Whiz Kid: Casey Pearsall
Whiz Kid’s Name, Age: Casey Pearsall, age 15
Whiz Kid’s School: Wilton High School
Whiz Kid’s Accomplishment: Two-year starting point guard on the Warriors girls basketball team, which has qualified for the state tournament for the first time since 2005.
Whiz Kid’s Key to Awesomeness: The 5-foot-6 sophomore has grown as the Warriors' floor leader since first taking up the position as a freshman.
Although the point guard controls most of a basketball game’s tempo, Pearsall insists on allowing her teammates to reach their full potential and feed off one another’s efforts.
“When we’re playing well, that’s what I pride myself on,” Pearsall said. “Everyone playing together is better. It all starts once you get that first shot off.”
Averaging 9.9 points, 7.9 rebounds and 3.1 steals per game, Pearsall has helped fuel the Warriors' dramatic second-half charge.
Not expected to contend for an FCIAC playoff spot this season, Wilton started 3-7. Since then, however, the Warriors (11-8) have won eight of their last nine games.
If the Warriors upset No. 2 seed Ridgefield in their regular-season finale on Wednesday, they will clinch a berth in the FCIAC playoffs.
According to third-year Wilton head coach Jaclyn Woitkowski, the key to Pearsall’s success is calling the plays on her own rather than looking to the sideline for instruction.
The star also is admired by her teammates, who rely on her leadership and look up to her on the court, especially when an opponent tries to take over the game.
“Mentally, she’s a competitor,” Woitkowski said of Pearsall, a three-sport star at Wilton.
Girls lacrosse is her main sport, in addition to soccer in the fall and basketball in the winter.
“I love all the sports,” Pearsall said.
“She’s an exceptional athlete,” Woitkowski added.
