Grace Christian Academy (Franklin) Lady Lions Team Preview

There is a saying, “together, everyone achieves more.” When it comes to the Lady Lions of Grace Christian Academy, this reigns true for the fact that these girls play hard and play together. Last year may not have been a true showing of what these girls are capable of. In a tough district filled with very talented clubs, these girls did what they could against stiff hoopers. Fast forward to now, they had a great summer, where they gelled together, fought together, broke bread together, and built upon their confidence. Credit the coaching. Credit the workout program. Credit some for playing travel basketball. Wherever the credit lies, just know these Lady Lions are gonna come out this year hungry and fierce to avenge who they are and what they will become.

It’s a new day off Southall Rd.. New gym. New unis. New outcomes on the horizons. These girls have been working on their craft and with another year of comfort under the Michael Couey regime, I expect these girls to give opponents fits and show people what they are made of. They are a tough bunch of girls who are ready to break out and compete for a taste of the division crown.

Here are some Lady Lions you need to keep your eye on this upcoming year.

Natalie Kaye Natalie Kaye 5'9" | SG Grace Christian Academy | 2024 State TN (5’9/Sr./G)– She can do all things through Christ that strengthens her. Absolutely. She’s the can do it all player for the Lady Lions and she packs a hefty bag when she plays. Smooth with the ball in her hands, she’s going to find a way to score the rock. From deep, driving to the hoop, off turnovers, whatever it may be, she’s going to be the leading catalyst in multiple categories when it comes to this club. The heart and soul of the squad, she’s tough as nails and leaves everything she has on the floor.

McKenzie Kaye McKenzie Kaye 5'8" | SF Grace Christian Academy | 2024 State TN (5’8/Sr./G)– It’s sister act 2, the twin of Natalie. This twin plays with heart and gets after it on both ends of the floor. She can shoot the ball from the arc, but will take it downhill and finish at the rim. She’s a rebounder, runs the floor well, finishes at the rim. She’s a great communicator, helping her teammates move through traffic. Solid defender who makes a difference when she is on the floor.

Aubrey Black Aubrey Black 5'7" | PG Grace Christian Academy | 2024 State TN (5’7/Sr./G)– After taking a little hiatus from playing, she’s back to contribute to the Lady Lions ball club. Aubrey is an athlete that’s solid all the way around. A fierce competitor, she’s going to get after it with all that she has. She sees the floor well, allowing her to make timely passes to open players. Her anticipation is off the charts, credit to her ability of playing multiple sports. She’s a tough kid who isn’t afraid to stick her nose into some mess.

Ellie Harris Ellie Harris 5'8" | CG Grace Christian Academy Franklin | 2026 State TN (5’8/So./G)– She doesn’t know the potential she has, she just goes out and plays hard. The kid fights through adversity all the time, giving every ounce of energy she has. Ellie is a solid ball player who can score the basketball. From deep, she’s good. In the paint, she’s good. She’s active on the defensive end, getting steals and grabbing boards. She’s a tough kid who is primed and ready for a breakout season. Now that she has a year of high school basketball and being in the system, look for her to be comfortable and exploit teams weaknesses with her exceptional talent.
Hope Brooks (5’6/So./G)– Solid athletic kid who competes. She isn’t afraid to stick her nose into the mix. Loose balls, rebounds, whatever it may be, she’s in there trying to win the 50/50 battle. Has a nice shot on her, where she will unleash it from beyond the arc. I expect her confidence to go up as she is seasoned with another year of high school basketball. Look for her to play some major minutes and provide the Lady Lions with a spark.