Harris playing lights out for Delaware

Anytime you hear the name Harris, it usually means Half Hollow Hills West's All-American forward Tobias or his younger brother Tyler has had a big game.

For those not paying attention there is another Harris lighting it up on the court.

Her name is Tesia Harris, a starting shooting guard for the University of Delaware.

Tesia, a junior, hasn't gotten the national headlines her brother has and isn't even the Blue Hens' best player, star forward Elena Delle Donne has that honor.

But Harris isn't in it for the glory or the headlines.

"Getting to the NCAA Tournament is the goal," the 6-foot Hills West graduate said. "I really don't pay attention to the media or the Delaware papers. I'm focused on getting my game right and helping this team."

Harris led the Blue Hens in scoring last season. She would've been Delaware's top gun this season, but Delle Donne's presence has made Harris the second option.

Delle Donne had a school-record 54 points in an overtime loss to James Madison on Thursday.

Many players wouldn't be pleased to see their shot opportunities reduced or status as team leader changed. But the mild-mannered Harris, who is averaging 12.6 points and 5.2 rebounds, sees Delle Donne's presence as an opportunity for her and the team to do big things.

"Playing with Elena is a good thing," Harris said. "People key on her and it gives me a lot of open looks. It's definitely given me more exposure."

Earlier this season Delle Donne tied a then-school record with 39 points in an 85-72 win over Buffalo. What got lost in Delle Donne's performance was Harris, who scored 23 points and tied a school record with six three-pointers.

"We were all excited when we heard she was playing," Harris said of the 6-5 Delle Donne, who backed out of a commitment to Connecticut and transferred to Delaware last year. "Having a post player who can play guard creates matchup problems. We haven't been blown out by anyone in the conference. We lost to Old Dominion by two the second time and by just one the first time we played them."

Harris is no slouch when it comes to creating matchup problems - she can do a little bit of everything on the court.

"My father really influenced my game," Harris said. "I was 5-10 playing in the post as a freshman in high school and he said I wouldn't grow much more. He told me to learn how to shoot and dribble."

Harris worked on her perimeter skills the summer after her freshman year with personal coach Jerry Powell. That summer of hard work helped transform her into a two-time Newsday All-Island selection and a Division I recruit.

"He really helped me," Harris said. "Being a 6-foot guard who is versatile and can shoot the three . . . You can't play me one way."