By Joanna Chadwick
En route to a 14-0 record, the Hays girls success has been impressive.
“We’ve beaten really good teams, which has overall built our confidence,” Molly Martin said.
“We beat Wellington, Manhattan, Life Prep and other good teams, along with winning both tournaments we’ve played in this year, which definitely helps our confidence and makes us more excited to keep playing.”
A key for Hays has been Martin.
“Molly has been a key piece to the Hays High Lady Indians for four years now,” coach Len Melvin said. “She is essentially in the Top 5 of almost every statistical category on the books.
“She is a high energy, unselfish player that competes at a high level.”
Martin has put in the work to improve, too.
“I believe I’ve grown in my defense and also my strength when finishing,” she said. “I’ve grown my confidence in being strong when driving in, which allows me to finish better.
“My defense has been a lot better off ball. I’ve been jumping to help a lot better, and my on-ball defense has been stronger.”
But there’s so much more to Martin.
“I believe what makes me a good player is also being a good teammate,” she said. “It’s important to always pick up your teammates and give them credit for making good plays that lead to my success. So I think being a good teammate overall makes me a good player.”
Her focus on team has been obvious to Hays High.
“She wants the best for her team and teammates and that makes her a next level contributor,” Melvin said. “She has been such a steady player for four years and we will miss her so much.”
