Washington Prep senior Dereon Conant used her leadership and athletic skills to help the Generals girls basketball team reach the City Section Division I championship game. Washington Prep also competed in the CIF Division IV State Tournament.
They ultimately had a 22-7 overall record and 8-2 Coliseum Leauge record.
“We left it all on the floor,” Conant said. “With everything we’ve been through, it meant a lot for us to get to that point.”
Conant hit a career high of 27 points when the Generals defeated the Inglewood Sentinels 82-44 in December. During the season, Conant scored at least 20 points in seven different matchups.
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Being a co-captain of the team has taught Conant the importance of having patience. She trusts her teammates and knows to keep a level head during a basketball game.
“It’s a team sport, so it’s always gonna be a time where one player is messing up but that don’t mean it’s over,” Conant said. “We got four quarters, so just play to the last.”
During this season, Conant worked on her self-confidence and her attitude. What helped her improve was believing in herself and her abilities on the court.
“When we’re all doing well, we are confident with each other, clapping up for each other,” Conant said. “We could all laugh and joke and play with each other, but we know when it’s time to be serious, it’s time to be serious.”
For Conant, being a student athlete comes with challenges. She knows how both obligations vie for her time.
“Long practices, you still got to take care of your books, homework assignments, you might got to stay up late,” Conant said. “Sometimes you might have to miss practice for your academics. Sometimes you gotta leave class early for games.”
Her favorite subject is English. Conant enjoys debating and writing persuasive essays.
During her time at Washington Prep, Conant was a manager of the volleyball team. Conant also learned how to play golf. Competing in golf helped her learn patience.
“When I got to golf, I was confident, but I’m like “it’s not that easy,”” Conant said. “If you take a week off of basketball, you could probably make the third shot you shoot. But golf it’s like you have to be on point with your aim.”
