Thursday, January 16, 2025
The Oglesby girls’ basketball reached the area round of the playoffs in 2023-24 and is looking to pick up where it left off this season.
To repeat on the type of success it enjoyed last year when the Lady Tigers finished 10-2 in district competition and defeated Avalon 33-16 in the bi-district round of the playoffs, it is relying on a pair of dynamic sophomore guards to lead the way.
Presley Robinson and Zarah Wisehart have found themselves in new roles this season, those of team leaders, and so far, the Oglesby sophomores have answered the call.
In its season opener against Penelope, the Lady Tigers won by a score of 53-41 in a game where Wisehart had 16 points, eight assists and nine steals, while Robinson led the team in scoring with 17 points.
Coach Dylan Segundo is pleased with the progress Wisehart and Robinson continue to make.
“Presley and Zarah have had to adjust to taking on bigger roles on and off the court,” Segundo said. “But I am happy with their development and direction they are heading.”
Segundo said that both girls “bring basketball experience and knowledge of the game while also being great kids that people love to be around.”
And that is exactly who they want to be.
Wisehart, 15, said that while the Lady Tigers are still finding their way early in the season, she is optimistic about Oglesby’s chances in 2025.
“The season is not going exactly how I have wanted it to start, but we are a young team, and we are still learning,” Wisehart said. “I believe that we will keep getting better as the season goes on.”
Wisehart, who also plays volleyball and participates in varsity cheer, track, and softball, said she takes her new role very seriously.
"I have tried to step up as a leader as an underclassman and I try to set a good example for my team and my peers," Wisehart said.
For Robinson, 15, the 2024-25 season could be a very strong one if things start falling into place.
"My main goals are to win a district championship, win a playoff game, and do my best to help prepare my team for the next season," Robinson said.
The Oglesby sophomore, who also plays volleyball, softball, and runs track, said that while her principal vice is consuming way too much Dr. Pepper," she has struggled in certain areas.
"My biggest challenge on the court is my self-confidence,” Robinson said. “Sometimes, after I play, I realize that I could’ve done more if I had more confidence”
Segundo said he is confident that Wisehart and Robinson can lead Oglesby effectively as long as they do the things that have made them good student-athletes.
"My goals for them are to continue to work on their craft while maintaining their grades and building positive relationships with their teammates," Segundo said.
Robinson's Favorites:
Favorite Athlete: Anthony Edwards
Favorite Sports team: The Dallas Mavericks
Favorite Food: Wingstop
Favorite Movie: Stand By Me or The Notebook
Favorite TV Show: How I Met Your Mother
Book Currently Reading or Last Book Read: The Outsiders
Favorite Musical Group or Performer: King Von
Wisehart's Favorites:
Favorite Athlete: Paige Bueckers
Favorite Sports Team: UConn Huskies
Favorite Food: Mac and Cheese
Favorite Movie: The Lion King
Favorite TV Show: All American
Book Currently Reading or Last Book Read: Romeo and Juliet
Favorite Musical Group or Performer: Bruno Mars
