Avery Treadwell has been a force to be reckoned with and a key component of the Bearden girls basketball team’s success this season. 

The Bearden girls basketball team has had an exceptional season so far, and this is in large due to great team chemistry. One of the players that has elevated the overall team chemistry is the junior center. 

“My key motivator this season is our loss at state last year,” Treadwell said. “I’ve gotten a lot stronger and more confident since my freshman year as well.”

The Lady Bulldogs lost to Hardin County 48-39 in a state quarterfinal last year, but this year, as the No. 1 seed in the district tournament and boasting one of the toughest schedules in the state, Bearden has positioned itself for another great postseason run.

With a player that can impact the game as much as Treadwell, teams definitely have to gameplan for her. Treadwell averaged 16.3 points per game for the Lady Bulldogs (25-3, 10-0 District 4-AAAA) in regular season league play.

“A lot of teams have noticed Avery and how well she’s done and they’ve double-teamed her, triple-teamed her,” senior Hannah Claire Stephens said. “I think she’s done well adapting to that and using her teammates to benefit her.” 

All of the great things that Treadwell brings to the team have changed the team dynamic a lot, as she makes a big impact on the team, even if she’s the youngest of the starters.

“Even though she’s younger, she’s definitely a team leader,” Stephens said. “She always keeps energy high.”

The Lady Bulldogs play at Ooltewah on Friday at 6 p.m. as one of their final tuneups before the postseason starts at the end of next week.