Cumberland County Lady Jets basketball player Kaedinse Wilson is not new to winning, and she said she is hoping that championship mindset continues to shape her season in Crossville.
Wilson’s basketball journey began at Martin Elementary School, where she helped guide her team to a state championship in her final year. That early success laid the foundation for a player who now finds herself leading at the high school level, navigating a faster, tougher and more demanding game.
“I’ve enjoyed my time here,” Wilson said. “It’s definitely a lot different. It’s a big leap from Martin [Elementary] to high school. It was a very big leap my freshman year but I’ve enjoyed it so far.”
That leap has come with growth, both in confidence and responsibility. Wilson was the point guard during Martin’s championship run, and she has kept that role with the Lady Jets, where she said leadership is just as important as ball-handling and court vision.
“I think we were really close knit and we all worked really, really well together and we practiced a lot and eventually made a really good team,” Wilson said.
Now a junior, Wilson is carving out her identity at the varsity level. After splitting minutes during her freshman and sophomore seasons, Wilson said she is stepping into a larger role this year, tasked with setting the tone for Cumberland County’s offense and anchoring its defense from the top.
“It’s like a leadership role,” Wilson said. “I think I definitely have to step up if I want to take that role.”
Statistically, Wilson has made her mark as more than just a facilitator. She has emerged as one of the Lady Jets’ most active defenders, ranking among the team leaders in steals and rebounds this season.
For Wilson, the challenge is familiar: guide a team, build chemistry and chase something bigger than individual numbers.
