Lady Hornet, Teonna Best, is at the top of Hackett’s stat book leading in field goals made, FG%, steals, assists, and free throws. “Teonna’s a sophomore and has started every game,” said coach, Broc Adams. “She has come in and made an immediate impact. She is still quiet but has made up for that shyness with her play this year. She is shooting just under 40% from the floor, has made 19 free throws, averages 10 points per game, is 2nd on the team with 31 rebounds, earned 12 assists, 19 steals, and 28 FGs.”
Teonna started her basketball career as a Hartford Lady Hustler in the fourth grade before having to transition to Hackett. “At first I wasn’t interested in basketball at all,” explained Best. “I was very indecisive on if I really even wanted to play or not but my parents never let me quit a sport and I will forever be thankful for that. I fell for the game very fast and it has been my passion ever since then!”
“This season has been my first year of Sr High play so in my first game I was very nervous considering I was a sophomore playing against seniors. After the first game was over and my game jitters were gone, I was ready to play the next game. I understood that even though I’m younger, I am good enough to play against girls older than me and I have the talent to be a Sr High ballplayer.”
So far, Teonna’s favorite game this season has been against the Mountainburg Lady Dragons where she walked away with a whopping 29 out of 45 total points from the game. “Not only did that game prove that I am good enough to play against seniors and juniors, but it was also the highest-scoring game of my career so far. I also think that game helped my confidence when it comes to Sr High play.”
“Next I am looking forward to playing Cossatot again because that was probably my worst game of the season and I would like to prove to myself and to my team that I am better than how I played against them last time.” Last time, the Lady Hornets took home a 22-57 score versus Cossatot but they are looking to reverse that when they re-match them on January 29th at home. “The best part about being a Lady Hornet this year is most definitely the love the team has. We have lost every game this season yet our entire team still comes in to push and try and get better for the next one.”
“Coach Adams also continues to push us and help us improve in spots we need. I also love the support we get from the team. When we do something wrong nobody on the team pushes us down, they always help us right back up and encourage us to do better.” With plenty of time left for Best to strengthen her basketball skills before graduating high school, she’s already making plans for after graduation. “After High School, I am hoping to attend UAMS to become a general surgeon. Here lately I have been looking into furthering my basketball career, but if that doesn’t end up working out, I have a back-up plan.” The Lady Hornets are hoping for a big conference win tonight when they face the Cedarville Lady Pirates.
