Lady Jags Hoops aim for new heights
After losing two starters, many high school basketball teams would just hope to scrape through a season. Not the Northridge Lady Jags. After losing Ryan Bardenwerper and Jakeya Horton to injuries early last season, the Lady Jags learned why teamwork is such a highly regarded mantra in sports. At the end of the season, the Lady Jags held the AHSAA Class 6A Area 6 regular season title and the area tournament title, without losing a single area game. Unfortunately, they came up seven points shy of advancing in the regional playoff. Regardless, Coach Jake Carnley looks to build off last season’s experience. “Our program has crossed out the word ‘potential’ and replaced it with ‘process’ and ‘hard work’,” Carnely stated.
As mentioned, Bardenwerper (who surpassed 800 career points as a sophomore) and Horton return for their senior campaigns. Juniors Taylor Ivory, Aleia Morrell, Ava Maye and La’Miah Foy also return with plenty of game experience after last season. The one bruise to the lineup is that senior RB Norris is (most likely) lost for the season, after an injury over the summer. Norris had somewhat of a breakout campaign last season, picking up her offensive output in Bardenwerper’s absence. Ivory, Maye and Foy were steady contributors all season long and new-comer Morrell settled into her expanding role as the season continued.
As with any team, the Lady Jags will need to stay focused in order to keep improving over the course of the season. “Our players have to focus on going about the process the right way every single day. We have a tough schedule this year in hopes to have us ready for the big games come postseason. We are blessed with depth. With that comes investment, and understanding of roles. Our program has to be committed to the vision and the goals set from the start. While we have great offensive power, we have to stay committed to the defensive side of the ball. Defense is our true identity,” said Carnley, when asked about any hurdles to his team’s success.
Carnley believes his team possesses everything they need to be a highly competitive and successful program. “Our foundation is energy, effort, and attitude. I think our kids embody this daily. Sacrifices have to be made to maintain an elite program, and I think our kids manage that well. Our culture is family centered, so I appreciate the togetherness with this group. I feel that each player truly wants the program to be successful.”
Carnley believes his group has moved beyond understanding their potential and knowing the expectations, and is moving forward to focus on the “process” and the “hard work” of elevating themselves to greater heights. “We don’t discuss potential and expectations anymore. We discuss going about the process the right way and earning everything that comes our way. I am so proud of the work ethic and commitment my kids have shown, and I know without a doubt they are ready for me to turn them loose on November 10. I hope the fans are proud of the brand we look to display this year because we have truly worked to get where we are. My hair is ON FIRE, and I hope yours is too!”
Bardenwerper and Horton look to pick up where they left off and the Lady Jags are looking for expanded contributions from Ivory and Morrell, who are poised to create value for themselves this season. Maye and Foy are taking steps to add even more value to the program. Keep an eye out for Bayne Brown and Malia Barrera, who saw their roles increase as the past season rolled on. The Lady Jags are rich with veteran talent, but don’t sleep on some of the new faces that will be on the team this year.
The Lady Jags will open the 2025-2026 season, at home, on Monday (11/10/2025) against Homewood.