The Jay girls basketball team made a splash last season by reaching the state championship game, a feat that has left the community buzzing about the program’s potential.
Since the final buzzer, the players have been hitting the gym, the court and the weight room with a shared purpose: to turn that near‑miss into a title.
Coach Martinez has emphasized conditioning and team chemistry, insisting that the work done in June and July will be the foundation for a strong start in November.
Presley Hawthorne, a senior guard who contributed key points in the championship game, has been a vocal leader during those summer sessions, often staying late to run extra drills.
Teammates say her work ethic has set a tone, and the squad feels confident that the experience gained will translate into tighter defense and more fluid offense.
Looking Ahead to the New Season
The schedule will feature a tough slate of regional opponents, but the players say they are ready for the challenge, citing the camaraderie forged during the summer as a decisive advantage.
Fans can expect a more polished style of play, as the team has incorporated new shooting drills and defensive schemes that were tested throughout the offseason.
With the championship experience still fresh, the Jay girls are poised to make another deep run, and the excitement around the program shows no signs of slowing down.