Amani Burke

OHIO UNIVERSITY

In a sense, Amani Burke took a relatively easy entry-level class called Bobcats Basketball 101 last season as a freshman. She got high marks as part of an Ohio University team that won 22 games and finished second in the Mid-American Conference East.

Burke, a sophomore from Eastmoor Academy, jumped to the head of the class this season out of necessity after last year’s star-laden senior class led by Quiera Lampkins of Gahanna, Jasmine Weatherspoon of Northland and Yamonie Jenkins of Reynoldsburg left.

“I found out this summer that I had to develop into being a leader during the summer, and I’m only 19 years old,” she said. “I’ve never been a shouter unless it’s to give tips and pointers. I try to lead by example.”

There are nine freshmen and sophomores on the roster and Ohio has played to a mixed bag in going 5-5, including three losses in the last four games. Burke is leading the team in scoring (13.0) and averaging 3.3 rebounds and 1.6 steals.

The schedule has included games against Power Five conference teams Michigan, Purdue and Virginia.

The Bobcats thought they let a big one get away in a 74-61 loss at Michigan after trailing by three points entering the fourth quarter. But they landed a big one with a 77-71 victory over Purdue for the program’s first victory at a Big Ten arena since 1994.

Burke totaled 17 points, four rebounds and three three-pointers in that victory.

“The No. 1 thing about that game was that it was a confidence booster — now we believe we can win,” she said. “We worked hard all four quarters. It made us realize that if we stick to our principles that we can win against any opponent. We played together.”

The difference, Burke said, was hard practices that focused on minute details.

“Our team is based on effort and defense, and that’s why last season was such a great learning experience going into this season,” she said. “I came off the bench and had to be an energy player last season. This year, it’s different — I have to get into the action early. It helped being behind such great players.”

Burke, a shooting guard, consistently puts up strong numbers. She had 16 points and two steals in a 70-68 loss to Furman and 14 points in a 77-59 loss to Virginia in the West Palm Invitational this past weekend.

“I’m a shooting guard, but I can help bring the ball up when needed and even play down low,” she said. “We are coached to play in different spots.”

Brother Trey Burke of the Washington Wizards gives her advice, but most is not basketball.

“We’re both pretty busy, but we’ll talk and I’ll ask him for advice,” she said. “We do Bible study over the phone.” Mayle, a junior guard from Watterson, is averaging 9.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.4 steals. Gibbs, a junior guard from Westerville North, is averaging 9.9 points, 4.6 assists and 3.4 rebounds.