Senior Spotlight Interview: Jada Spence

Senior Spotlight Exit Interview: [player_tooltip player_id="132440" first="Jada" last="Spence"]   Pius XI Catholic has a reputation of producing young athletes with incredible amounts of talent. Each player in their program plays hard, studies hard, and trains even harder. The team is known for their competitive nature and will to win that is almost unmatched. It’s no surprise that a talent like [player_tooltip player_id="132440" first="Jada" last="Spence"] decided to spend her four years at such a renowned school. [player_tooltip player_id="132440" first="Jada" last="Spence"] is a 6’0 forward at Pius XI Cathloic. She’s an experienced senior who has spent the lastfour years on this squad. A true workhorse, Spence spends her summers competing with Playground Elite and 1on1 Milwauee. Spence has only been improving since joining the team her freshman year. Averaging five additional points each season during her career, Spence continues to get better. Last season as a junior, Spence averaged 11.7 points per game and shot 34% from the three- point line. After a summer full of training Spence came back to Pius with avengence. She added a hesitation and attack dribble that became unstoppable this season. She became stronger underneath the basket and quicker on her feet defensively. Spence developed a large amount of confidence coming into her season. It might have possibly been attributed to earning a Division 1 offer from Tennessee State University. During her final campaign as a Pius XI basketball player spence averaged 14.4 points per game. In a huge win over Pewaukee, she dropped a season-high 26 points and scored 5 three-point baskets. She continued to put up huge numbers as the season progressed. In a win over West Allis Central she scored 22 points and shot 58% from the floor. Spence scored 21 points in her final regular season game against Wauwatosa West. She was also super effective defensively this season and averaged 6.6 rebounds per game. In a huge victory over Whitnall she grabbed 11 boards. Spence helped to lead her team deep into playoff action this season.. Pius XI Catholic was seeded number one entering playoffs. They fought off the likes of multiple top teams, large in part to the offensive efficiency from [player_tooltip player_id="132440" first="Jada" last="Spence"]. Pius XI finished their season in the sectional finals. Spence has an eye for the game, she understands what it means to work hard in the off season to be successful in season. She takes pride in being able to play for such an established program. After watching Spence compete all season long, and seeing her turn into one of the states top players, we met with her to discuss all things basketball. What has it been like playing for such a top program? Spence: It has been an honor playing for such a prestigious basketball program like Pius Xi. Being able to be a part of a program that has such a legacy in girls basketball has been a great opportunity and I wouldn’t have asked to be a part of a different program for the past four years. How did your offense improve this season? Spence: My offensive game compared to the last three years has changed tremendously. I feel as if I have become an all- around scorer other than just a shooter even though my shooting percentage compared to last year has gone up. Favorite gym to play in? Spence: Pius XI. Being able to have the home court advantage and having our school’s fans be able to come to home games is a plus. Best player you’ve competed against? Spence: [player_tooltip player_id="132416" first="Leah" last="Earnest"] from Stevens Point. Her ability to handle the ball, score with pressure on her and her athleticism is amazing. Favorite HS basketball memory? Spence: When we played Pewaukee the second time this season. Our team’s ability to stay composed and will to not lose was unmatched. Overall our hype and energy made it a fun game to play and makes it my favorite memory. Whose an underclassmen other teams should look out for? Spence: [player_tooltip player_id="132381" first="Mya" last="Moore"]. Her strength and ability to score down low is something that teams will have problems stopping. What advice do you give younger athletes that want to play Varsity basketball? Spence: Working on your craft as much as possible is some advice I would give. Ask your coach about some things that they think you need to work on and take time outside of your practices to go to the gym and work. I took heed to this advice and worked as much as possible on some shortcomings I had in my game and it helped a lot. Who inspires you? Spence: My parents inspire me to work hard on a daily basis. I watch them go to their seperate jobs everyday and come home and help my siblings and I with whatever we need help with surviving. Their hard work and determination I take with me onto the basketball court and believe that helped me get to where I am today. After high school plans? Spence: I plan on going to Tennessee State to play Division 1 basketball and major in Psychology.