Sun All-State Girls Basketball Player of the Year:Burton a two-sport threat

Spencer Patterson

Tuesday, March 6, 2001 | 10:08 a.m.

When Kellie Burton first tried out for Galena's volleyball team four years ago, she did so mainly to stay in shape for her first love: basketball season.

Little did Burton know then that she would go on to become one of Nevada's top volleyball players, ultimately earning her a scholarship to Arizona.

"I always thought I'd play basketball (in college)," Burton admitted.

Luckily for the Grizzlies, Burton stuck with both sports for all four years. Despite losing seven players from its 2000 state basketball championship team, Galena regrouped this season, riding the 6-2 Burton all the way back to the state title game.

"We had a lot of expectations this year, but nobody else did because we had so many so many new people," said Burton, the Sun's 2001 State Player of the Year. "We knew we'd have to go out and prove ourselves."

Though the slender Burton often found herself in tough matchups against Northern Nevada's larger post players, she more than held her own, averaging 14 points, eight rebounds and three blocks.

Galena coach Karen Friel credits much of that success to Burton's volleyball abilities.

"A lot of it has to do with her volleyball," Friel said. "She can stay in the air, see where people are and tip it accordingly."

Burton's presence in the paint also helped create better shots for other players, be it sophomore sharpshooter Joanna Hixon on the perimeter or senior point guard Annie Baxter driving through the lane.

Most importantly, Burton provided the Grizzlies with ferocious interior defense, a key in the post-oriented Northern Region. And though she earned a reputation as the state's top shot blocker, Burton fouled out of just two games all year, a key to Galena's 25-6 season.

"She understands the game very well," Friel said. "She guarded the other team's top post player all year, and she knew we needed her out on the floor."

Though Galena's season ended with a disappointing loss to Reno in the finals, Burton said that won't tarnish her memories. Instead, she'll remember the Grizzlies' run through the Northern Region Tournament, where they defeated McQueen and Reno in overtime games for the title.

"We didn't play our best in the state final against Reno, but the week before we beat them," Burton said. "We felt we proved ourselves during regionals."