Samantha Britton is one of the biggest weapons on the offensive side of the basketball. The junior from Buffalo, New York, is averaging just over 10 points per game.

“So far in a Laker uniform, she has played really well offensively,” said head coach Sean Pinkerton. “She had a great game against the University of Rochester in which she finished with 15 points on the night.”

Pinkerton would like to see more on the defensive side of the ball.

“I think it would be best if we saw more production on the boards,” Pinkerton said. “In the first game of the season against Clarkson, she didn’t attack the boards as well, which is why she didn’t record any rebounds in the game. She’s one of those impact players that can bring energy to this team, and it starts with attacking the boards.”

Another thing Britton needs to work on is her ball-handling skills. Britton would like to get better in that area over the course of the season.

“All throughout my life, I’ve struggled with ball-handling,” Britton said. “I’m very happy that I was able to get a trainer over the summer to help me with this area. I’m definitely getting better at it then I was in the past. However, it’s still a work in progress.”       

Before she stepped onto Oswego State’s campus, Britton was one of the biggest stars for the Lazers at Onondaga Community College. She is now the overall leader in points in the Lazers’ program.

“It’s a great honor to have this award,” Britton said. “I’m happy for what I did at OCC and now I’m at a new school learning both a different offense and defensive style. I’m still learning Pinkerton’s playbook, but I’ve been getting better at it as the season has progressed.”

After she spent her two years at OCC, she thought it would be best to continue the family trend of the Hamiltons and take her talents to Oswego State. The Hamilton brothers, Eric and Brian Hamilton, were well-known for their efforts on the Baseball diamond. The Liverpool natives combined for many awards, including All-SUNYAC Team and All-academic excellence. They were the reason why Britton committed to Oswego State.

“It’s a family thing,” Britton said. “I wanted to continue the family trend. Their success on the baseball field made me want to come here and do something special for this women’s program.”

On the basketball court, it was not just her stellar play that was phenomenal here and at OCC, but also her leadership skills that keeps the whole team positive with one another.

“I just try to keep a positive attitude,” Britton said. “Honestly, there is just no need for the negative energy. So, if we all stay positive and keep our heads up, then good things will come our way, and I believe that is going to be the case for us throughout the remainder of the season.”

She said it reflects on the court and makes an impact off the court.

“Just being a leader in general just makes you a better person in general, and that is something where I have to continue with moving forward into my life,” Britton said. “It just makes you a stronger person, so I do that on and off the court.” 

Britton and the Lakers are off to a slow start, as they are (1-4) and three of those games were straight losses. This weekend, the team hopes to carry that positive energy as the Lakers will welcome two SUNYAC teams from the Rochester area. On Friday at 5:30 p.m., Oswego State will square off against SUNY Geneseo. The next day, it will host The College at Brockport for a 2 p.m. tip-off.

Graphic by Shea McCarthy | The Oswegonian