It was a perfect night for Zephyrhills senior guard Ahmeisha Hicks.
Her four-year ZHS basketball career wrapped up on Senior Night with a dominant 50-33 win over rival Pasco. Her family, friends, boyfriend and the loving memory of her father joined her at center court for the senior night festivities. Her teammates and coaches gave her a sendoff she will never forget.
“I look at them and I get emotional,” Hicks said. “I have a great support system. It’s great to look over and see them there for me.”
Hicks played on the JV squad as a freshman and moved up to varsity as a sophomore, but suffered a season-ending knee injury that plagued her for her junior season as well. She battled back as a senior earning a starting role on Coach Chris Smith’s squad that features mostly sophomores, two juniors and Hicks.
Every player on Smith’s squad hit the scoring column with Tim’mia Clemons leading the way with 12 points and Jade King canning 11. But senior night belonged to Hicks.
“It was all about Ahmeisha tonight,” Smith said. “She played a great game. She is the positive influence on these younger players. She is always happy and positive. No matter what’s happening, she is always there.
“It’s important to have somebody like that especially with the season we’ve been having. She is valuable to this team on and off the court.”
The Lady Bulldogs are 8-12 on the season after the win against Pasco. They will open up district tournament play Tuesday against Cypress Creek at Wesley Chapel
“It means a lot to play with these girls,” Hicks said. “We made a lot of bonds. As the only senior, I get spoiled. I’m a leader to everybody. I motivate on and off the bench. “This is one of the best nights I ever had. This was a big game. I love playing Pasco. We’ve beaten Pasco ever since I’ve been here and I love beating Pasco. It’s one of my favorite things to do.”