Lawndale sophomore Kalani Pearson has helped the girl’s basketball team to a 20-8 overall record and a 9-1 Ocean League record. She has been playing on the varsity level since her freshman year.
“That was a big, big transition because middle school is middle school ball where it’s easier competition,” Pearson said. “High school is way different, harder competition … I’m still transitioning, still getting used to it.”
Pearson also played in the AAU circuit for some time before high school. The experience enhanced her ball movement skills. It also enhanced her teamwork skills.
This season, Pearson improved in sharing the ball with her teammates. She even dished a behind-the-back pass to a teammate for an assist during a game against Inglewood. Pearson also noticed how her perimeter shooting has evolved.
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Her coach taught her the importance of having confidence and mental fortitude.
“Keep doing what I got to do, just play through it,” Pearson said.
Pearson uses her good personality to keep team morale high in tough situations. She prides herself on having positive bonds with all her teammates.
“I’m a sweetheart. Since we have people that have a temper I calm them down,” Pearson said. “I could talk to somebody and they’ll understand.”
A major influence for Pearson is her father, who introduced her to the game at a young age.
“He gives me tips to help me out in the game,” Pearson said.
Being a student athlete means to avoid anything that does not involve academics and athletics. Her favorite class is her athletics class.
“Good grades, focus on your sport,” Pearson said. “You got to do your work. You can’t not do your work and try to play because bad grades is not it.”
With a mindset to hone her skills, Pearson exercises outside of team practices.
“I do work out by myself and I go to different schools to work out too,” she said. “In the summer, I was definitely working out, go hit the weight room.
Pearson tries to model her style of play from USC sophomore JuJu Watkins. She also competed in flag football and track and field. She competed in the 100m, the 200m, and the 4x100m relay.
“I did not know how to do the baton,” Pearson said. “But I could talk to people, more talkative to get help.”
