- Details
- Category: Current Issue
PSA’s Grant
much more
engaged
PSA girls’ Prep basketball coach Devin Hill turned to assistant TaNajia Smith on the bench during a recent game. He just saw Janeya Grant dive on the floor for a loose ball, and the look to Smith was a combination of stunned “did you see that” and impressed “did you see that.”
“Things like that weren’t happening last year,” Hill said. “This year, she is much more engaged. She’s been very consistent. We talk about Ines (Goryanova) and the jump she’s made, but Janeya’s honestly taken just as much of a jump as Ines, in her own way.”
Grant, from Middletown, got bigger and stronger in the offseason – a result of natural progression but also extra time in the weight room – and is seeing the payoff. She is averaging 15.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.9 steals for the Mustangs, who improved to 9-2 this past weekend by winning three games at a showcase event in front of dozens of college coaches in Washington, D.C.
The 6-foot, 1-inch Grant, a member of the Class of 2024, has always been a shooter but this year she has become a consistent factor in so many more facets of the game.
“I think she’s improved so much, and I don’t think she realizes how much she’s improved,” said Goryanova. “Not even just for shooting but being physical, getting to the basket, finishing those and-ones, rebounding, helping on defense too with her length. I don’t think she realizes how much it’s gotten better from last year. But she’s someone who makes a difference for us.”
Said Grant: “I think I’ve matured and just started taking stuff more seriously. School, basketball, stuff off the court. I’ve just matured. Last year I would get in some trouble at school and not really do what I was always supposed to be doing. But this year, it’s gotten way better. I’m more locked into everything.”
It’s not all by accident either. Grant said she had a lot of talks since last season with Hill, and with her parents. She said she just has a better focus on what she wants and how she can get there.
“It’s helped me with my confidence on the court, too,” she said. “That is at a completely different level from last year. I just go out there and play my game. Last year, I’d get mad, frustrated, down on myself if I missed a shot. But this year, it’s just ‘next play.’
“Obviously shooting is definitely my role. My teammates know if they see me on the 3-point line, they’re going to kick it out. But rebounding, pushing the ball up the floor. I’m trying to be more aggressive on defense, trying to be more active. I want to make a name for myself.”
The Mustangs certainly did that this weekend at the She Got Game Classic. They toppled Quality Education Academy, 68-25 on Friday night. Grant had six points and a pair of rebounds in that one, but didn’t play a lot because of the lopsided score. Goryanova led the way with 22 points and eight steals, while KC Cedano kicked in 12 points, and Jada Mills scored nine.
PSA beat Spire Academy 80-48 Saturday. Grant led a balanced attack with 15 and seven, Goryanova 16 points, and Genevive Wedemeyer scored 12 points. Cedano had seven points and seven rebounds, while Sophia Fontaine finished with eight points and six boards.
PSA capped the perfect weekend with a 67-62 win over powerhouse Niagara Prep, behind Wedemeyer’s 22 points. Goryanova and Grant scored 15 and 11 respectively.
Stephen Nalbandian
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
.