holton 2012 girls' bball feature

7/31/2019 Holton 2012 Girls' BBall Feature

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Four Headed MonsterInterview by David Holton and Kelsi White

After coming up short in the state title game last season, the girls basketballteam was ready for a trip back to Bowling Green. The team was highlighted by

their four seniors, Lauren Bodine (12, #15) Leasia Wright (12, #23), April Wilson(12, #20), and Kara Wright (12, #12). They all had two things in common: theywere headed towards a collegiate career at division I schools and were out toavenge a heart-breaking loss.

Q: Had any of you all met before you got to Manual?

AW - Me and Lauren have known each other since we were eight or nine, butthat was through basketball. Same with Kara, it was all through basketball.Q: What was the first practice at Manual like freshman year?

LW - It was really intense and the seniors were yelling. At the time, we didntrealize that we had to take the yelling too hard. It was constructive criticism. Theywere just trying to push us to get better.

AW - It was kind of intimidating, too. Coming in as freshmen on varsity we werescared. But the upperclassmen really welcomed us. They were tough leaders.

Q: As freshmen, did you guys become closer, knowing that youd be spendingthe next four years with each other?KW - We definitely had that bond from the start. With us being freshmen andbeing new to the program, it would be hard to get used to so we stuck with eachother, both on and off the court.

LB: We went through a lot of adversity, like issues with playing time, and we hadto stick together through those tough times.

AW - I think were closer than ever now.

Q: As freshmen, did you all have any idea of how good you all would become as

seniors?AW - Well, Coach P sat us down in his office and basically just told us that wewould get to play, people would be jealous, and that we would get a lot of playingtime. He told us that we would just have to stick through it.

Q: What events,on and off the court, brought you closer together over these fouryears?


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do it, especially since weve had so much experience these past four years.Q: Where have you committed to play next year?

LB - University of Maine

LW - Im still undecided.

AW - Purdue

KW - Southeast Missouri State University

Q: What will the college experience be like? Especially going from being the topdogs as seniors back to freshmen without the other three seniors not with you?

AW - Its a big adjustment, but us three have gotten close to the players alreadyat the programs and other incoming players. Its just another bond well have tobuild and make stronger.

Q: So, will you all keep in touch?

AW- Of course, we dont have a choice.

Q: What have been some things that you have taken away from the ManualBasketball experience?

KW - Just keeping a positive attitude about things. Even when youre goingthrough rough stretches, keeping a positive attitude will always help.

AW - Coach P really instilled enthusiasm and keeping a positive attitude. He alsofocused on the team and making sure personal accolades didnt come before theteam.Q: How has your relationship grown with Coach P through these four years? KW - There have been some bumps in the road, but we love Coach P to death.Hes always pushing us to get better. He may yell sometimes, but we know hes

looking out for us and only wants the best for us.

AW - Even when there has been negativity around us, Coach P has always beenthere for us with a positive attitude.Q: Is there a possibility that you guys could play against each other in college?


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LB - Well, were all playing Division 1.

AW - Theres a chance. Maybe in an exhibition or the tournament.

holton 2012 girls' bball feature

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