When looking up the definition of basketball google says that it is a game played between two teams of five players in which goals are scored by throwing a ball through a netted hoop fixed above each end of the court. This is how most people would describe it, but it is so much more than that.
Basketball senior Nora Henry is the most consistently aggressive player on the PHS Girls Basketball team, and she is not afraid of anything. She had a concussion, did her nursing clinicals, and kept up with her school work, all while being one of the highest scorers on the team.
Nora is more than just a really good basketball player though, she has goals for her future, and even though she is busy she continues to work hard in all she does.
She plans to eventually become a paramedic. Last year she received her Certified Nursing Assistant license through Unitech and is currently in the Phlebotomy program there.
When asked why she does all of these things Nora said, “I don’t know, I was just like might as well. As much as I wanted to just quit, I’m glad I didn’t because of the memories I have made staying busy the last four years.”
Along with Nora there is one more senior basketball player, Gracie Lawson, who has also worked hard this season. She played basketball sixth through eighth grade then took a few years’ break before coming back her senior year to play.
“This is my last year playing any sports and to be able to play with the girls I started playing with in middle school, so I came back after taking a bit of a break and to make up for lost time.”
During Gracie’s freshman year of high school during Covid-19, Gracie was quarantined several times because of the virus. Which caused her to miss several games and practices so she decided to not continue playing.
She didn’t want to miss out on the basketball memories with her basketball teammates who have become like family to her this year.
Gracie has always been active in sports and athletics. She has always been competitive and loved to win and had to beat her brother Walker at every little thing.
“I’ve always worked hard to be the best at whatever I was doing because I can’t stand the thought of someone working harder than me. Playing basketball I don’t get to start but when I’m needed I will give 100%.”
Nora and Gracie have played together for a long time and something they both agree on is it is worth it to play because of the memories they get to carry with them the rest of their lives.
