On The Mend: Coming Back Stronger Than Ever

Basketball is a physical sport. It can take its toll both mentally and physically. You have to have a sound mind, body, and heart to play at a high level when it comes to this sport. Don't get me wrong, all sports have their pros and cons, but at the same time, basketball is one of those sports that has so many factors, and so many risks.   When our young ladies suit up to play the sport we all love, we pray that everyone has fun, plays to the best of their ability, and that they don't get hurt. There are times where there are unfortunate circumstances that prevent our young ladies from performing at their peak. One could be making a basketball play, one could just be going full speed exhausting their self,or just a freak accident could occur to where a moment in time could change the trajectory of  someone   In this state, we have young ladies who get after it all the time. I've said it time and time again, when I think of a girl who is from Tennessee, they play with grit, they play with heart, and they leave every ounce of what they have on the basketball court. They give 110% and will do whatever it takes to help propel their team towards victory. There is a reason why college coaches love girls from Tennessee. It's a mindset. It's the swagger of our players. It's something within the DNA of us that brings out the best in who we are. Our state is littered with diamonds in the rough. With that being said, please understand that when you have an opportunity to take in a game in the high school ranks, no matter where they are in the state, you will see some true champions compete. Not everyone goes on to play collegiate basketball, but at the same time, understand that everyone that takes the court, gives it all for their school and for this state.   This upcoming season, we will see some young ladies back in action who have been through some adversity this past season. Whether it is an ACL tear, high ankle sprain, back issue , knee issue, whatever it may be, just understand that these young ladies are back in action and ready to pick up where they left off. All these girls  can make an impact for their club and play pivotal roles for what their team does. As these young ladies get back in action, understand that their clubs level of play is going to rise tremendously. They bring an extra ounce of energy to their team, which in turn could take their club to new heights. This will be an exciting upcoming season around the state in Tennessee.   Here are some young ladies, who are on the mend, and are looking to come back with a vengeance this upcoming season .    ( Their injury will not be listed nor will a time table for their return will be mentioned below. )   [player_tooltip player_id='513243' first='Bella' last='Shepherd'] from Lipscomb Academy will be back in action this upcoming year. A multi level scoring threat, who is super tough, and can beat her opponent in more ways than one. She's a sharpshooter from the arc and a bucket from within. She gives her club 110% and will exhaust herself to the fullest to help her club win. She's a tough kid with a high upset.   [player_tooltip player_id='513231' first='Anna' last='Williams'] from Brentwood is another kid who is a big deal coming back. An anchor in the middle, she cleans up the boards on both ends of the floor. She deters shots in the paint, and makes coaches alter their game plans to get her out from her position. She has a nice offensive game.Incredible footwork from the high percentage area. A great tone setter who will definitely be a force to be reckoned with   [player_tooltip player_id='291009' first='Ambria' last='Ferkany'] from PCA is a solid wing player who can play inside and out. Has a nice quick first step that enables  her to get downhill. A heady player who can beat her opponent in more ways than one. From taking them off the dribble, to pulling up from within, and launching it from beyond the arc, she is a bucket that the Lady Lions will definitely count on this upcoming season.   [player_tooltip player_id='513280' first='Amirah' last='Herring'] from Blackman is another young lady who gets after it. Aggressiveness, speed, and grit, are just a few intangibles that are a part of her makeup. A hungry player who loves to create havoc. She can score from multiple spots on the floor offensively, defensively, she's going to be a headache for her opponents. You talking about a tough competitor, this girl's name has to be mentioned when you think of such a word. Great kid who will contribute right away for the Lady Blaze.   Mak Hallie from Webb Bell Buckle will be back in action. A solid contributor who can score from the field like crazy. Has a nice shot release and can get to the cup with ease. Contributing in multiple statistical categories, she's hungry to get back on the floor to show everyone that she's back better than ever. This kid loves the game and is looking forward to leaving her mark against opponents this year.   [player_tooltip player_id='513279' first='Lily' last='Espelet'] from Page is chomping at the bit to let everyone in Tennessee know who she is. Built like Diana Taursi, this multi-level scoring threat can not only shoot the rock from multiple levels, but also play the 1-5 on both ends of the floor. She's a go-getter who is a fearless competitor. Lily has been doing well rehabbing and is excited to get back in the mix of things with her Lady Patriot teammates. She will be a tremendous boost to a nice Page ball club. Look for her to be one of the leading catalysts this upcoming season.   [player_tooltip player_id='513275' first='Lily' last='Morrow'] from CPA will be back ready to kick butt and take names. This young lady is phenomenal and when she gets back, everyone will be on high alert. A dynamic player who can affect the game in more ways than one. Can score it from all three levels, she's going to compete the full length of the game. Brings a championship mindset to the court every single night, she's going to give her opponents' fits when she's back and healthy.   [player_tooltip player_id='245374' first='Tishana' last='Moore'] from Blackman is on her way back. The lyrics from Fat Joe's song “ Nothing can stop me, I'm on my way up” come to mind when I think of this young lady. She's just a kid who loves to hoop. It's not about scoring with her, but she's a hustler. When you think of hustle plays, add T's name to the mix. Rebounding, loose balls, chase down blocks, she's a gritty player who loves to frustrate her opponents. She's the Draymond Green for this Lady Blaze club and excels at her role like no other.   [player_tooltip player_id='409105' first='Tyler' last='Jones'] from Hutchison is on her way back. This phenomenal young hooper is looking to pick up where she left off. Brings so much to the table, she's the heartbeat of her club for sure. Incredible basketball IQ, has a great feel for the game, she knows how to put the ball in the hole. Creating chaos is her specialty and she will look to find ways to leave her mark everytime she steps foot on the floor. Look for her to get back to it and become a force just like she was before.   [player_tooltip player_id='435647' first='Maliyah' last='Glasper'] from Gatlinburg-Pittman is coming back. Praise hands up! She is a hooper who gets after it. You talking about a dynamic player, adding her back to this lethal GP attack is going to make them even more fun to watch. Plays with poise, great speed, and brings so much energy to the table on both ends of the floor, this year look for her to help GP take it all. She can do it all for her club. Score it, make timely assists, defend like crazy. She will bring a huge jolt to a club who has tremendous upside.

Basketball is a physical sport. It can take its toll both mentally and physically. You have to have a sound mind, body, and heart to play at a high level when it comes to this sport. Don't get me wrong, all sports have their pros and cons, but at the same time, basketball is one of those sports that has so many factors, and so many risks.