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SEAMAN — Throughout its history, North Adams’ girls basketball program has seen its fair share of success.
CREDIT: Derrick Webb/SOSA
But the Devils have never had a season like they’re in right now.
That’s a bold statement, considering the program’s prominence. However, the numbers don’t lie.
For the first time in school history, North Adams will enter the postseason with an unblemished record of 22-0 — which includes the team’s first-ever Gold Ball after piecing together a 13-0 mark in the Southern Hills Athletic Conference.
So what’s the difference between this team and so many successful groups before them?
According to starting guard Kenlie Jones, it’s the team’s chemistry.
“Our chemistry and love for one another is second to none,” Jones said. “We have all grown up together, and the majority of us have played together since we were little. Those years add up. It builds chemistry that is unmatched and we always have each other’s backs, not only on the court, but off the court, too.”
Jones has proven herself as one of the team’s best scorers, especially from the free throw line at crunch time. She’s averaging 11.8 points per game, alongside four assists and 3.5 steals.
She’s usually joined in the scoring column by a number of capable players, including Keetyn Hupp, Laney Ruckel, Harlee Brand and Katelynn Boerger, among others.
At any point of any game, any of those names could find the hot hand. That’s just one reason the Devils are as dangerous as they are.
“Not every team is lucky enough to be able to have the balance that we do,” Hupp said. “It takes a team to be successful. No matter who’s scoring, the rest of us are going to be supportive and do what we can to help our team succeed.”
Hupp is the Devils’ leading scorer at 13.2 points per night, alongside 5.9 rebounds and 3.2 steals.
In the past two seasons, in times of trouble, North Adams has looked to Hupp to weather the storm. She’s been there to answer every call and she’s played well in multiple big-time moments.
But no basket, win or game can compare to the season she’s enjoyed this winter.
“It’s hard to put into words how much this means to me,” Hupp said. “But to be able to be a part of this team, which was able to accomplish this for ourselves, our coaches, our families and our communities is an amazing feeling.”
Jones echoes those sentiments.
“Personally, for me, it was a once-in-a-lifetime feeling,” Jones said. “It’s not every day you get to be around this type of team. Every year, new seniors graduate and new freshmen come in. But this team is special. After hearing that last buzzer, I was excited but I also felt so blessed. Our team has worked day in and day out to be where we are, and our coaches never stopped pushing us. I’m beyond blessed to be a part of something so special.”
There’s a reason North Adams has been able to build a “special” culture and his name is Rob Davis. The Devils’ head coach, who recently nailed down his 350th career coaching win, has created an atmosphere that breeds winning.
His heart, both on and off the court, has made the biggest difference.
“Coach Davis is a great coach. He pushes each and every one of us to reach our full potential,” Jones said. “He sees something in us sometimes we can’t even see ourselves. And although he is the varsity girls basketball coach, he doesn’t miss any other sporting event that any of his girls play. He would travel far and wide if it meant he got to sit in the stands to support even just one of his players. I think that makes him special. He teaches us basketball, but it’s more than just basketball here. It’s family. He treats and loves us all like his own. He shares his love for the Lord and prays for all of us. He truly is one of a kind.”
Basketball is important. Winning is important. But each of those things are temporary.
Life lessons is what the Devils do business in. That’s their currency and those are things that can’t be replaced.
CREDIT: Derrick Webb/SOSA
“We build great teams but great people with outstanding character and big hearts,” Jones said. “You don’t leave here with just knowing how to play quality basketball. [You learn] how to put God above everything else and how to lend a helping hand whenever and wherever. It’s always been more than basketball here and I think that’s what sets us apart from everyone else.”
North Adams will begin its tournament run against the winner of West Union and Ironton in a Division III sectional final at 1 p.m. on Feb. 18.
The top-seeded Devils, should they win, would then meet with either Lynchburg-Clay or Piketon with a trip to a district championship on the line.
They’re as ready as they’ve ever been to start the process.
“We need to focus on one game at a time and not look past anyone,” Jones said. “After going 22-0 in the regular season, we have a pretty big target on our back. Everyone wants to take out the number one seed. So we need to play every game like it’s our last, leaving everything out on the court. It’s also staying focused in practice, and getting the work done. We’ve had a great season so far and I’m not sure any of us are ready to be done just yet.”
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