CORTLAND OH- Maplewood High School junior, Morgan Himes, is making her mark as a leader on the Maplewood Rockets girls’ basketball team. Emerging as an upperclassman amidst a young roster, Himes embraces her role as both a mentor and a player. “It’s definitely great being an upperclassman,” she shared, highlighting the joy she finds in guiding her younger teammates.

With the team seeing an impressive turnaround from last year’s 12 wins to a remarkable 20 wins this season, Himes attributes the success to team confidence and encouragement. “All of our confidence is really just from all of us as a team,” she noted, emphasizing the collective spirit that fuels their performance. The Rockets have become known for their vibrant community support, which Himes describes as an exhilarating experience, especially during home games. “I’ve never played a basketball game with as many fans as we had this year,” she remarked, reflecting on the electrifying atmosphere.

Beginning her basketball journey in the fourth grade, Himes has developed a profound love for the sport. Drawing inspiration from former high school athletes like Marissa Ventura and encouragement from role models such as Maddie Murray, Himes continuously seeks to evolve as both a player and a leader. “It’s really great to be in the position just like she was,” she said of Ventura. Looking ahead, Himes remains committed to fostering the team’s growth and achieving even more success as she and the Rockets prepare for upcoming tournament play. Her journey reflects dedication, unity, and the power of leadership in bringing out the best in a young and dynamic team. “This whole team has been great to play with,” she concluded, expressing her appreciation for her teammates and coaches.

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