By Derrick Smith

Carmella Jefferson has been playing basketball for a majority of her life. And throughout that time, she says that she has put in a lot of work in order to be the best athlete that she can be. 

“I first started playing basketball when I was in peewee basketball,” she said. “I remember my first time playing basketball. I skipped up the court and would only dribble with my left hand.’

After playing for so many years, my abilities have gotten better. I also spent a lot of time at the gym working out to stay in shape and there have been countless hours of extra time spent shooting the ball and working on my game.”

Jefferson is a senior at Clinton High School. She plays point guard on the basketball team. She is also a part of weightlifting at her school which helps her to stay in shape for basketball season. 

Clinton girls head basketball coach Brent Caldwell, says that Carmella is an outstanding player and she will be a key part of this year’s team. 

“I think she is one of the most underrated players in the state,” Caldwell said. “She averaged fifteen points, four assists, and four steals for us last season. She is a leader on this team that makes the team go. I am excited to see what she does this season.”

As a basketball player, it is no surprise that one person she looks up to is a fellow basketball player. 

“Kyrie Irving is someone that I really look up to,” she said. “He has a great game and he is one of the best players.”

While she loves the game of basketball, Carmella also loves playing for her school.

“I love it every time I put on the jersey,” she said. “I love to play for this town and school because they are always there to show their support and to cheer us on.”