Correspondent file photo / Robert Hayes Youngstown State freshman Sophia Gregory skirts around the defense of Green Bay senior Jasmine Kondrakiewicz during a January matchup between the teams.

YOUNGSTOWN — The Youngstown State women’s basketball team gathered at halfcourt. Head coach Melissa Jackson gave her parting remarks before concluding practice Monday afternoon.

The biggest response came when Jackson revealed that forward Sophia Gregory was named the Horizon League Freshman of the Year.

“I never expected it. Even at the beginning of the season, like when we started game play, didn’t expect it,” Gregory said. “I figured I’d be on the bench a little more, get a feel for it, watch others and kinda grow into the role.”

It’s been a transition year for Gregory, and not just from the high school to college ranks. The West Branch alumna also had to learn a new position, and she thrived.

Through 27 games, including 20 starts, Gregory is averaging 10.1 points per game, a team-high 7.9 rebounds, 1.1 blocks and 1.2 steals.

A point guard under Walt DeShields in high school, she was made a forward in Youngstown. It was a gradual shift, but Jackson was pleased with her ability to pick up the system and her new role in a short period of time.

“I’m so excited for her future. I think her ceiling is still so, so high,” Jackson said. “I can’t wait for the offseason to really unlock some of that stuff.”

Gregory’s time on the court increased after Sarah Baker was lost for the season with an injury. She stepped in and took over the post, receiving four league freshman of the week awards.

The production came with experience. Each start, a lesson was learned. And with each lesson, things began to slow down on the court. That allowed her to “get the feeling” for playing at the college level.

Gregory decided to stay nearby to go play in college. Her family and people closest to her have made the short drive from Beloit to Youngstown to watch her play. And she got a chance to share that experience with them while making a name for herself on the court.

“Having everyone around me, that’s one of the biggest reasons I came here,” Gregory said. “To be able to do that for them, to have them here with me as I do it, it’s the best feeling.”