Sixth-grader Beasley paces Somerset
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BOYNTON BEACH — Somerset Canyons’ Daila Beasley might be missing a “t” in her name.
Because she’s a beast on the hardwood.
The sixth-grader — yes, sixth — led the way with 12 points during Friday’s 64-32 victory over American HeritageDelray.
And just like the Cougars (14-5) doubled up their opponent on the scoreboard, Beasley doubled up her previous high-scoring total on the season.
“I felt good,” Beasley said. “I was thinking about it in my head. I was like, ‘Today, I’m going to get more than 10 points’ because the whole season, I’ve gotten six or less. So I came in and I gave my hardest.”
Beasley added several clever steals and tallied five rebounds in addition, making the most of her opportunity in the starting lineup.
“As a sixth grader, it took a little while for her to get going because she’s never played at this high of a level before,” head coach Anthony McCutcheon said. “For her to be able to excel and come out with 12 points, it’s huge for us as we move forward, especially as we move toward the playoffs.”
While Beasley is the youngest player on the Cougars roster, there are a number of players who aren’t much older.
The Cougars’ roster comprises two juniors, two sophomores, three freshmen and a head-turning five eighthgraders.
And though Somerset has faced perhaps the toughest schedule in recent years — including several top-20 teams and a variety of squads above .500 — the young ballers are still finding plenty of net with their shots.
Both on and off the court, a great deal of the Cougars’ leadership comes from two freshmen who boast five years of varsity experience between them.
“Their leadership has been excellent throughout the season,” McCutcheon said. “They’re not used to leading that way, but we have no choice. From there, we’ve just been growing and growing throughout the season. It’s been a journey, but it’s been a great experience for us.”
With such a young core, it helps to have athletes like Alana Pinnock, who already has an offer from Texas A&M despite not yet being in high school.
Also playing a role is fellow eighthgrader Jackie Hughes, who had a tremendous game as a scoring threat against Heritage on Friday.
When it comes time for playoffs, which lie on the horizon, the repertoire Somerset has built will serve them well.
“We wanted to make it a point to make this schedule tougher so that when we get to the playoffs, we’re prepared and well-seasoned to hopefully go out there and get a ‘w,’” McCutcheon said.
A six-game winning streak heading into the final stretch certainly doesn’t hurt.
It remains to be seen what kind of role Beasley will have in the postseason, but after a performance like Friday’s, confidence is high at the right time.