Kaydence Black dribbles down the court, stops at the three point line, takes the shot… money. It’s just another day as a Sevier basketball player.

Black first started playing ball when her parents had her play in a church league at age six. After this experience, she fell in love with the sport.

Like every athlete, Black has strengths and weaknesses on the court.

“Ball handling and shooting are a few of my strengths,” she said.

These are two skills that a point guard must have. Black’s weakness is going down to get rebounds.

“I hate going down where everybody else is,” she said.

As a point guard, her role is to take the ball down the court and lead the team.

Black said that she looks up to LeBron James as a role model.

“He is a good leader and great at basketball,” she said.

LeBron James is a power forward and a small forward for the Los Angeles Lakers. James is arguably one of the greatest players of all time.

Because of her admiration for James, Black roots for the Los Angeles Lakers. Black’s favorite college team is the University of North Carolina Tarheels.

“They are a great team and have great players,” she said.

Black has also faced many challenges on the court this year.

“The most challenging moments were playing Liberty Bell and other good teams,” she said.

Black played for a recreational team in 4th grade and started playing travel ball when she reached 6th grade. She stayed with that team for three years.

“It prepared me by not taking things coaches say to heart,” she said. “I learned moves and traveled a lot.”

Black also used to play soccer, which helped her sharpen her skills as a basketball player.

“[It] helped with endurance and footwork,” she said.

To prepare for a game, Black tries to stay focused, listens to music and eats well to give her energy for the game. Her greatest moments were those she spent with coaches and friends.

Black believes it takes a certain set of skills to be a good basketball player and make it onto a middle school team.

“My skill, leader[ship], effort and attitude are great assets” she said. “I bring a lot to the team.”