Kate Trella might not score points. But she scores high marks for doing whatever Deerfield needs.

There are games when junior forward Kate Trella barely makes a dent in Deerfield’s scoring column.

Most of the Warriors’ points are scored by high-profile guards Lexi Kerstein, Nikki Kerstein and Aubrey Galvan. Senior forwards Olivia and Morgan Kerndt often account for the rest.

But that’s not Trella’s job.

“I think I try to do whatever my coach asks me to do in whatever situation,” she said. “The team has really started to work well together. I don’t mind doing the hard work. It’s important when I get in the game to make an impact as quickly as possible.”

Trella acted quickly to make an impact against Montini during the Class 3A Dundee-Crown Supersectional on Monday. She grabbed two rebounds early in the game and finished with seven boards and two blocked shots as Deerfield won 52-45.

Advancing to the state semifinals for the first time, the Warriors (29-5) will take a 10-game winning streak into a matchup against Lincoln (34-0) at CEFCU Arena in Normal at 11:45 a.m. Friday.

“I thought I played well against Montini,” Trella said. “The team had a really good game. Some players stepped up in key moments that don’t normally step up in other games.

“I really wanted to win. I knew how hard we worked to get to that point. My main focus was what I could do to help the team.”

Deerfield’s aforementioned guards and Olivia Kerndt combine to average 51.4 points and 13.5 rebounds. But the 6-foot-1 Trella’s height, toughness and workmanlike attitude are invaluable.

A three-sport athlete, Trella said she also understands the delicate nature of team chemistry.

“I think everyone learns that individual goals need to be set aside,” she said. “At the end of the day, the team goals are more important. I just want to help the team win.”

Lexi Kerstein, a four-year starter who has committed to play at Vermont, said Trella can help the Warriors a lot of ways.

“Kate is always surprising us,” Kerstein said. “She throws unbelievable passes that no one expects from a big. … She catches teams off guard because she has a sweet midrange jumper, but she can also take it to the basket. She had some huge rebounds for us in a critical time against Montini, along with a great block.”

Deerfield coach Nicole Keith said Trella’s unselfish attitude rubs off on the other players.

“Kate has really accepted her role within this particular team,” Keith said. “She’s continued to develop her skills and confidence in the post. She gains more confidence in each and every game she plays in. She has something special in her, but she has to believe that.”

Keith said Trella took a major step during the highly competitive Morton College Christmas Tournament in late December. After crushing Joliet West, Deerfield split two games against teams still alive in Class 4A — Hersey and Geneva — and lost to Lake Zurich, another talented 4A team.

The game against Hersey was the third in three days for the Warriors, who needed a spark. Trella provided it with eight points, five rebounds and two blocked shots in their 56-48 win.

“We’ve been really pushing Kate this season, and she’s been working really hard,” Keith said. “Kate really showed me what she could do against Hersey. She came out of her shell and displayed some of the post work we have been working on with her. She stepped up her game.”

Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.