Manager Jessica Ray sits energetically in the bleachers as she times the varsity basketball boys Brooks Bacchus, Marchie Murdock and Jordan Taulton along with the other players while they sprint up and down the court practicing plays such as ‘the maverick’ and ‘the head-tap,’ during basketball practice after school.

“I make sure that the basketball players’ needs are met,” Ray, a junior, said. “I support them by keeping their spirits up and cheering them on.”

Ray stays on top of many tasks during basketball season including keeping stats of how long the players participate in the games and getting uniforms and equipment prepared for the team.

“Being manager is a lot of fun because all of my friends are managers too,” Ray said. “I get to spend time with the people that I’m closest to.”

Ray does many things for the team including washing the uniforms and preparing them for games, keeping stats for each varsity player, and clocking the players during plays.

“The team is like a family. Everyone helps each other out and is always there for one another,” Ray says. “I love being basketball manager and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”