Whitney Young girls' basketball has been one of the top programs in the city for 30+ years. As recent as the last two years, they are the defending City Champions under Coach Krissy Harper. During their recent media day, we had the pleasure of discussing the upcoming season with Coach Krissy and a few of the Dolphins.
Coach Krissy mentioned that recently there was an article that described her Dolphin team as inexperienced. That's okay with Coach that people think that of her current team, they had four starters graduate last year. The upside to that is that these same girls who may not have had game experience, were around the winning mentality of last year's team. They aren't inexperienced mentally. They can pick up where the graduating class left off. They know the plays and can build on the culture that was created while they watched and supported their team.
This season, Destiny will be big for them. She is one of their leaders and a dynamic player. The sleepers will be Kiaya Johnson and Neelah Leach, who is a freshman. They're going to open a lot of eyes. KJ sat a lot last year for eligibility reasons. She understands her role better and is a leader on the court, and has gotten even better at that this year. Neelah is a tremendous athlete. She is long, hungry to learn, and very coachable. She will be a phenomenal player and gain national attention when people get a chance to see her shine. Another player to look out for is Nina Loyd, a sophomore. Defensively she is a dog. She is the younger cousin of a former Whitney Young stand out, Lexi Lloyd.
The Dolphin's team goal is to defend their city title and win state. This team has a lot of fight. They won't wait and let another team hit first and then fight back. Now they are trying to be a first-strike team. They're playing a very tough schedule thanks to Coach Foster. She makes sure they play the best of the best. They will go to DC and Florida this year.
Coming up, next for the Dolphins after winning their season opener versus La Lumiere is the 1st annual Kenner Klassic. You'll want to check out all of the games, there's a slate of talented teams in this event.
Destiny Jackson is a Junior that has gained national recognition, in addition to being the leader of the Whitney Young Dolphins, she has had several Power 5 offers. She hasn't cut her list at this point and is focused on the upcoming season with her high school team. Destiny is looking forward to winning the city championship and making it downstate.
Destiny's playing style is fast paced. She likes to get up and down the court and get opponents on their heels as she gets downhill. She feels she has grown in her role as a point guard and a leader. She is more efficient shooting the ball. Her personal goal is to earn Illinois Ms. Basketball and Gatorade Player of the year. She feels that she can meet her personal goal as well as their team goals because this team is a family off the court. The culture change from previous years has been great where everyone is all together.
Sophomore forward, Chellise Jones is looking forward to going downstate and playing in the city championship She feels that the national schedule they'll play this year will prepare them for the battle to accomplish those goals. Defense is a point of emphasis this year for the Dolphins. Boxing out and rebounding is a point of emphasis for Lysa. Everyone knows they are a team that can score. Against good teams, defense is going to be very important. She is focused on playing her part rebounding and defending this year. Her personal goal is to become more consistent on both ends of the floor in every game. She loves that her team is very well rounded. You'd be surprised to know that their off the court they are very creative and artistic.
Amaya Henderson is looking forward to winning championships this year in city and state. Her point of emphasis this season is free throws. They will be important in those close games. She will continue to work hard and be a big on defense. Her strength is blocking shots. She plans to let teams know they will struggle if they plan to come in the lane. Her strengths are also shooting the mid range shot. Amaya wants to personally goal get better every game. She intends to use more moves and expand her offensive skills. They always want to win and they are going to play hard in order to get that title.
Kiaya Johnson is looking forward to playing a whole season this year. Last year was difficult for her sitting out for a large part of the season due to transfer rules. She really wants people to see the player she is. Kiaya wants people to realize that she is just as good as the other kids in the state. She will show this talent with her speed and midrange game. Kiaya is looking forward to helping the Dolphins to their goal of winning city and state. This team may be smaller in size but they have talent, toughness, heart, and can beat you. They are going to come out and kill this year.
As stated by their head coach, Krissy Harper, these are just a few of the talented varsity basketball players that will represent Whitney Young this year. Don't count them out, because looks can be deceiving and assumptions won't prove true with this well rounded group of girls. They are considered the top team in the Red North West conference but have their sights set on big prizes this year. They are a team to watch.
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