The number three has played a large part in Evans McCook’s life lately.

She wears  No. 33 on the Stratford Eaglettes basketball team.

And she  is known for something on the court: the three point shot.

As a junior, McCook has stepped up and become one of the leaders of the 14-4 Stratford Eaglettes basketball team.

Throughout the past 17  games, McCook has led the Eaglettes team in scoring, averaging just under 11 points a game. She scores most of her points from long range and has made a name for herself behind the three-point line.

Earlier in the season, McCook made seven three-point shots in the first quarter. She added one more later in the game to break the single-game Stratford girls’ record, totaling a whopping eight three-pointers in one game.

McCook is shooting over 42 percent from three-point range, the best percentage she has ever shot as a member of the Eaglettes basketball team. She has made 41 three-point shots already this season.

In Tuesday’s game against FPD, which had huge region implications, McCook hit what would end up being the game winning three-point shot from the corner in overtime. At the time the Eaglettes and the Lady Vikings were tied 39-39. The Eaglettes went on to win 45-39.

“We really needed the win since we lost to them the first time around,” said McCook. “It felt amazing to come through with the game on the line. It was definitely the biggest shot I have ever hit.”

McCook has had to adjust her mindset from last season and fill the leadership void left by last years’ graduating seniors.

“We lost five seniors last year so I knew I was going to have to step up,” said McCook. “I, as well as some other players, have had to step up and lead because we have only one senior.”

McCook has stepped up both her role as a leader and a scorer on this year’s team.

“I’ve been watching Stratford basketball my entire life,” said McCook. “I have been waiting for my opportunity and now that I have the chance, I’m trying to take advantage.”

She has done just that.

The McCook family has been involved with Stratford for as long as Evans can remember and basketball is no exception. Her older brother, Tommy (class of 2016) was an important member of last year’s Stratford boys basketball team that made a final four appearance.

“There’s always a sibling rivalry between us,” said McCook. “I want to beat him in everything and basketball is no different.”

The Eaglettes are currently ranked No. 9 in the Class A girls private basketball rankings with region title hopes still alive and well.

In order for the Eaglettes to score a spot in the state championship, McCook will have to keep up this pace.

“I want to do as much as I can for this team,” said McCook. “Our goal is always to win region and make the Final Four.”