Hard to guard: Ikharo an unsung hero for Lady Buffs

By GARRISON REIS
The Tower

Manteca High junior Jada Ikahro is an emerging leader and consistent contributor for the Manteca High girls basketball team.

Ikharo is a forward who has evolved her post game to become a more consistent scorer. She might not be an MVP caliber player, but Ikharo does those little things that make a team so successful. She rebounds. She communicates. And more importantly, she plays defense.

Ikharo is averaging seven points, six rebounds and two steals.

“Jada has been super consistent for us,” Manteca girls basketball coach Oscar Calix said. “She’s been on top of our scoring and rebounding. She’s relentless and never gives up. Her strength has separated her down low when smaller guards try guarding her, and she can blow by post players they’re trying to guard her. She’s adapting to varsity well.”

The Tower sat down with Ikharo to talk about her balanced approach to the game of basketball.

The Tower: Your coach says you’re a mismatch offensively. What makes you hard to guard?

Jada Ikharo: I would say my height and the fact that I can use that to my advantage but also still be quick on my feet.

TT: You have also been called a defensive leader. How important is defense?

JK: I think defense is the most important part of winning a game because everyone can do it. You can have an off day scoring or a hard time getting to the basket but defense you can always try your hardest.

TT: The team has hit a bit of a rough patch in league and dropped a couple games. What do you need to do to get out of that slump?

JK: I feel like we need to work together as a team we have lost a lot of player and I feel like that’s the main reason why we are struggling but it think we can get out of it if we work together.

TT: You blew out Central Catholic. What did you guys do that game that made it so different?

JK: I think it was our communication. We talked a lot and we all just worked together.

TT: How has your game evolved from last season?

JK: It has evolved a lot from last season. I’ve learned a lot from my teammates and coaches and they helped me to develop my skills. This year I’ve gotten a lot better in the post. Last year, I didn’t really focus on it because I was only there because I am tall. This year, I’ve been taught a lot more moves.