By Bill Tatomer, Head Coach

The Rowland Hall girls basketball team started practice in early November and never looked back. Led by three senior captains, Dakota Erickson, Amelie Corson, and Heidi Paisley, the team worked hard this season and grew into a cohesive, tough-minded unit. New players, like Kavitha Kasturi, Lily Jaffe, Abby Downs, and standout varsity starting point guard Frances Hodson joined returning varsity players Quinn Orgain, Neha Dixit, and Zakrie Smith to round out the varsity team. Additionally, four new ninth grade players—Amaris Villarreal-Flores, Aanika Boe, Cassidy Bahna, and Nessa Corbin—joined sophomore teammate Phoebe LaBelle to make up the backbone of the junior varsity (JV) squad.

Both the JV and varsity teams played with heart and pride this season, earning convincing wins against Freedom Prep, Tintic, UMA, West Valley APA, and Wasatch Academy, and they closed the season on a four-game winning streak that included hard-fought victories against St. Joe and rival Waterford. Highlights this season included Zakrie Smith scoring 24 points in the second St. Joe matchup (the highest points scored in a single game) and Heidi Paisley scoring 16 points, including four three-point baskets, against UMA on Senior Night in the Den.

For the entire 2022–2023 campaign, Heidi Paisley and Zakrie Smith led the scoring attack, with both players averaging double digits in points-per-game for the season. Heidi Paisley was an outside sharpshooter, keeping defenses honest with her three-point shooting, while Zakrie Smith stressed opposing defenses with her slashing scoring drives to the basket; they were a formidable one-two punch! Additionally, Dakota Erickson was a defensive standout this year, leading the team in steals and rebounds, and running the top position in the team zone defense with a ferocious attitude and outcome. Point guard Frances Hodson, “The Court General,” and Amelie Corson rounded out the regular starting varsity lineup, and both contributed immensely during the team’s 19 games. Additionally, Quinn Orgain, who started numerous games and was the team spark plug, gave opposing offenses plenty to think about as she constantly jumped passing lanes and used her athleticism and quickness to make numerous steals during each contest.

Regardless of the score, both the varsity and junior varsity teams played strong, they played together, and every player learned the true concept of team during their time on the hardwood. To conclude the season, all athletes and their parents celebrated together at the Paisley home for the end-of-year banquet. At this gathering, players were recognized and awards presented that highlighted the determined work ethic, positive attitudes, and individual player accomplishments for this group of amazing women. Individual awards went to Zakrie Smith, Team MVP; Heidi Paisley, Team Offensive Player; Dakota Erickson, Team Defensive Player; Amelie Corson, Coaches Award; Frances Hodson, Most Improved Varsity Player; and Kavitha Kasturi, Most Improved JV Player. Heidi Paisley and Amelie Corson also earned academic distinction with Academic All-Region and Academic All-State honors for the season, a truly remarkable achievement. Additionally, Zakrie Smith and Heidi Paisley were selected to the Region 17 All-Region Team and, even more notably, both student-athletes made 2A All-State Honorable Mention selection for their outstanding contributions and abilities on both sides of the basketball. As a celebrated extra, Heidi Paisley was chosen to participate in the 2A Senior All-Star game at Juan Diego High School. In this 2A vs. 1A all-star contest, Heidi played with fire and determination, scoring seven points and pulling down numerous rebounds, representing her family, team, and school with resolute character and pride. It was a memorable way to conclude the 2022–2023 girls basketball campaign.

Heartfelt thanks to my dedicated assistants, Stacy Martin and Kelly Peterson, and a huge thank you to the players for a wonderful season!

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