SA Express article on NT lady signee

GrandGreen · November 13, 2004

Clark guard will shoulder load

Web Posted: 11/07/2004 12:00 AM CST

Natalie England

Express-News Staff Writer

When not playing basketball herself, Clark's Sanetra Jackson usually can be found studying the prolific moves of such NBA players as Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson.

But Jackson's 37-point performance — busted shoulder and broken tooth to boot — in a triple-overtime victory against eventual regional champion Taft was reminiscent of Michael Jordan's legendary game in the 1998 NBA Finals, when he ignored a cramping stomach to boost his Chicago Bulls past the Utah Jazz.

Jackson, a 5-foot-7 guard, returns for her senior season at Clark after averaging more than 22 points per game as a junior. She leads a team that has a renewed focus following a disappointing 2003.

"The entire team is very bothered by the fourth-place finish (in District 28-5A)," Clark coach Brenda Womack said. "I want them to be bothered by it. It's our motivation."

Jackson is no different. She spent the offseason rehabilitating her injured shoulder and setting her sights on a playoff run.

Jackson spent much of her time in the gym — her tireless work ethic is legendary among her teammates.

"She's always here, running, lifting weights or doing something," said teammate Alyssa Littlefield, who has known Jackson since middle school.

The basketball court has become a remarkable stage for Jackson, who didn't even pick up a basketball until she was 9, when she saw a WNBA game on TV. Up until that point, she wanted be an archeologist.

"Then I decided I wanted to play basketball," Jackson said.

Jackson's natural talent was then revealed — almost immediately, she was dribbling between her legs — despite never before playing any sport besides dodgeball.

From that point on, she played continually in YMCA leagues. By the time she reached tryouts for middle school, she possessed a wicked arsenal of talent.

"Right off the bat, she was intimidating," said Corinna Carson, who first met Jackson in middle school.

Now, with her raw talent more chiseled, Jackson's outlook on the game has matured, as well. She knows that she has to produce offensively for Clark to succeed, but she also is aware that her talents can broaden the talents of her teammates.

Because of this, Jackson put in a lot of time fine-tuning her passing and rebounding skills, which means that wherever Jackson is, a basketball isn't far away.

And if she can't play basketball, Jackson is usually watching it, trying to pick up some fancy tools of the trade. Even at a postgame team party at a local restaurant after a victory against Warren last season, Jackson planted herself in front of the restaurant's big screen.

"We were all like, 'Sanetra, come eat,'" Littlefield said. "She just said, 'Later. I'm watching basketball.'"

The techniques Jackson has picked up from watching some of today's professional talent have translated into her own game. Her skill level has improved and so has her ability to take over games.

"Sanetra can do a lot of damage, just by herself," Taft coach Pam Owens said.

The Cougars' lineup is one that encourages versatility. Many of the players have played together since before high school, and that knowledge of each other's playing strengths has created a team chemistry the Cougars were missing last season.

"We're all working for the same thing now," Littlefield said.

While some teams could be intimidated by playing in the same district with Taft, tabbed as the No. 1 team in the state by Texas Basketball magazine, Clark welcomes that challenge.

"We have so many great teams in with us," Womack said. "Our district is one that prepares us for playoffs."

The playoffs are exactly where Jackson and the Cougars want to be, and Jackson wants the focus to be squarely on her team. Despite being courted by college programs, Jackson is keeping her decision a "huge secret," Littlefield said.

Jackson said she will announce her decision during the early signing period, which starts Wednesday, primarily so she can proceed with the season stress-free.

"She just wants to focus on the team and her senior year — she is so set on us going far into the playoffs," Littlefield said. "She's focusing on this year, and not where she's going to be next year."

Long term, of course, Jackson does have visions of celebrating a national championship and being drafted into the WNBA. Jackson has just as many vivid dreams for the short term.

"To win," she said.