The Lady Bulldogs are sitting in their usual spot atop the district standings, and senior forward Aisha Patel is a big reason why.
Patel has talent on the court with her shooting skill, her ability to guard taller opponents, and her rebounding ability.
Patel and Bearden (20-3, 5-0 District 4-AAAA) travel to Hardin Valley (7-11, 1-3) on Friday at 6 p.m. The Lady Bulldogs won the first meeting at home 62-24 on Dec. 6.
In Bearden’s 69-61 win over FBC Academy (N.C.) in the “She Got Game Classic” earlier this month, Patel recorded career highs in both points (15) and rebounds (10).
Coach Justin Underwood has wanted her to develop a more assertive presence as a rebounder, and she said that her growth in that area this season has been essential to her success.
“He’s been saying for four years [to rebound] and it finally clicked in senior year somehow,” Patel said. “Rebounding wins games – not just scoring – and that thought had an effect on me.”
Added senior Kendall Murphy: “Over the years, she’s gotten so much more confident with herself. Everyone would say she’s a forward, but she is really good at shooting. Recently, she’s been really helping us with rebounds.”
Coach Underwood said he has enjoyed watching her expand her game this season.
“Aisha has always been a fantastic shooter, but she has really learned how to embrace us in the area of rebounding, and for us to be successful, we really needed that,” Coach Underwood said.
Bearden picked up another big district win against rival Farragut last Friday when junior Emma Rainey made a 3-pointer in the final 10 seconds to put the Lady Bulldogs up. Farragut then made a free throw to tie it, but a free throw from Natalya Hodge with 0.3 seconds on the clock earned Bearden a 49-48 win.
“Right now, we’re in a good spot, nothing is complete yet, so we have to continue to stay out front,” Coach Underwood said. “We still have some tough games ahead, but our goal is to win district.”