After the graduation of Miss Basketball winner Avery Treadwell, now playing as a freshman at Florida State, the Lady Bulldogs were in search of the leadership – not to mention the production – that Treadwell brought to the team on and off the court.
In Bearden’s first game of the season, sophomore Natalya Hodge scored 32 points, and she hasn’t been in single digits in scoring all year as the Lady Bulldogs have run off nine straight wins.
Probably safe to call off that search.
“We did lose a high leadership role, but I feel like we are still going to be good no matter what because of how confident we are in each other and how prepared we are,” Hodge said. “We knew we were going to lose her so in a way we were really prepared.”
Hodge will lead Bearden into the start of district play Friday night when the Lady Bulldogs host rival West at 6 p.m.
Hodge has set some goals for herself to not only find a way to keep others motivated, but herself as well. She wants to hit the 1,000-point mark for her Bearden career in just her sophomore year, and she wants to lead the Lady Bulldogs to their second state championship.
“I have very high energy and a positive mindset,” Hodge said. “I also have really great communication skills which are key in this sport.”
This is no small feat to conquer as a sophomore. Treadwell, one of the most decorated players in program history, didn’t manage it until her junior year.
“My team helps me in the game by being extremely encouraging,” Hodge said. “Their words really affect me, and I am thankful everything they say is positive.
“I really look forward to bonding with my team in the regular season. I’m just ready for us to kick it with each other and win these games.”
Every good player needs good teammates, but they also need a coach who believes in them and pushes them to their biggest potential. Coach Justin Underwood is exactly who Hodge needs to help her grow.
“Underwood keeps me positive and focused,” Hodge said. “He keeps me positive and focused, and he has taught me so much about the game.
“He teaches me how to better my teammates when I am out on the floor.”