Sloane Sorrell was always the biggest and strongest player when she led the Noble High girls’ basketball team against its SMAA opponents.

Now a 6-foot-1 sophomore forward at Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester, N.H., she’s finding that’s no longer true.

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Sloane Sorrell started as a freshman at Noble High and at Southern New Hampshire University. As a result, she's usually faced high expectations from her coaches. Submitted photo

“Going from high school to college, especially at the post position, it’s 10 times tougher than it was,” said Sorrell. “Girls are 10 times stronger and bigger.

“I was always one of the bigger girls before. Here, there are plenty of girls taller and bigger than me.”

But Sorrell is more than holding her own. She has started every game over the last two years and is among the Penmen’s most consistent players.

“Sloane has done a real good job for us,” said Coach Karen Pinkos. “She’s been a great addition to our program.”

Sorrell started 30 games as a freshman, averaging 11.2 points and 5.4 rebounds. She was named to the Northeast-10 all-rookie team. Not knowing what to expect, she said she was very proud of that season.

Pinkos agreed.

“While we knew Sloane would be good, we had no idea she would be that productive as a freshman,” said Pinkos. “What a phenomenal freshman year.”

Now, the expectations are higher.

“Of course they are,” said Pinkos with a laugh. “Last year, what she gave us was a surprise. Now we expect it every game. That’s a lot of pressure for her.”

And that’s all right for Sorrell.

“The expectations are always higher,” she said. “But they’re not expecting something out of me that I can’t achieve.

“Coach always holds us to high expectations. I like that. It makes you feel like you need to be accountable.”

Sorrell is averaging 10.8 points and 6.4 rebounds for the Penman, who are off to a 2-6 start. She is hitting 80 percent of her foul shots (20 of 25).

One of her best games came in a 66-60 win over a strong Stonehill team, when she had 22 points and 12 rebounds.

Pinkos would like to see more consistency, not only from Sorrell, but the whole team.

“Certainly, Sloane is someone who we feel has the ability to give us (double-figure scoring and rebounding) every game,” said Pinkos. “She’s got a strong inside and outside game, she can hit the jumper from the elbow. She runs the floor well. And she’s done a good job rebounding.”

Sorrell compares her college career thus far to her high school career at Noble, where she was a 1,000-point scorer. She also started there as a freshman.

“Having been there once definitely has helped me,” she said.

After a short holiday break, Sorrell said she’s ready to help the Penman make a run at the playoffs. She knows it won’t be easy.

“It’s a lot of work,” she said. “But that’s something I don’t mind doing.”

SWIMMING

Freshman Keegan Goan of Westbrook won two events and swam on an Elms College record-setting relay team in a meet against UMass-Dartmouth.

Goan won the 100-meter backstroke in 1:07.81 and the 100 individual medley in 1:03.43, setting a school record. He finished second in the 100 butterfly and swam a leg on the school record-setting 200 free relay team, which finished in 1:44.73.

BASKETBALL

Junior guard Shannon Wood of Gorham (McAuley) is the leading scorer for the Mount Ida women’s team. She is averaging 13.6 points along with 4.6 rebounds. She also leads the Mustangs with 30 assists.

• Freshman guard Nyachuol Biliew of Portland has played in seven games for the UMass-Lowell women’s team. She is averaging 2.6 points and 1.4 rebounds in 7.7 minutes.

FOOTBALL

Maine Maritime Academy senior Jim Bower of South Paris (Oxford Hills) was selected to the D3football.com All-East team. Bower rushed for 1,916 yards and 20 touchdowns in helping the Mariners finish 8-3.

INDOOR TRACK

Stonehill junior Pak Lul of Portland (North Yarmouth Academy) qualified for the New England championships in the 400-meter run by posting a time of 50.35 seconds at the Harvard Open, placing 10th of 78 runners.

Staff Writer Mike Lowe can be contacted at 791-6422 or at: mlowe@pressherald.com

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