By Marc Raimondi
But now Marte is gone (playing at Division II University of New Haven) and Bethea, a junior, has to do almost everything for a team that has been realigned to Queens A1.”If we score 56, she'll score 40,” said Lions coach Shep Grazioli, who in his 19th year with the team. “If we score 45, she'll score 30. That's just how it is.”Not only is Grazioli asking Bethea to score, he's asking her to play point guard, too, a position she's not quite comfortable playing yet.Richmond Hill (3-10), in a rebuilding stage, has struggled. Grazioli has only three seniors, two of which have little varsity experience, and the rest of the squad features two juniors (including Bethea), four sophomores and a freshman. But Bethea is doing her best to carry the Lions. She is second in the city in scoring (325 points) and is averaging 9.3 rebounds per game. “This year, we're inexperienced,” said Bethea, a South Jamaica native. “For most of us, it's our first time on the court. This year is like a practice – that's how I look at it.”As a senior next year, Bethea plans to see improvement in herself – her push-up regimen might increase, the spindly 5-foot-5 sprite jokes – and the team. The Lions have a crop of promising players young players, including 5-foot-10 sophomore Genesis Villanueva, the younger sister of current Milwaukee Bucks forward Charlie Villanueva.Of course, Bethea will still be the star – sure to get Division II looks next year – and the point guard. “I have no choice but playing point,” Bethea said. “I enjoy it (now), I'm adjusting to it.”Next year, for the whole team, the adjustment period will be over.
