The Lady Trojan basketball team has been looking forward to this moment since their crushing defeat in the sectional tournament last season. This evening that moment will finally arrive as they kick off their season taking on Highland on the road. The Trojans are optimistic about their upcoming season, after having some success last year, and returning some of the key players from that group.
Two of those key performers from last year are sophomore stars Tenley Davis and Kenedi Bradley. Both Davis and Bradley made waves on the basketball court for Chesterton High school’s varsity team last year as freshmen. Davis and Bradley have both grown this offseason through their respective AAU basketball programs. Davis is a standout player for City Elite basketball, out of Michigan City, which has helped her grow stronger as a post player. Bradley, who suits up for the Illinois Lady Lightning, a well known midwest program, has also added to her game exciting both players for the upcoming year.
For the high school season, Davis is looking forward to a season of basketball, bonding with her teammates, and just playing basketball with Chesterton teammates.
“Being a part of this team is so exciting. The girls create such a great environment, and basketball helps build up my strengths and muscles,” Davis said.
Bradley’s goal this year is to make it past sectionals. She believes that with enough hard work and understanding of team roles, they can take that step.
“Our biggest challenge is gelling as cohesive unit. Sometimes at the high school level carving out team roles is really difficult,” Bradley added.
Bradley is known for her unwavering dedication to the game, as well as her attentiveness to the coaches. Davis is known for her toughness and leadership within the group. These two athletes form an excellent tandem for the basketball team, with their team’s ability to communicate with each other. Bradley is very devoted to her team, and eager for this season to begin.
“I’m looking forward to the games a lot, I love the adrenaline rush, I am so excited for sectionals this year,” Bradley expressed, “AAU demands more of individual players, but high school really requires more of that team bond to be successful. That’s where the extra challenge comes.”
This season, Davis, Bradley, and their team will face tough competition, and opponents like Lake Central and Valpo, due to their athletic abilities, but their determination and teamwork must help them overcome these obstacles.
“Lake Central will be really tough… they didn’t graduate anybody. Crown Point is always good; they have a great developmental program. Valpo might take a small step back from last year, but they have Lillian Barnes, so they’ll always have a chance,” Davis explained.
Before they play their games, the team has a ritual of blasting rap music, and other tunes to get them ready for the game, boost their adrenaline, and set the stage for their electrifying performances on the court.
Davis and Bradley will play a pivotal role in the success of the Lady Trojans basketball team this season. The team, as well as these two super sophomores are ready to go. Clearly, Davis and Bradley’s passion for basketball and their commitment and dedication to the team, make them an outstanding force to the team. As they continue to grow and excel, their future in basketball looks incredibly bright. Best of luck to these two and the rest of the Lady Trojans as they look to begin a successful run.
