While the JWP girls’ basketball team’s schedule has been anything but easy, they have at least been able to enjoy a couple of good wins lately.
But two girls stood out in the team’s most recent win against United South Central on Tuesday, January 13.
Senior Katie Olson broke the all-time points record during the game, eclipsing the previous record of 1,829 points set by Heather Johnson in 2005. Fellow senior Nevaeh Weimert also had an achievement on the same night, as she hit 1,000 points. She is the eighth Lady Dawg basketball player to achieve the milestone.
breaking achievement, and Nevaeh Weimert received a decorated basketball for reaching 1,000 points.
For their achievements, both received a framed poster featuring a photo collage of random pictures of them in action, with their achievement listed at the top. Olson also received a priceless pair of sneakers, encased in a glass case, commemorating her scoring record, while Weimert was given a decorated basketball that proudly stated she had reached 1,000 career points.
Both girls have been integral to the JWP girls’ basketball program. Olson has been a varsity player since she was in eighth grade, while Weimert has been a varsity player since her freshman year. Both have also been team captains for the past two years.
After a well-earned photo session with teammates, family members, and friends, the Independent got to interview the two of them. The first question they were asked was about their reaction to achieving their milestone and record. Both said they didn’t know they were close to their respective achievements.
“I had no idea,” Olson said. “So, when I got it, I was shocked.”
“I’d say the same thing,” Weimert added. “I was surprised because I didn’t know to much about it.”
It’s obvious that the two of them are best friends. Whatever the sport, they have great chemistry. But this is demonstrated best in basketball. Weimert sets up the play, and Olson makes it happen…or one of them sinks a three.
“I think we just trust each other,” Olson explained. “Since we’re so close and have known each other and played for so long, we have good chemistry with each other. I think it helps that we’re close outside of basketball. It all comes together on the court.”
Weimert agreed. “We are always against each other at practice. And I think growing up playing together and doing that every day, it’s helped us make each other better.”
Being on the varsity team for 4 or more years has helped them become great mentors to younger team members. Both recognize the importance of everyone on the team, whether they’re a seasoned varsity veteran or just joining the team.
“I think we can’t do anything without them,” Olson shared. “We need them to win. So not only is it important to push each other, but it’s good to push them. It’s going to make us all-around a better team.”
“Our goal has always been to build a foundation for the following years,” Weimert said. “It’s been important to us to set an example for the grades below us.”
And what an example they have set. While Olson has broken the all-time scoring record, and Weimert has hit 1,000 points, there’s one last milestone that could be achieved. Olson has the chance to be the first JWP girls’ basketball player in school history to reach 2,000 points. Does she think she can do it? “I hope so!” she responded. “Hopefully, we have a good playoff run!”
