Girls basketball: East Chicago’s Moore has grown into leadership role

• Reprints

Scott M. Bort/ For the Post-Tribune East Chicago senior Andreana Moore is swarmed by Lake Central players as she tries to put up a shot during their 4A Girls Sectional Championship at Munster High School Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012, in Munster, Ind.

Updated: March 17, 2012 10:28AM

Andriana Moore admits it was embarrassing and giggles sheepishly when asked about the moment now.

She realizes, though, there was nothing remotely funny about it at the time.

As a freshman, Moore popped off to her coach during a first-quarter timeout in a game against Hammond High.

“She picked up two quick fouls in the first quarter and I took her out of the game,’’ East Chicago Central head coach Eric Kundich recalls. “She said the guards weren’t moving their feet and that caused her to get the two fouls. She disrupted the timeout, mouthed off to me and pointed the finger at a couple teammates.’’

Kundich didn’t like Moore’s response one bit.

“We put her in street clothes,’’ he said. “She sat the whole game. What a great moment when we were able to win. I think Andrianna realized right then, it’s not all about her. I think she learned something. It might have been the day she said to herself: ‘I’m going to shut my mouth, work harder, and lead by example.’ ”

While it took Moore until her junior season to really develop into the quiet leader she’s become for the Cardinals, her experience at Hammond taught her a lesson.

“I learned my team needs me and that what I did was embarrassing to the team,’’ she said. “I think about it sometimes. It definitely was embarrassing. I should have just listened to my coach and kept my mouth shut. It all started with another teammate over a pass.’’

Fast forward to this season where Moore’s continued growth and development as a player, coupled with her offseason conditioning program, are two big reasons the Cardinals (18-6) won the Class 4A Munster Sectional last week and earned the opportunity to meet Elkhart Memorial (20-5) in Saturday’s Valparaiso Regional.

Moore, who did a lot of cardio work and weight training, trimmed 35 pounds off her 6-foot-1 frame and developed much more stamina.

Moore averaged 19.5 points, 10.6 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game, while shooting 68 percent from the free throw line.

She’s received interest so far from IUPUI, Indiana State, IPFW and UIC.

“I haven’t visited any schools yet, but I want to go to school at least four hours away, so I can get out and see new things,’’ Moore said. “I’m tired of Indiana.’’

One thing’s for sure. Moore will definitely be missed.

“We wouldn’t be where we are right now without Andrianna,’’ Kundich said. “I think all of her success is the result of her really getting into better shape. This year, she’s more assertive and more of a leader. She doesn’t like to give the rah-rah speech — that’s not her — but she leads by example by working hard in practice and kind of redirecting traffic on the court.’’

Moore reached a crossroads in her life in early November when her mother, Latusha Herring, died after suffering a stroke.

“My mom was there for every game, along with my sister, Montanay,’’ Moore said. “She was my biggest supporter. She supported the whole team. She was my everything. I think about her a lot. It still hurts me, but I know she would have wanted me to go out there, finish school, and finish the season strong.’’

While losing her mom was devastating, Moore believes it’s strengthened her.

“It definitely made me stronger,’’ she said. “I’m more determined now. When I’m on the court, I’m playing for my mom, my teammates, and me.’’

Outside of her intensity and her penchant for scoring and rebounding, Moore’s fearlessness sets her apart.

“That’s her greatest asset to our team,’’ Kundich said. “She plays hard every night for us. She’s not afraid to play defense and she’s our go-to player. She gets the basket that we really need. I never see any doubt in her eyes. She’s not over-confident — just confident in herself she can get the job done. I think that’s a tribute to how she’s prepared herself in working hard over the past few years.’’

Moore knows where her fearlessness comes from.

“I come from a family that wasn’t afraid to do anything,’’ she said. “My mom (who played at Gavit) wasn’t afraid to do anything. My uncle, (Willie Herring, also from Gavit) wasn’t afraid to do anything, either.’’