The Richmond Hill Lady Wildcats basketball team has been on a hot start this year in the 2024-2025 basketball season so far. They are currently sitting at a 15-3 overall record and they are 5-1 in the region, which is good for second place, just behind the undefeated Lowndes High School Lady Vikettes.
While the Lady ‘Cats did lose a couple of key players from last year’s team as well as some squad depth, the team did return several key players that played in pivotal minutes last winter. One of them is junior standout Emari Brown, who is the younger sister to Jada Brown.
While the younger of the sisters did not start last winter, anyone that attended a Lady ‘Cat basketball game could see that Emari was a force to be reckoned with on the floor. Moving into this year as a full time starter on the team, Emari has embraced her new role, and thrived in it.
“It feels good that I can play to my full potential and to have an impact on and off the floor,” Brown said. “Basketball has impacted me big time and as a multi-sport player, basketball has definitely helped me grow as a person.”
While the game has helped her grow more as a person, preparing for it in different ways has helped her to succeed when she is on the hardwood.
“AAU also has helped me develop more as a player,” Brown said. “It has been showing me new and better ways to become the best player that I can be.
“This year, in comparison to other years in my basketball career, is different because I have matured more and realized that if I wanted to play I had to change my attitude for the better. That means in and out of the classroom. The people I chose to be around have definitely helped me change my attitude.
“Recently, both of my grandparents passed away within the last 2 years and I just keep remembering how they both always told me “if you want it, go and get it”. So just thinking of them has definitely given me more confidence in playing.”
While the game of basketball has helped her with the game of life, both in the classroom and out on the hardwood each night, she also gives the credit to the support system she has in place around her.
“All of the long talks with coaches and my parents after each game gives me a better look at what could be changed for the next game or games in the future,” Brown said.
“As a team, I definitely think that we can make it anywhere if we put our minds to it. We have been doing great lately and we plan to keep it up. One thing about us is, we do not stop grinding!”
Brown loves the game of basketball and all that comes with it, but the love of the game did not start with her, but from her family.
“My love for basketball came from my family,” Brown said. “My mom and my dad both played when they were in high school and my siblings also played. As a family, we are a very competitive family and I think that also shows in my game because if I get a turn over or miss a layup I do not dwell on that. “I always go get it back for my team.”
Brown and the Lady ‘Cats look to continue their winning ways as they host Camden County on Tuesday at 6 pm and Tifton on Friday at 4:30 pm.