Andover Central junior Bailey Wilborn is looking to be one of the top combo guards in the Wichita area this basketball season after averaging in double figures in each of the last two seasons as a freshman and sophomore for the Jaguars.
Wilborn, who stands 5-foot-7, can play the one or two positions. She averaged 13.4 points per game last season to go along with 1.5 assists and two boards per game. As a freshman she averaged 12.8 poinds per game along with 2.2 assists. Wilborn has earned all-league honors each of the last two seasons and was a SIK All-5A second team pick last season. She is a known sharpshooter but tells us that she has been working on other aspects of her game to become a more complete player.
Her favorite subject in school is Math and she has a 4.1 GPA as a student. She hasn’t narrowed down college choices just yet as she is only a junior but does plan on playing basketball at the next level. She is also a member of the Next Level Eclipse in the off-season, a very highly regarded group of talented girls basketball players across the state.
Wilborn has goals to win the league title and get to state this year. The league is always solid so AC will be battle tested. AC also returns Brittany Harshaw and Jaden Newfarmer off a team that went 13-8 and didn’t graduate anyone. Harshaw is averaging 14 points per game this season as a sophomore. So far, Wilborn is off to what she has done the last couple of seasons and averaging around 13 points per game with 37 percent from three-point. Maddie Stearns is also having a breakout year with 8.4 points per game while freshman Maddie Amekporfor is averaging seven per game.
The Jaguars, led by head coach Stana Jefferson, are off to a 4-1 mark over the break with their lone loss coming to McPherson in overtime (54-50). They are back in action on January 7th against Arkansas City on the road.
—
This feature is presented by Next Level Eclipse Basketball. Best of luck to Bailey this season!
Q&A w/ Wilborn
How did you get involved in basketball and sports?
Our family did a lot of different sports while growing up. I liked basketball the best, so have stuck with that.
What are your goals this season?
To win our league and go to state.
Do you guys have a shot to make a run this year?
Historically, our league has been really tough with some amazing players so it will be tough.
What makes you such a force as a player?
Most people would probably say my shooting but I’ve been working hard on other aspects of my game.
What’s the atmosphere like to play for your school and town?
The atmosphere is very supportive and energetic.
For anyone who hasn’t seen your games, why come to one?
We have a lot of skilled and athletic girls on team. We shoot a lot of 3s and play fast.
Who are other key players on your team?
Brittany Harshaw and Jaden Newfarmer, but last year we didn’t have a senior on the team so we have a lot of experience coming back, including some who didn’t play much, or at all, due to injuries.
Favorite thing about basketball?
The family-like atmosphere of my teammates and being able to work hard and play basketball with them.
Do you play any other sports, tell us about that, what other positions do you play?
I used to play midfield for a club soccer team called the Cheetahs, but now I run track for my high school, 200m and 800m. Occasionally play tennis and golf.
What is it like to play for your coach?
She brings energy to the team and demands hard work, as well as emphasizes the importance of team chemistry. We all know she has our backs no matter what. She is serious when she needs to be, but makes sure we have fun.
What did you and the team do in the off-season to become better?
We do team bonding activities and set up scrimmages so we can play with each other.
What interests are you seeing at the next level and what are your plans?
I plan on playing in college but haven’t narrowed anything down yet.
Favorite thing to do when you aren’t playing sports?
I like to play with my dog and crochet.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Hopefully on a beach!!
Favorite subject in school, what type of student are you, GPA?
My favorite subject is math and my GPA is 4.1.
Who is your role model?
My parents. But I also look up to the many great players that have come out of Andover Central. All really good basketball players and good students.
Best place to eat in your town or surrounding area?
I like to eat at Longhorns Steakhouse because they serve the best steak I’ve ever eaten and their salad dressing is really good.
One thing the average person wouldn’t know about you?
I like to crochet in my free time.
