FAIRVIEW, Ala. — The Fairview Lady Aggies are coming off another solid basketball season and junior Jayla Gorham talked about what she learned playing with her teammates and learned last year’s head coach Justin Billings.
“I felt that last season went very well. We started the season off with a lot of setbacks with some of my teammates getting injured. But we came out our first game and got a good, solid win, and we just continued to grow and learn throughout the season. I learned that if you give God all your problems, he will make it all work out in the end,” Gorham said. “I loved playing with every one of my teammates. I got to grow closer with each one of them and really create a bond that will last longer than just basketball season.”
She added,
“Coach Billings is an amazing coach. He has always held me accountable and has always pushed me to be the best version of myself. He has taught me to never give up and to always give it 100% on the court and in life. I would not be the player I am today if it wasn’t for him pushing me along the way.”
Fairview participated in some summer play-day games and Jayla talked about that experience. She got to play with some great seniors last season and soaked up as much as she could from them.
“I feel like they went pretty well. We came into the summer not knowing if we were going to play because of us not having a coach, but we had some people step up and gave us an amazing summer. No matter what was going on, we came in the gym every day, pushed each other, and got better,” she said. “I loved getting to play with our seniors. I had a really good relationship with them and I’m definitely going to miss them this upcoming season. They always pushed me in practice and helped show me what it’s like to be a leader.”
Jayla will be really happy to see Sadie Smith back on the court this upcoming season. She’s had a blast playing with this group of seniors and has seen her game drastically improve over the years.
“It’s going to feel good having her back. She is going to be a good player for our team and give us another body as well,” she said. “It’s been amazing. We have all played together since the third grade and each year, we have grown even closer together. We will, for sure, be life-long friends after this season is over. I have played on varsity since ninth grade and I feel like I have improved each year. I have learned something new each year and I’m very excited to see how much I can improve my last year and make it the best one yet.”
Jayla will continue to work on her game in the offseason as she gets ready for next season. She has set some goals for herself and for the team this upcoming season.
“I will continue to work on different post moves and when teams deny me the ball or double-team me, find a way to get my teammates open looks so they can knock down some shots,” she said. “My individual goal would be to get to 1,000 points. I’m close to that goal and would like to achieve it before I graduate. Our team goals are to not lose more than five games, win the county championship, win the area championship, and make an appearance at JSU and Birmingham.”
Jayla thinks this upcoming season will be very special for the Lady Aggies. She talked about a role model that she looks up to and shared some of the best advice she was ever given.
“We will be special to watch because we are so selfless with the ball and if someone is on fire that game, we are looking to get them shots or we are always creating for each other to score,” she said. “My role model is Stephen Curry. He plays with so much confidence on the floor and is always willing to do whatever it takes to get his team a win. He always glorifies God in everything he does and always thanks God for allowing him to play the game of basketball. The best advice that someone ever gave me was to give God all your problems, and He will make it all work out in the end.”
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