Kelsey Winslow

By Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer

Opening night was hardly one to remember for senior Kelsey Winslow.

She worked hard, as usual, but by halftime, she had little to show in the scorebook for her efforts — zero points.

It was just one of those nights when the ball simply would not fall. Kelsey finished with 10 points, all in the second half, to help rally the Lakers to victory.

For some players, a “bad game” might rock their confidence, at least a little, heading into their next game.

Instead, Kelsey came back with a vengeance. She ripped Yarmouth for a career-best 36 points and followed it up with a sparkling 21 points as the Lakers held off a hot-shooting Waynflete squad last week.

Averaging 19 points per game, Kelsey points to “effort and attitude” as to the reasons she and the Lakers are off to a successful start of the season — 5-0.

“We talk a lot about those — effort and attitude — being the two things we can control and count on,” she said.

With injuries forcing two starting guards to the bench and rookies having to play a major role, Kelsey and fellow veteran frontline player, Tiana-Jo Carter, knew they had to “step it up.”

“There are high expectations for this team, but we take one game at a time. We know it takes a lot of steps to get to our future goal,” she said.

Laker head coach Paul True says Kelsey is one of the league’s “most dangerous players” off the fast break, but better yet, one of the nicest young ladies he has had the privilege to coach.

“Kelsey is one of the most coachable young ladies that I have ever had the pleasure of coaching,” Coach True said. “Kelsey is an outstanding student-athlete, teammate, and possesses a tremendous attitude and work ethic. It is an absolute joy to coach Kelsey.”

In recognition of her strong work ethic, determination, commitment and good sportsmanship, Kelsey is this week’s Boosters and Hancock Lumber “Player of the Week.” Each week, a Lake Region athlete is recognized for his/her dedication (does more than what is asked), work ethic, coachability and academic good standing. Recipients receive a specially-designed t-shirt, sponsored by Hancock Lumber.

The Winslow File

Name: Kelsey Winslow

Year in School: Senior

Town: Naples

Parents: Todd and Felicia Winslow

School Activities/Sports: Varsity basketball, volleyball, track, National Honor Society, Student Council, LRHS Leadership Group

Q. Why did you choose basketball? KW. Basketball is my favorite sport and what I look most forward to every year.

Q. What do you hope to accomplish this season? KW. I hope we have a successful season and win States.

Q. What do you enjoy the most? KW. Spending every day with my teammates and working hard together for a common goal.

Q. What makes you successful? KW. Staying committed and having a strong work ethic is what makes me and my team successful.

Q. What would your dream moment be? KW. Winning the Gold Ball.

Q. What has basketball taught you? KW. Basketball has taught me how to push myself physically, mentally and emotionally harder than I’ve ever had to.

Q. Who has inspired you? KW. Coach True has inspired me because he encourages me every day to work as hard as I can.