Playing tough defense, out-rebounding the opposition and defending the home court is what the game of basketball is all about, and that’s what the King’s Academy girls varsity basketball team has been doing this season. It is also why the team has an impressive 18-5 record.
Because of its stingy defense, ability to control the backboards and undefeated record at home, this year’s TKA girls varsity basketball team is having a stellar season and will be a tough team to beat when the Florida High School Athletic Association’s Class 3A state tournament rolls around in February.
TKA head coach Chris Race’s squad is making it very difficult for the opposition to score points. The Lions are limiting their opposition to an average of just 33 points a game, while scoring nearly 55 points per contest. The squad also has balanced participation, with seven of the nine players on the roster averaging at least 17 minutes a game.
When it comes to points, TKA also has balanced scoring. The top three point-producers are freshman Jade Jones (12.5 points per game), junior Janessa Williams (9.6 points per game), and Race’s daughter, junior Jordan Race (8.9 points per game).
The most impressive statistic is its balance in rebounding. Four players — senior Mo’Nique Joseph, Williams, Race and Jones — are averaging at least five rebounds a game. Joseph, who is 6-foot-0, is the team’s leading rebounder with 7.6 rebounds per game. Jones is leading the team in steals with 3.5 thefts per game, while Race is the team’s leader in assists with 3.2 per contest.
Coach Race is delighted with the play of his team so far this season. “We have a really talented group of kids who work hard,” he said. “I think we are a really talented team.”
A key ingredient for TKA’s success this season has been senior leadership.
“We are led by two seniors, Mo’Nique Joseph and Margot McFadden. They are our team captains for their on- and off-the-court leadership,” Race said. “Margot is a fierce competitor who is the heart and soul of our team. She almost always guards the opponent’s top player and can really knock down the three-pointer. Mo’Nique is a super aggressive post player for us. She almost always demands a double team when she gets the ball on the block. She is very versatile on defense, often guarding any position.”
The three juniors on TKA’s team — Race, Williams and Naomi Cadet — form a strong supporting cast.
“Jordan and Janessa play many roles for our team. Jordan plays 1-4 [on offense] for us on most nights. She averages around 10 points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals per game. She is a good leader for our team, and she can really shoot the three,” Race said of his daughter. “Janessa is a tough, physical guard/forward who can hit the outside jumper, mid-range shots or mix it up inside. She also averages about 10 points and six rebounds per game. She is a tough competitor. Naomi was having a great season but recently was injured and is out for the remainder of the season.”
The two freshmen on the team are having tremendous years.
“Jade Jones and Soso Kateris are super-talented freshmen who are getting better each day. They are both big and strong guards/forwards who are versatile, as well,” Race said. “Jade is a super-athletic girl who is just scratching the surface of her talents. She is really tough to stop in the open court. Jade also has a really good mid-range game. She is our leading scorer, at 12.5 points per game. She also averages six rebounds and three steals per game. Soso is a multi-talented freshman. She averages seven points, three rebounds, three assists and three steals per game. She fills every position for us. She is a great three-point shooter who also is very athletic and finishes well in the paint. She gains more confidence every time she steps on the court.”
Of the team’s first 18 wins, one particular victory was a signature triumph for the team.
“I think our best win so far this season was the game against Palm Beach Lakes, a 53-48 victory on Jan. 24,” Race said. “We played them at their gym on their senior night. The gym was packed and loud. It was good for us to learn how to persevere and pull out a tough road win against a perennial state contender.”
The five losses suffered by TKA this year were also great learning experiences for the squad.
“Our losses all came against top teams in the state in their gyms — Westminster, Seminole Ridge, Calvary Christian Academy, Slam Academy Miami and St. Thomas Aquinas,” Race said. “We set up our schedule to prepare for a run to Lakeland for the Class 3A state championship. I wasn’t too concerned about our win-loss record, but really wanted the girls to learn how to prepare to go into hostile gyms and compete against some of the top teams in the state.”
Another positive intangible for the team is the backing it receives from family members and the leadership at TKA. “Our parents and administration have been really supportive of our program,” Race said.
If TKA continues to play tough defense and out-rebounds the opposition, the team has a good chance of reaching the FHSAA’s Class 3A state championship at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland in mid-February.
“We aren’t there yet, but we are getting better every day and hope to make a run to Lakeland this year,” Race said.
