Last season, Makenna Vanzant and Joelle Tidwell were among freshmen seeing significant minutes and contributing to the Lady Cardinals 24-8 season and run to the semifinals of the 2017 5A State girls basketball tournament. Vanzant led the 5A West in scoring. She averaged 15.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.5 steals-per-game starting all 31 games as a freshman. Her shooting percentage was solid, 48 percent overall, 44 percent 3-point shooting and 78 percent at the free-throw line. Tidwell was promoted by Coach Brad Johnson for postseason play and became a key player off the bench. Last week Washington County Enterprise-Leader Sports Editor Mark Humphrey interviewed both girls.
WCEL: When Coach Johnson promoted you to the varsity basketball team how did you feel about that?
Makenna Vanzant: I was excited and nervous thinking ahead, "What could I do to prepare for that season?"
WCEL: What kind of responsbilities were being conferred on you?
Makenna Vanzant: Being put into the point-guard position, knowing, I was nervous and stuff, but I was excited to be pushed in that way. I was excited to be able to be a leader as a point-guard.
WCEL: Describe the trust Coach Johnson was putting in you?
Makenna Vanzant: I guess he was putting a lot of trust in me to be able to execute and lead our team.
WCEL: When experiencing a challenge, is there a person you go to for advice?
Joelle Tidwell: Coach Johnson is always there and willing to listen and help you fix things. Also Makenna (Vanzant) because she moved ahead before I did. I could kind of see what she did and trust that and follow that and ask questions.
WCEL: Why do you value their counsel?
Joelle Tidwell: I seen her (Makenna Vanzant) do it; and Coach Johnson is very wise.
WCEL: Have you ever found yourself in the midst of a crisis and conducted a self assessment?
Makenna Vanzant: A couple of weeks ago when I was sick and in the hospital I had to hold myself back from eating the things I was used to and doing the things I did. Basketball-wise I was always going. I had to hold myself back and I am still having to hold myself back.
WCEL: In what ways do you think a self assessment could help?
Makenna Vanzant: Self assessment helps me -- if I push myself too hard to get back I won't be able to get back as soon. So, I have to steady myself for the long run.
WCEL: What are your thoughts on leaving a legacy for Farmington High School and the Lady Cardinal basketball program that lives on long after you graduate?
Joelle Tidwell: One of the things Coach Johnson does is reminds us of the legacy that's already here at Farmington. Even more than creating a legacy, it's like continuing the one we already have. For us, obviously we would like to add to that legacy by winning a championship, but also by working tired and extremely hard every day.
WCEL: If you won a championship in basketball, who would you want to take a selfie with?
Makenna Vanzant: I would want to take a selfie with my team because we work so hard and we've been through so much together and I would just want to share that moment with them.
Joelle Tidwell: I would like to take a selfie with my parents, Ted and Ellen Tidwell, because I wouldn't be at the place I'm at without them and they push us to be where we are. I'm just excited for the season.
Sports on 11/15/2017