Winding down the regular season, senior Hailey Jenkins has appreciated how the team has developed, and the Rough Riders have appeared to be headed in the right direction with the postseason on the horizon.

“At this point in the season, we’ve really improved on many things,” noted Jenkins, who is averaging roughly 17 points per game as of last week. “We have especially been able to stay in the close games instead of letting up. We have peaked at the best time.”

With their 46-41 victory over Executive Education last Monday, Jenkins sees her team ready to raise itself to another level. The Roughies (11-4) will be back in districts again, and they are currently the fourth seed in the Class 3A bracket.

“In our win (last Monday), I really got to see what we are capable of when we work as a team,” beamed Jenkins. “It’s really huge making it back to districts, especially with it being my senior year. I just hope that we can do what I know we can when the time comes. If we do, then I believe we will be very successful in the post season.”

Head coach Tara Belfield also has been pleased to see her team going back to the postseason. Aside from Jenkins and sophomore and second-leading scorer Kaylin Stewart (12 points per game), Belfield has been enthralled with the play of freshman Javaeha Lafond and sophomore Shakala Roberts.

The Roughies advanced to the second round of districts last year, falling to Notre Dame, 38-35.

“We are excited about going back to districts and hoping to make a deeper run this year,” said Belfield. “Hailey has been an amazing leader and Kaylin knows that she has some work to do to get us where we want to go.

“Javaeha Lafond is really coming along on both the defensive and offensive end, and Shakala Roberts has been outstanding off the bench on defense.”

Belfield believes her team is enjoying all the moments.

“Right before the (Christmas) break, we were struggling a little bit as a team,” stressed Belfield. ”But they have really turned it around and are enjoying being a team and having fun.