“One of the most important keys to success is having the discipline to do what you know you

should do, even when you don’t feel like doing it.”    

                                                                            - Anonymous 

K’lya Hankerson, a freshmen at Johnson High School, is a young lady who has all the potential skills to become a star.   K’lya is very humble and grateful for every opportunity that comes her way; however, don’t take her humbleness as weakness because she is a force on the basketball court.  K’lya became interested in playing basketball around sixth grade.  From that point, K’lya started learning how to play basketball with the Fernwood Falcons under the guidance of her AAU coach, J’maun Cutter.  “I enjoyed playing AAU basketball because it was really competitive and it allows college coaches to look at you” said K’lya.  She would go on to play middle school basketball at DeRenne Middle School and develop her skills as a player.

Now as a freshman at Johnson, she quickly recognizes the difference between high school and middle school basketball. K’lya stated that “The coaches are harder on the players, there’s more information that you have to learn, and the speed of the game is a lot faster than middle school basketball.”  K’lya who stands at 5’11” is averaging 5.2 ppg, 9.8 reb, 3.7 blks so far this season.  She’s been working really hard as a freshman and has recently became a starter on the girls varsity team.  Even as a starter, she knows that she needs to get better as a player:  “When I need help on the basketball court,  I look to our senior captain J'mya Cutter for advice” said K’lya.    

 

As a young lady, K’lya is very humble and grateful for every opportunity that comes her way:  “My goal is to play college basketball for the University of Alabama,” said K’lya.  So, she knows that she has to be focus on her academics.  “Academics are very important to me and my family, and it’s the main thing college coaches look at.  I plan on taking the SAT and ACT my sophomore year.  I’m looking to score high early instead of waiting my junior or senior year to take them.  So, my family supports me and they make sure that I’m on the right track.  My mother is my biggest supporter and she pushing me to be the best that I can be and I’m very thankful for her,” said K’lya. 

After the season is over, K’lya mentioned training for the next season to become stronger and faster.  In addition, she is seeking to attend some basketball camps.  I have no doubt that if K’lya stays focused, continue to improve her skills, and attack her school work like she attacks basketball, she will be a star. 

“Set your goals high, and don't stop till you get there.”
                  - Bo Jackson