring a game-high 16 points for the Redhawks in 69-21 East Suburban Catholic Conference win over Joliet Catholic in Chicago.
Thirteen players scored for the Redhawks (5-0, 1-0). Sophomore guard Olivia Barsch added eight points and four rebounds, while senior center Madison Vrdolyak contributed seven points.
Sophomore guard Abby Dulinsky scored eight points and junior forward Allison Lesters chipped in with seven for Joliet Catholic (1-7, 0-1).
With pinpoint accuracy from deep range, meanwhile, Cosme led a barrage of 3-point shooting that broke the game open. She drilled three 3-pointers during a 13-1 surge in the first quarter.
Cosme scored all of her points in the first half as Marist built a 41-11 lead.
“When they’re in a zone like they were (Monday), it is easier to make that skip pass and get that open look,” she said.
Most importantly, Cosme is part of an inseparable family bond on the court.
Junior point guard Olivia Cosme, Lucy’s cousin, tallied nine points, five assists and four steals. Sophomore forward Rose Cosme, Lucy’s younger sister, had six points and four rebounds.
Olivia, who goes by Livi, is the orchestrator of the attack. She knew her cousin had the hot hand.
“In my uncle’s backyard, we’d do basketball tournaments with our other cousins,” Livi said. ”We’ve played together on travel teams. Lucy could always shoot, that’s for sure.
“We know how to play together.”
The protective bonds and deep connection allowed Lucy Cosme to develop into a significant outside shooter.
”What I remember is when I was just starting basketball, I wasn’t very good at shooting,” Lucy said. ”My dad and I would go to the gym all the time, or I’d go with Rose and Livi and we’d just shoot for hours.
“Eventually, we all became pretty good shooters.”
Lucy also instinctively knows her cousin is going to find her and get her the ball in spots where she’s her most dangerous.
“I almost don’t know how to explain it,” Lucy said. “But I just know when Livi’s going to pass me the ball. Before she dribbles, we make eye contact, and then I know every single time she is going to get me the ball, so I’m ready.
“We just understand each other when we’re playing.”
Rose Cosme also came off the bench to score all of her points during the first half. Watching her sister take off was just the impetus she needed for her own game to blossom.
“We never really fight on the court and we have a really good connection,” Rose said. “Growing up we’d play volleyball, tennis and other things.
“I’d played on her team in grade school, so we’ve been playing since we were really little.”
The 5-foot-8 Lucy Cosme has the skill to play on the perimeter and the size to battle in the post. She also has an infectious style that fits her personality.
“I think she’s really funny,” Rose said. “She’s always hyping everybody up, and she always has that outgoing personality.”
And her family brings out her best qualities.
“I just love her,” Livi said. “She’s so fun and always has positive energy. She’s never down.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
