Nov 5, 20235 min read

Media Day with Kenwood Broncos

It's girls basketball season in Chicago and Coach Andre Lewis was gracious enough to invite HCC to see Media Day at Kenwood. There were multiple media outlets in attendance to get to know Coach Lewis and the 2023-24 Kenwood Broncos. There were backdrops, lights, smoke, and the Broncos. There were new faces and some we were more familiar with. I hope you enjoy getting to know the Broncos.

In his 12th season as head of the Kenwood Broncos girls' basketball program, Coach Lewis is excited to begin a season that is full of possibilities. In asking Coach Lewis to think about his career at Kenwood, he is still shocked at the success the program has sustained over the years. His teams have consistently competed at national events, competitive in city and state. It's something he is most proud of.

This should be an exciting season, as long as they can stay healthy. He likes this group and their connection. They communicate well, are talented, and multi-faceted. The team leaders Diann Jackson, Ariella Henigan, and Danielle Brooks are moving into leadership roles. This team follows their direction. Ariella will continue as the primary PG, Diann has come back strong from injury. Newcomers like Talya Tillman and Icesis Thomas have gelled within the system well. He feels this team will communicate better than his teams in recent history. It's been a point of emphasis with them and they have truly taken that expectation seriously in their everyday practice.

I had the opportunity to speak with a few of the girls in between photos.

Ariella Henigan - PG - Junior

Ariella is very excited about this season. She feels the team will win more this year and accomplish their team goals to win the big games, and especially win city and state. This season she is ready to show more of her mid-range game, improved scoring by attacking the basket, and she will be a lockdown defender. She plans to be an extension of Coach Lewis on the floor, by becoming a better leader, communicating better, and running the right plays at the right time. Ariella knows that she has always shown her passion for the game, but people will see how serious she is about the game of basketball.

Diann Jackson - PF - Junior

Diann is very happy to be able to play again. She tore her meniscus in her knee and has been out rehabbing for the last 6 months. She has been working tirelessly on building her muscles to protect her knee. This year, her game will look different. She will have a new role in the offense.

Diann is confident that the Broncos will prove a lot of people wrong. Diann said that people always think that Kenwood has lost a lot with graduation, but with the addition of this year's transfers they will be a key to our success. Diann went on to say that she, Ariella, and Danielle are leaders and things will be completely different than previous years. Diann will be expected to score more. With Kenwood being deep at the post position she will be able to come out on the wing, and extend her game, and push the ball as well. Diann plans to average a double-double this year to help support the team to reach their goal to win city and state.

Danielle Brooks - G - Sophomore

Danielle feels good about her upcoming sophomore season. Coach Lewis expects more from her this year. She likes that her coach challenges her. She will be a stronger defender and communicator this year. We will see more of her attacking the basket, scoring off the dribble, shooting, and facilitating more. She feels like the new pieces have gelled and meshed together and will continue to get better over the course of the season, ending in them meeting their goal of winning city and state.

Icesis Thomas - G - Junior

Icesis is very excited about the new environment at Kenwood. She feels like this can be a special team that can go very far. The Kenwood atmosphere and environment has been amazing. The culture is different from what she has experienced. On and off the court, Icesis has felt super welcome since she's arrived on Blackstone.

Icesis wants to show the Chicago basketball community her strength. She is no weak link. Expect the unexpected. She is ready to handle business wherever she is asked offensively. Her focuses this year are on defense and communication. She plans to make herself and her teammates better and do as much as she can to help in the game. The ultimate goal is to win city and state.

Talya Tillman - F - Senior

Another new face on the Kenwood roster is Talya. She is nervous and excited about the upcoming season. Kenwood is a new experience for her as well. She loves the diversity of the school. Kenwood basketball is different from what she has been used to, and she loves it. The chemistry is great with the girls and feels like she fits in already in a very short time.

Talya is looking forward to playing a national schedule, playing with everyone this year, and continuing to experience the culture at Kenwood. She feels like she is a piece that fits perfectly. They can go far if they do what they have the ability to do. Her defense and rebounding will bring a positive aspect to the team. Talya plans to help the Broncos meet their goal to win City and State.

Jamia Rufus - G - Senior

Jamia is one of the seniors who has been in the program for 4 years. She is happy about the upcoming season. This team is a great team and family. Everyone is buying into their roles. Jamia feels her shooting will positively impact the team. Her voice on and off the floor will show her desire to be in a leadership role this year. Jamia wants to help keep emotions calm in difficult situations. Personally, she feels she is pretty soft-spoken and wants to make her influence and impact louder. She wants to leave a mark and play a great season where finish off winning city and state.

As you can see, the Broncos have their eyes set on the ultimate goal of city and state championships. The pieces on the team are all focused on the team focus on communication and love being at Kenwood Academy, on and off the court. The Broncos are on the same wavelength to start the season and are confident that the talent, team camaraderie, and focus will lead to a successful end to their season.