PERRY OH- Rosalyn Tharp, a senior captain of the Perry girls basketball team, has made a mark in her final year as she leads her team to a district championship. In a recent interview with Anthony Hartwig on YSN, Rosalyn discussed the emotional rollercoaster of her senior season and the factors contributing to her team’s success.

As a senior, Rosalyn acknowledges the pressure that comes with realizing it’s her last season. “Honestly, I think the emotions of thinking that it’s going to end have pushed me harder,” she said, emphasizing her desire to extend the season as far as possible for a strong tournament run. The Perry team’s bonding and perseverance have been integral to their victorious year. Starting the season on a rocky note, the team quickly found their footing. “Us seniors, we lost the district final our sophomore year… I think this year was just kind of like a comeback,” Rosalyn shared about their motivation to capture the district title.

Rosalyn, who regards the summer before the season as an essential period for development, reported a strong commitment from her teammates. Many of them participated in multiple sports while still dedicating time to summer scrimmages and extra gym practices. Heading into the district championship game, Rosalyn confessed to feeling nervous but was fueled by adrenaline once stepping onto the court. The title win against a tough opponent with a final score of 38-28 reflected the team’s defensive prowess and composure under pressure. As a team captain, Rosalyn has taken on the responsibility of nurturing younger players, pushing them to excel while fostering camaraderie through team dinners and other activities. “Just being a captain… is huge,” she noted, inspired by the impactful leadership she experienced during her sophomore year.

With the district championship secured, Rosalyn and her team are focused on the regional rounds ahead. While they took time to celebrate their success, they quickly returned to intense practice sessions to continue their journey. Reflecting on her high school basketball career, Rosalyn notes the significance of mentors like Coach Involve and Coach Austin, who have coached her since third grade. Their support and dedication have been vital in shaping not only her basketball skills but also her leadership qualities. As she prepares to graduate, Rosalyn takes pride in both her academic accomplishments, having passed numerous AP tests, and her contributions to the Perry girls basketball team’s success. Her journey, marked by personal growth and lasting friendships, stands as a testament to her resilience and leadership.

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