As the season unfolds, the Lady Wildcats basketball team continues to prove that a strong sense of camaraderie both on and off the court is a key to their success. With a record of 16-3, they attribute their standout performance not just to their athleticism but to the trust they have in each other, especially in tough moments.
“We are very goofy, but we know how to be serious when it matters,” sophomore Makenlie Camble said. “I trust my skills, my team’s skills, and I just trust my teammates.”
The team has shown resilience through every game, whether they’re facing intense competition or navigating the challenges that inevitably come with a long season. According to senior Jasmine Mccarther, maintaining their team chemistry is crucial.
“We push the ball fast, we are like sisters, and we can come to each other about anything, whether it’s basketball or family,” McCarther said.
That chemistry is palpable. The players are more than just teammates, they’re friends.
“Our bond makes us different,” sophomore Presley Hudson said. “A lot of us have played together since we were little, and that gives us a good foundation. We always have each other’s backs.”
Head coach Kimberly Jenkins has seen this firsthand.
“Our biggest strength has been our overall chemistry and unselfishness on the court,” Jenkins said. “Although everyone is competitive, they want to do whatever it takes for our team to be successful.”
Through tough losses and close games, the team remains focused on their collective goals, like ending the season with a conference championship.
“When we lose, it’s not about what the other team did; it’s about what we need to do better,” Camble said.
Jenkins agrees, after a win or a loss, communication is the key to further success.
“We do our best to communicate with our players as individuals and as a team. We check ourselves and try to push through tough times as a unit.”
Looking ahead, the team’s sights are set on winning the conference outright and positioning themselves for a top seed in the state tournament in March. But no matter the outcome, the girls remain committed to supporting one another every step of the way.
“We just keep looking forward,” senior Jasmine McCarther said. “Our chemistry will carry us through.”