Chudy after a big finish
Saratoga Springs standout having another strong season; looks forward to sectionals
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Natasha Chudy values the relationships she has with her teammates, values that she has been fortunate enough to have her mother serve as the Saratoga Springs girls’ basketball team’s coach, and the senior truly values the basketball as a scorer, rebounder and passer producing monster numbers for the Blue Streaks.
Chudy, a fifth-year varsity standout who earned a nomination for the Mcdonald’s Allamerican game, has overcome a slow start to her final scholastic season as she had to overcome illness in December. Although her scoring is slightly down from her junior season, the 6-foot-2 standout is posting career-high averages in rebounds and assists.
Saratoga Springs (10-6 overall, 6-4 Suburban Council) entertains Shenendehowa (13-3, 7-2) on Friday evening. Chudy leads the way for the Blue Streaks with averages of 19.8 points, 13.1 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game. The senior, who is headed to play in college at Division I Lafayette, delivered 31 points and 13 rebounds Tuesday in a 66-53 loss against Colonie.
“Honestly, it was a huge struggle mentally at the beginning of the season because I wasn’t where I thought I could be,” Natasha Chudy said. “I definitely think it took a lot of perseverance and help from my team to get me out of that.”
Chudy has registered a trio of triple-doubles this season, the most recent coming when she posted 16 points, 21 rebounds and 11 assists in a 58-48 victory over Shaker.
“That has been the change from last year to this year. We are relying on her to break a press, to take away some of the pressure bringing the ball up the court and staying under control
and passing the ball to find open players,” Saratoga Springs coach Robin Chudy said. “I love that she is very unselfish and will pass the ball to an open person. She will hit that person, which is hard to come by.”
“I am pretty proud of that. I have worked pretty hard,” Natasha Chudy said. “Getting a triple-double isn’t easy. I think it shows skill.”
In displaying her point-forward skills, Chudy has not only been prolific with her overall production,
she has also created opportunities for teammates with the amount of attention she commands.
“Her basketball IQ is so high. When she is in the moment, she is going to make the right play,” Robin Chudy said. “We tell the other girls to have their hands ready because she is drawing two or three girls’ attention.”
As the fourth child in the family, Natasha Chudy felt comfortable about making her college selection as a junior. Her mother, who was a Hall of Fame player at Union College, thinks having the decision made early benefited her daughter.
“The whole college decision is a lot of pressure and a lot of anxiety,” Robin Chudy said. “Once you make that commitment, I know for her it was a huge sigh of relief.”
Earlier in Chudy’s career, Saratoga Springs reached the Section II Class AA final. She hopes to challenge for the championship next month.
“Senior year, that would be such a great thing after being on varsity for so long,” Natasha Chudy said. “This year has been special and this team is really together.
“I have played with so many great people over the years. I have
so many memories. I have played with so many great players during my career. I think this year will be the most memorable because we’re such a close team.”
Like her daughter, Robin Chudy has cherished the chance to coach her youngest child as she previously did with sister Maddie.
“I am truly enjoying it,” Robin Chudy said. “I just said to my husband, there are only four league games left. I can’t believe it has gone by so fast. I have enjoyed every moment. I think I will remember this forever.”