The Hive Sports

by James Tate

Roy Royals first-year head coach for girls basketball, Hailee Parry, is finding the right formula to lead the Royals. The frontline play of senior Nicole Williams and juniors Jerzee Hart and Ellie Speredon has been a handful for teams to deal with this season. Parry and her staff have successfully evaluated each player’s talent, skill set, and how they fit in their offensive and defensive rotations. Before the season, Parry shared her coaching philosophy and goals for the Royals this season.

“I want my girls to learn their strengths and use them to enhance the team,” Parry said. “I want to instill a passion for winning and never quitting. Through the wins and losses, something can always be learned from playing basketball. I want them to become the best person they can be. My goals for the team are to train hard, compete hard, and play and gel as a team.”

The Royals have reduced their turnovers and are looking for better shots this season. Guards, senior Analeise Maharaj and sophomore Jazzi Prieto have gotten the ball inside to the post players and put them in a position to score or get fouled. Wing players seniors Alyea Martinez, Sienna Bodily, and junior Ariana Strain help open the inside with outside shooting and playing aggressive defense.

Nicole Williams

Williams is the leader and most experienced player, having played in over 60 varsity games. Williams has over 400 points and rebounds in her career.

“Nicole is a team leader, and all the girls look to her to lead them,” Parry said. “I can count on her in games when I need someone to step up. She can do anything on the court, from shooting threes to posting up inside the paint. She will do whatever is asked of her and do it well.”

Williams is the ultimate teammate and supports everyone on the team. Last season, the Royals finished with a 6-16 overall record in Region 2 and looked to have a fresh start in Region 5.

“At the beginning of the year, we set team goals, and we had pretty big goals, and one of those goals is to win the region,” Williams said. “Our region is tough, but we will work hard, and anything is possible. Also, Coach Parry came in full swinging with the desire to win. This mindset of hers quickly passed on to our whole team. Another goal this year, which I think is my favorite, is to be a good teammate and friend to everyone on the team. This is something that we have been focusing on the last few weeks. My goals at the beginning of the year were to make this last year the funniest year ever, be a great leader, and have a successful year, whether it’s win region or do everything we can to win region.”

Another coach on the floor, Williams, has a high basketball IQ and understands Parry’s coaching schemes each game. Now, into region play, Williams will play a significant role for the Royals.

“This year, I have already learned so much about myself and our team, Williams said. “Coach Parry has brought a different style of basketball to me and the whole team. With that, we could adapt to that different style very quickly. It is different this year because it is my final year playing basketball, but I have learned not to take any moment for granted and to enjoy the time I have with my team that I love so much.”

Willams has enjoyed playing basketball for the Royals and appreciates the previous coaches she played for, including Carolyn DeHoff. Dehoff coached the Royals for nine years before resigning after last season.

“We all miss Coach Dehoff, and my favorite moment was probably my sophomore year playing Kearns,” Williams said. “The whole game, we were neck and neck. We ended up going into double overtime. It was so crazy. With one minute left, Dehoff called one of our plays, and our other post player thought she called something else, so we were doing two different plays, but it ended up working very well. I got a three off and made it. It was the funniest moment ever.”

Williams has not had to look far to learn the game of basketball, being from a family of great athletes.

“My whole family has helped me grow as a basketball player,” Williams said. “Both my parents put me in basketball when I was young. My dad was always my coach growing up, and I always loved watching my siblings play. I wanted to be just like them when I was older. They are all a great example to me on the court and of the court.”

Jerzee Hart

One of the most entertaining players this season has been Hart, with her ability to block shots on defense. The team and crowd get energized each time number 21 sends an opponent’s shot back in the other direction. Using her great movement around the basket, timing, and long arms, Hart is a nightmare to shoot over. An improved offensive game has Hart tied for leading the team in scoring with Williams with 6.8 points per game.

“Jerzee is a block party, and she is currently leading the region in blocked shots per game,” Parry said. “I never worry about Jerzee playing great defense game in and game out. She is also a force to be reckoned with on offense because she can post up anyone. Her post moves have improved immensely this season. I love watching her play.”

Hart has bought into Parry’s coaching philosophy of using her talent to enhance the team, having a passion for winning, and never quitting.

“I have learned how to be a better teammate, and I have pushed my teammates to believe in themselves,” Hart said. “Coach Parry knows the right thing to say to me before each game. I usually am the last one announced before each game, and she gives me the best pep talk before they say my name.”

Hart’s confidence grows each game, and she battles through the ups and downs of the season with her team supporting each other. Hart is averaging 2.2 blocks this season and has 67 for her career, with another year to go.

Former Royal and Williams’ older sister, Josie, was a top player in the state and starred at Utah Valley University and the University of Louisville. Williams finished her career at Roy with 114 blocked shots, and Hart is on pace to surpass her.

“I feel like l resemble Josie Williams because we are two big girls with long arms,” said Hart. “We both play the same position. With our long arms, we take up the whole paint.”

Ellie Speredon

Speredon has improved her game dramatically to contribute to the Royals’ promising season. From limited playing time as a sophomore, Speredon has been a force when she is on the floor this season. The energizer when she gets into the game, Speredon is ready to compete when called on. Speredon is averaging five points and three rebounds per game this season and is vital to the Royals’ success.

“Ellie is our spark as got limited time on varsity time last year, but when I first saw her play, I saw her potential,” Parry said. “Ellie comes to practice every day and is one of the hardest workers on the team. She is always asking questions to help her get better. When she gets in the game, she gives us the boost that we need at the time. She always gives 100 percent.”

The 6-foot junior center is strong in the post and makes quick, decisive moves once she has the ball. Seeing her continue developing and learning will be exciting for Royal Nation this year and into her senior season.

“Jerzee and Ellie have improved so much this year and continue to improve,” Williams said. “I am so glad I have been on a team with both my last couple of years at Roy and Sand Ridge Junior High with Ellie. They have helped out so much already this year. We have never utilized our post players as much as this year. They are both great examples to others on and off the court. I am so glad I can see the growth that they have made.”

Highlights

Williams scored a career-high 21 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in a win over the Bonneville Lakers earlier this season.

“The Bonneville game was crazy and so much fun, and I have always loved being in Bonneville’s gym,” Williams said. “My siblings and I grew up in that gym because that is where my dad coached and worked when we were little. Whenever we go to Bonneville, it brings back so many memories from when I was little. As a team, we played so well together. We shared the ball, and we made each other shine. We played a good Bonneville team, but we played hard defense, which resulted in good offense, and we could come out on top and win the game.”

Hart scored a career-high 18 points against the Viewmont Vikings and had nine blocks in a contest against the Kearns Cougars earlier this season.

Speredon scored her career-high 18 points in the Kearns game and pulled down a season-best eight rebounds against the Northridge Knights earlier this season.

photos courtesy James Tate