27 Jan 2016 Brown brings ‘positive attitude’ to Lady Eagles
by Levi Gilbert
Every team needs a spark plug — a player that can ignite the entire team at a moment’s notice. For the Mayflower Lady Eagles, Hadley Brown is that player.
Brown, a sophomore guard for Mayflower, was selected to this year’s 501 Basketball Team — 35 players representing the best the 501 has to offer both on and off the court. She was nominated by her head coach, Lacy Frost.
“Hadley has a fun, outgoing personality and is motivated to be successful on and off the court,” Frost wrote in her nomination. “She is always smiling. She is one of those teammates that everyone likes to be around. Hadley will always do her best, have a great attitude and be encouraging to her teammates.”
This season has marked Brown’s first go at senior high basketball, and she’s one of the first players in 501 Basketball Team history to be named to the team as a sophomore.
“Hadley worked her way into a starting position last year in junior high,” Frost said. “She is a good shooter. Her shooting abilities and hustle on defense were definitely positive contributions to the team. With her work ethic, I see Hadley being an excellent asset to our team this year also.”
Coming into the season, Brown knew playing time would come at a premium as a younger player, so she put her focus into other areas where she could make her contributions felt.
“As a 10th grader, I knew I wouldn’t get as much playing time, but my goal has been to have a positive attitude and be supportive of our team,” Brown said. “Personally I’ve had to overcome just not being so nervous about being on the senior team playing against and with senior girls.”
Nerves aren’t the only thing Brown has battled this season. At times, it’s been a struggle just to stay on the court.
“I’ve had lots of sickness and some injuries this season that I normally don’t have,” Brown said.
Mayflower beat Harmony Grove on Tuesday, 50-37, to move to 12-6 overall and 7-1 in 5-3A play. The Lady Eagles are right in the hunt for the 5-3A regular season title.
“Our goal is to win the district tournament and get to go to state,” Brown said.
Brown also plays golf for Mayflower High School.
Off the court and golf course, Brown is involved in Beta Club and FCCLA. She’s also an active member of her church’s youth group.
“Hadley is one of those players that you hope is never absent,” Frost said. “She is smiling constantly. I don’t think I have ever seen her in a bad mood. Her peers, her teammates, her teachers and the coaching staff all love her and we appreciate the positive attitude and diligent work ethic she brings with her each and every day. Hadley is a wonderful athlete and young lady.”
Brown and the Lady Eagles are out of conference action on Thursday, playing host to Heber Springs at 6 p.m.
