This year the girls' Southwest basketball team will try to make a return trip to the state playoffs. The Raiders made an early exit in round one of the tournament last year, but when the season tips off in December, they will look to one of their seniors to lead on the floor.
Bhane' Williams has the exuberance of a cheerleader, a jump shot that hits its mark and a sharp mind that makes her our Athlete of the Week.
You might think teenagers focus on the here and now, but Bhane' Williams is a bit different. "I always have a plan B. Everything doesn't always workout in your way, so there is nothing wrong with a plan B," Williams admitted.
The senior, who is pretty serious about her future, figures she needs options. The one thing that's not up for discussion is her work ethic. Bhane' has carried a solid "B" average throughout her high school career. Bhane' Williams said, "I know at the next level in college there will be no joking about college work, so I try to start now and not later on."
She allows herself to joke around a bit on the court, but her coach Shana Daniels says don't be fooled, Williams is a competitor. "I think Bhane' is going to be a big factor on the team. She has so much versatility. She can play at any position, and she hustles all the time," Daniels said.
Bhane' also realizes that a senior that's expected to be a leader on the squad also has to be a cheerleader. "Bhane' is always thinking ahead you never know what she's going to say or what's going to come out of her mouth, but she is so humble. And I respect that about her, and she is always encouraging every player on the team to get better at all times," Daniels said.
Bhane' enjoys science class and eventually wants to go into anesthesiology. "I've done research, and I love helping people," she said.
But remember this is the girl with a backup plan. "My plan B is to be a physical therapist. That's where sports comes in, so that will be really good for me," Williams said. "At least she's thinking ahead and she has big dreams so if you dream big, big things will happen," Daniels said with a smile.
Bhane' averages 14 points a game for the Raiders. As you would expect, she's already researched colleges and would like to go to Barry down in Florida because she says they have a good science department.