Haniya Geretta has had to grow up fast as the point guard for the Putnam City North Lady Panthers. Just a sophomore, Haniya has started as the Panthers point guard the past two seasons, averaging nearly 10 points, four rebounds and nearly five assists per game last year. But her coach, Logan Martin, knows there’s more there.

“One of the things we’ve been working on is getting her to score more consistently because she can produce points when she puts her mind to it. She’s got great hands on defense and is constantly getting steals. I think the game has really slowed down for her this year after adjusting from the middle school game last year and she’s able to process and make decisions quicker, sees the floor really well, and is handling the ball better this year.”

Haniya played T-ball early in her athletic career but also watched her older brother, Ja’tay, play basketball and decided in the third grade that she wanted to try it and by sixth grade she was also playing AAU summer ball which she says is a lot more competitive than school ball. With several seniors gone from last year’s team that was just a game short of making the state tournament, Haniya has had to step in as a team leader this year for a young Putnam City North crew.

“As the point guard I have to make sure everyone is in the right position for our plays and as a team leader I feel I have to be a good communicator. I’m really working on doing that and being a good encourager for our team,” said Geretta who gave a shout out to her mom as a role model and motivator for always being there for her in her endeavors.

Though she’s young, Haniya was the winner of the VYPE Oklahoma City Public/Private/Mid-Del Area Girls Basketball poll winner.

“I was realty surprised to win and appreciate the support that people gave me,” said the soft-spoken sophomore.