Stiles talks basketball season

Former M-ette Sophia Stiles started in all but one game (29-of-30) for the University of Montana Lady Griz this past year and the PCN caught up with the two-time Montana Gatorade player of the year, who has been home since mid-March when the COVID-19 virus caused college campuses to shut down across the country.

The last sporting event Stiles had seen was in Butte as the Malta M-ettes faced the Forsyth Dogies in the opening round of the 2020 State B Tournament. Despite Malta's struggles that game, Stiles thought that the current M-ettes played well and shared an opinion that her hometown would welcome with open arms.

"They were young, fast, athletic," Stiles said. "I think they will be there (at state) for a few more years and they will probably get one. If I was betting on them, I would bet that they would get a title."

Since the 2020 State B Tournament, Stiles has been in Malta continuing her college schoolwork and classes on the internet. She is currently taking six courses and because she is home, Stiles has had plenty of family-time.

"It has been really fun to see them," Stiles said. "In-season and during school, I don't really have time to come here often. It's been pretty nice to chill with the fam."

Throughout her college career, Stiles' parents Del and KayDel Stiles have caught every home game in Missoula.

"They put in some time and some miles," Stiles said. "They don't miss a home game and it is a long, long, drive."

She said that her parents drive 11 hours to watch her play a two-hour basketball game, sometimes making it home at 3 a.m. in the morning. Stiles also said that she still gets contacted by people throughout the Phillips County area.

"I just always feel the love and support from the Malta community and Phillips County in general," Stiles said. "I really appreciate everyone always taking the time to reach out or support me all the time."

Stiles' last game of the year occurred on Tuesday, March 10, three days prior to the State B Tournament. The Lady Griz lost to Northern Arizona 68-65 in the 2020 Big Sky Conference Tournament. Montana's season record was 17-13. It was the first winning season that the Lady Griz have had since 2015-2016.

"I thought that the season went well," Stiles said. "We had some games that were heartbreakers. I feel like we could've won some that we ended up losing but I felt like the team gelled pretty good this year."

This past season as a redshirt sophomore, Stiles led the team in steals with 46 and was second in assists with 61 despite playing the entire season with a torn labrum in her right shoulder.

"I was just trying to be out there and help my teammates as much as I could on the defensive end and chip in some shots if I could," Stiles said.

Since her season ended, Stiles has had surgery and is a few weeks into recovery.

Reviewing her season, Stiles had a season-high 14 points in the team's 72-67 win over Grand Canyon last November. Stiles had 10 rebounds in a loss to Montana State in February. She had a season-high four steals in a loss to Idaho State late January. In a 71-69 win over Cal State Fullerton, Stiles went 4-for-6 from three-point range. In a win against Eastern Washington, Stiles had eight assists.

"That game against Eastern Washington was really good," she said. "Everyone played really well that game. Kenzie (Mckenzie Johnston) had like 10 assists in that game and we were all just clicking."

Though the team had found success this past season, the team is forgoing a coaching change in which former assistant coach Mike Petrino will serve as the interim head coach. Coach Petrino replaces Shannon Schweyen, who was the head coach of the Lady Griz for four seasons, but her contract has not been renewed.

Stiles, who has worked with both coaches over her college career has spoken to Coach Petrino since the change.

"I really enjoy Mike," Stiles said. "I think that our basketball styles mesh really well."

She said that Coach Petrino is constantly trying to be the best coach that he could be. She also said that if the roster allows the team to be more aggressive in transition, that is a style Coach Petrino will strongly consider.

"It's looking to push the ball, make the right choices, get early transition buckets if we can," Stiles said.

Stiles has two more years of eligibility but is set to finish her undergrad work as a psychology major this summer. Her interest in psychology started at Malta High School, where she took a class under former MHS teacher Amy Schye.

"I always thought it was pretty interesting," Stiles said.

Stiles plans to work on a master's degree next fall and continue playing basketball with the Lady Griz during her two years of eligibility.