Senior combo guard Layla Pierce is pretty much brand new for Homewood-Flossmoor, but she’s already starting to fit in quite nicely, especially on the basketball court.

After playing two varsity seasons at Joliet Catholic, Pierce decided to transfer. And it didn’t take too long Monday to realize how she might do in coach Tony Smith’s up-tempo offense.

“I noticed that she was quick early on,” Smith said. “Just to see her out here in a game situation and see her play and do some things, we’re excited what the future holds.

“She should have a good year for us. She’s a good one.”

The 5-foot-6 Pierce was good to go against Crete-Monee, sharing game-high scoring honors for the Vikings with 14 points in a 62-21 nonconference victory in Flossmoor.

Senior guard Jaeda Murphy also had 14 points in the season opener for H-F (1-0). Pierce, meanwhile, scored six of her points in a 16-2 run that kicked off the first quarter.

That included a near 3-pointer from the right corner for the Vikings’ first points of the season. Later in that sequence, she went the length of the floor with a rebound for a layup.

For Pierce, who sported two long braids, so far, so good.

“We’re looking to go downstate,” she said. “Just to know we beat a team like that, it’s really good. I feel like I added a piece to running up and down the court and being a faster team.”

The fast start took Crete-Monee (0-1) out of any possible rhythm. Senior small forward Dejah Yankaway paced the Warriors with nine points and three rebounds.

It also eased the settling-in process for Piece, who said transferring from Joliet Catholic to H-F was about more than basketball, although the Vikings’ modern style certainly helps.

Under Smith, H-F is known for playing fast and furious, using tough defense and rebounding to get into its offense. Fast breaks and slick ball handling also set up scoring opportunities.

Watching Pierce play might remind you a little of Murphy as well, which it should, since the pair are teammates and cohorts with the Illinois Legends AAU program.

“She’s a very good player,” said Murphy, who averaged 11 points last season for H-F as a junior. “She brought a lot to the team when she came here.

“I feel like that was the last piece we needed — somebody who could get down the floor and run the floor with me and shoot the ball and handle the ball as well.”

Case in point? With 1:24 left in the second quarter, Pierce forced a turnover. Moments later, she hit a wide-open 3-pointer that capped a 12-2 run for a 38-12 halftime lead.

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Pierce added another 3-pointer late in the third quarter, and then was rewarded with a running clock in the fourth and time to relax on the bench.

While the season is just underway, Pierce has big plans for after high school. She wants to play Division I for a historically Black college or university. She’s doesn’t won’t make her decision until after the season.

Pierce first picked up a basketball in fourth grade. Attending H-F and playing the sport for the Vikings is the next step, and she’s content to make her mark here as a senior.

Smith loves her enthusiasm.

“It seems like she never stops,” he said. “She’s always moving. That’s what I love about her. That’s how we want the guards to play. I liked the way she hit the first couple of shots.

“We’re going to use it all we can. I’m looking forward to it.”

Gregg Voss is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.