By Angela Brunk
Eisenhower senior Ella Friend enters her final high school season with renewed determination, strong leadership goals, and a deep love for the game. A versatile athlete who plays all around the court, but most often at small forward or power forward, Friend is ready to take on a major role this season.
As a senior, Friend aims to be the best leader she can be, hoping to set the tone for her teammates. “I want to make an impact on the girls younger than me and make it fun for them,” she said. Personally, she’s focused on elevating her offensive game and becoming a more confident scorer.
After a challenging season last year, Friend is excited for a fresh start. The team enters this season energized and motivated, and she’s eager to see how their work pays off. One matchup she always looks forward to is the rivalry game against Goddard, a high-intensity contest that draws a crowd. Above all, she wants her senior season to be filled with fun memories and meaningful moments.
This past summer was basketball-heavy for Friend. Her club team traveled for a 2 1/2-week tournament stretch beginning in Kentucky, followed by the Tournament of Champions in Chicago. It marked her final summer with her longtime club, Next Level Eclipse, making the experience even more special.
Friend’s proudest accomplishment from last season was returning mid-year after tearing her ACL and meniscus. She also came just one point shy of a triple-double against Andover Central, one of her standout performances.
Friend is signed to play at Neosho County Community College and plans to study criminal justice before eventually attending law school. In addition to basketball, she also competes in track and qualified for state in the 100m hurdles as a freshman.
