The Hive Sports

by James Tate

Being a team leader comes in many forms, from being vocal to leading by example and doing the right thing. A team leader also has the trust of their coaches and teammates to play a certain way and work to get better on and off the court.

The great late Kobe Bryant described what a leader was to him, “I went from being a scorer and a floor general … to being a leader, and that meant putting others first.” Davis Darts senior point guard, Kate Richards, exemplifies putting others first by leading the number two-ranked Darts into region action.

“My sophomore year, the coaches decided I should start playing the point guard position,” said Richards. “These last few seasons, I’ve settled into my role and earned the trust of my teammates. It was a lot of pressure at first, but the more you do something, the easier it gets. I also think that leading by example is a big part of this. I try to be the best I can be and make my teammates around me better. Being a leader on and off the court is very important to me.”

Head coach Anne Jones knows she had the right person to lead the team and be a steady player in Richards. 

“Kate is a second-year starter and a captain for the second year in a row,” Coach Jones said. “She didn’t get much varsity time her freshman and sophomore year, but last year, she stepped right into the starting point guard position and played most of the game. She worked hard during her freshman and sophomore years and was patient and learned from the other varsity players she played against daily.”

2023 Co-Region 1 champions

It all came together for the Davis Darts last season, a home game vs the Fremont Silverwolves. Fremont entered the game with a fantastic 73-game region win streak, but the Darts were ready for the challenge and won 48-35.

“I think one of the most memorable moments was those seconds after beating Fremont last season,” said Richards. “Knowing that we had taken down one of the best teams in the state and ended their winning region streak was unreal. Another moment was after the Herriman game. Davis hadn’t made it past the quarters in a long time. When we made it to the semifinals, I was so proud of our team and the work we had put in to make it that far. It was such a fun night.”

The Darts would end the season as co-region champions, sharing the title with the Silverwolves. Then, they made it into the 2023 state playoffs semifinals before losing to the Skyridge Falcons. As the new season gets into full swing and region action gets close, the Darts have high expectations and big goals.

“We need to play as a team to accomplish our goals this season as a more experienced team,” Richards said. “We have a lot of talent returning this season, and if we utilize this skill and talent, we’ll be hard to beat. Win region and play for a state championship, have fun and successful season on and off the court is our team goals this season.”

New season, high expectations

The Darts return an experienced team with four returning starters: Richards, All-state first-team performer Kendra Kitchen, and standout sophomore T’Maea Eteuati. Richards knew coming into the season that teams would key on Kitchen, so she worked hard on her shooting and offensive game over the summer.

“I think I wanted to make a greater contribution to the team,” Richards said. “My coaches turned to me earlier this season and told me I needed to be more of a threat. I knew I needed to be a passer, but I also needed to shoot and score. I’ve started looking to score much more and shooting when possible.”

Richards has improved her scoring from 7.7 points per game last season to 12.1 this season. The off-season workouts and training are what Richards attributes to her improved offensive performance.

“Every off-season, I have played competitive ball,” Richards said. “This season, I played with Salt Lake Metro. Getting in more games and playing against many different players helped me tons. I also go to a shooting trainer and go in the gym to work on my shot. I worked out at the gym a lot as well. I would go to the gym and lift, then got in shots afterward.”

Richards’ bright future and Dart family

Richards’ ability to understand the game, her leadership qualities, and her work ethic are skills that will help her at the next level. The ability to teach the younger Darts and play point guard alongside the talented Kitchen shows Richards’ versatility.

“Playing college basketball, having my best statistical year, being a team captain, and helping our team come together are my individual goals.” said Richards.

The success Richards has achieved is due to her hard work and others who have helped her develop through the years. Off-season training and summer games keep Richards prepared for each season.

“There are so many people I credit my success to,” Richards said. “My parents for helping me in every way and paying for me to get the best training I can. My competition coaches who helped me be a more competitive and confident player are Dave Hammer and Anita Rowland. And for sure, my high school coaches help me be better every day.”

Playing for Davis is a unique experience and honor that means so much to the kids who wear that uniform. Upholding the tradition is something that runs deep to Richards and this team.

“Everyone knows being a Davis Dart means defending the tradition,” Richards said. “After moving in my seventh grade year, I didn’t know what this meant until I joined the team. It’s seriously the best environment and community. Everyone gets behind and supports each other. I love being a Davis Dart because it’s a family.”

Off the court

Richards enjoys moments away from the court and knows how to keep that balance while enjoying her high school years.  

“I’m usually with my friends when I’m off the court,” Richards said. “I love being with my friends and family. They make me so happy. They lift me and make me a better person, so I love being around them and spending time with them.”

Richards has accomplished some incredible feats off the court and attributes her family in helping her with her positive attitude and work ethic.

“My parents have always taught me to work hard,” Richards said. “They’ve always asked me to do hard things. I hiked to the top of Mount Timpanogas when I was six and ran a half marathon when I was 11, and they’ve pushed me to be better every day. Even though it can be hard, I work to do hard things with a smile. I know I can do hard things, and I don’t ever give up. My dad is a big fan of LeBron and would always have me watch how he plays. he always points out how he does it all. He shoots, scores, passes, rebounds, and so much else. I want to be a player that helps my team in any way I can, like Lebron.”

Richards’ accomplishments

2023 The Hive Sports First Team

2023 Standard-Examiner All-Area Honorable Mention

2022-2024 Team Captain

photos courtesy James Tate