For Edmond Santa Fe post player Jerney Bennett, her athletic abilities are quickly catching up to her six-foot frame.
“She can really alter a lot of shots on defense and in our early scrimmages this year she’s probably averaging four or five blocks a game,” said first year coach Kyle Axton. “On offense she’s really long and athletic and has good hands around the basket. She can really shoot well inside but can also step out and hit the mid-range jumper or the occasional three-pointer.”
Jerney herself can see big improvements in her game over the last couple of years.
“I think I’ve improved the most in the paint. My first year I was so soft inside and couldn’t finish a layup against someone my size but now I’m stronger and hold my ground better inside,” said Bennett who was the winner of the Edmond Area VYPE Girls Basketball Poll. “I feel privileged to win this award because we have some really good players on our team so for me to win tells me that I actually bring something to the team.”
Jerney started playing basketball when her best friend whose dad was the coach got her involved and by the fifth grade was also playing summer ball and is now a three-year starter for the Lady Wolves.
She’s also moving into a leadership position this year and her new coach feels she’s ready.
“She leads by example by consistently working hard and accepting coaching and critiquing,” said Axton.
Jerney also feels that good communication is important in a leadership role as well as leading by example.
“I think a team leader has to have good relationships with every team member so when I correct someone I don’t come across as bossy or rude,” said Jerney.
Bennett has a strong role model to follow in her mom who played collegiate ball at Murray State. Even though the Lady Wolves may be short on experience, Bennett feels they have the ability and team chemistry to take a further step into the playoffs this year.
“I think we’re playing better as a team this year. I think last year everyone was just doing their own thing but we’re playing more together so far and we do things away from basketball as a group which is a lot different than last year,” said Bennett.
