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By Aleek Thomas
Kean High sophomore guard Tekejah Richardson shoots a layup against Antilles at the Martin Luther King Jr. Varsity Basketball Tournament. Daily News Photo by Tim Chapman.
The Ivanna Eudora Kean Girls basketball team, The Lady Rays, are ready to rumble in an already exciting 2013 season.
There have been some changes over the past year with this team. “We have eight new ninth graders, most who have played junior varsity in Bertha C. Boschulte,” said Monitor Thomau who has been working with the girls for the past years.
“This year we have potential of having up to 15 players which is more than we had last year,” said Mr. Peter Seipel, Kean’s Athletic Director.
Another change is the addition of Assistant Coach Derek Heyliger, who will work alongside Head Coach Akil Lewis. When Mr. Seipel was asked about the new addition, he said, “With the addition of Coach Heyliger on our staff, we will bring a new outlook to our philosophy.”
One more change this year has been talk about the basketball teams here at Kean receiving new uniforms turning into a reality. “The old jerseys have been in use for about ten years, and we could use a more modern style,” according to Mr. Seipel. When asked about funding, Mr. Seipel said, “We are in negotiations about jerseys being sponsored by a corporation.”
As a community we need more support for IEKHS basketball, according to the staff. “I feel like we are getting some support, but it can be better because we have a lot of positive output here,” said Monitor Thomau.
Mr. Seipel added, “Our support from the community is starting to gradually build. We have just started the Nazareth Bay Boosters Club which includes people from the East End community and businesses.”
When asked how many off-island trips the program will take, Mr. Seipel replied, “Not many at all due to the financial state of the territory. We will be lucky if every sport gets one trip.”
The Lady Rays consist of some very talented players, according to Monitor Thomau. “The top player is Akia Frett. She has been the top pick in the Sun Stroke Tournament in St. Croix held by Rashidi Clenance, and the number one pick in the St. Thomas/St. John District.”
“Some of the up and coming players are Tekejah Richardson who is one of our best outside shooters. Devonique Gerald is another up and coming forward. This year should be a great new experience because we have a lot of ninth graders,” according to Monitor Thomau.
The biggest question of the entire interview was, “How can the team improve, from their 3-3 record last year?” Mr. Seipel replied, “The team needs to be more dedicated to cohesiveness so that we can strive for more wins. With the addition of some new competitive players, the veterans will be able to work hand in hand towards more wins.”
Daily News photo by TIM CHAPMAN
During the Martin Luther King Holiday weekend, the Lady Rays took part in the MLK basketball tournament, where they finished with a 60-25 win over Antilles. http://virginislandsdailynews.com/sports/kean-lady-rays-romp-in-opener-1.1431963
After the game, the Daily News reporter Tim Chapman talked to Akia Frett who said, “We didn't practice it at all, but I decided to, like, put the pressure on so we could get a couple baskets." Frett continued, "It worked out a little bit. We could've done better, but this is our first game. We got a little chills in the system and butterflies.”
The Lady Rays also added a 49-15 victory against Antilles on Friday January 25. http://virginislandsdailynews.com/sports/kean-high-hoops-teams-sweep-double-dip-with-antilles-1.1434857
With seven more games left in the season, the Lady Rays will have many chances to put their skills on display.
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