Basketball’s first season back at ABAC was one that disappointed the team and fans, only pulling through with five wins for the girls. Now back with more experience, our Fillies are ready to take on a new season. The opener of the season ended in a win over New Rock Prep 91-70, with the girls dominating the last quarter of the game. As many basketball players know, defense is not their favorite side to play on. Even then, it was evident from the game that our girls thrived on defense, especially Shakiria “Sis” Chaney, a senior and captain of the
team.
When asked about why Chaney is so important to the team, Coach Wimberly said, “She leads by example and has a personality other kids are drawn to. But on the basketball floor, I’ve never seen a young lady (or young man) work as hard as she does and work at her skills, while also having the capability of teaching those younger than her.” Throughout my conversation with Coach Wimberly and even Chaney herself, I was able to understand how much dedication and commitment she puts into the team and sport itself. When asked how Chaney takes criticism, her coach made sure that I knew she doesn’t take it personally. Chaney is someone who is willing to learn and grow
without thinking twice. In addition to taking criticism remarkably well, she also helps her teammates learn to absorb criticism. Coach Wimberly also said “She also is one that is able to talk to other players about taking criticism and understanding how to
fix something.”
While Coach Wimberly said he “does not see a flaw” with Chaney’s game, she herself had different words for me, saying, “I feel like I play a major part in us not communicating as well as we should, and I have to do a better job at that.” While she was critiquing herself, she kept her tone high, and while she could’ve felt sorry for herself and told me she didn’t see one, Chaney chose to bare herself and all her flaws. This in and of itself shows what kind of leader she is, not only during our interview but also with her team. She then followed up, saying, “We can start incorporating it more at practice, implementing it at practice” showing her outlook on improving her game and the team’s game as well.
Chaney has scored over 100 points within these first games, but if you ask her, the points don’t matter; it’s her efficiency. When I brought up how Coach Wimberly said, “If you point out to her that she scored 40 points in one game she’ll ask, ‘Yeah, but how many assists did I have?’” Chaney nodded and said with a look in her eyes, “Yes, because I have goals, and that goes back to the personal goals. Just efficiency. That’s something big because a lot of people can score a lot of points, but the efficiency is what really matters. That’s something I’m really hard on myself about because, yeah, we know I can do this, but how can I improve this to make it better?” That sentence is always echoing in her head during practice, games, and meals because she wants to continue
to be the best she can be.
I implore everyone to go watch a game. What we as an audience don’t see is the star player running and shooting baskets first thing in the
morning, the subs staying late after practice to build team chemistry, and the team who is starting again after lying dormant since 2008.
PHOTOS | HUNTER HOLTON