Schulenburg’s Versatile Gipson Brings Energy to Lady Horns Hoops

Schulenburg sophomore basketball player Jessalyn Gipson scored a team high 13 points in a 62-21 win over Louise Friday.

Gipson is currently second on the team in scoring, averaging eight points per game. She is also averaging five and a half rebounds per game on a Lady Horns team that has an overall and district record well above .500.

“Jessalyn plays with a lot of energy,” said Schulenburg head girl’s basketball coach Phillip Eddins.

“Right now, she’s being asked to play a role that she’s not accustomed to. We’re asking her to play a post. She’s always been a guard. Just out of necessity right now, we needed a post this year and she’s accepted that role. She’s gotten better and better each game. We knew coming in that for us to have success this year, she would need to be a big contributor to the team and she’s done that. She’s had some sophomore moments here and there, but for the most part, she’s improved since day one and we’re looking to see a lot more improvement here in the second half of district from her.”

Gipson can play just about any position on the court, which has paid off for Lady Horns basketball and has made Gipson our selection for this edition’s Player of the Week.

Question: You’re also on the volleyball team, which sport would you say you’re better at and why?

Answer: “Honestly, I would say basketball because when I play basketball, I let off some steam, regenerate myself, and get my head in the game. I can focus better when I play basketball.”

Question: What’s your favorite cartoon and why?

Answer: “Spongebob because he’s happy, he brings joy, he’s positive. He’s just fun.”

Question: How do you prepare yourself for a game?

Answer: “I talk to people about it before to calm myself. I get pep talks.”

Question: Who’s an athlete you look up to and why?

Answer: “Airyanna Rodriguez (Schulenburg basketball teammate and former Player of the Week nominee) because she’s a good basketball player and I’ve always wanted to be like her since elementary.”

Question: If you could compete in one stadium, which one would it be and why?

Answer: “AT&T stadium. I’m not really sure the reason, but that’s the stadium I would play in.”

Question: What’s your candy of choice and why?

Answer: “Any sour candy. I like sour candy.”

Question: What’s your favorite part about the game of basketball and how would you describe it?

Answer: “Probably jumping because after the jump ball, it’s like everything just falls into place and you have to do everything right. So the jump ball is probably my favorite because if the ball comes to my team, then we can go score.

Question: What would you say is your strongest subject in school and why?

Answer: “Definitely geometry. I like math because I’m good at math. Math is probably the easiest subject for me.”

Question: What do you like to do in your free time?

Answer: “Most definitely sleep and I’ll still be tired. I sleep a lot to wake up and be tired again. Or even more tired.”

Question: How is it being a student at Schulenburg?

Answer: “It’s good. We have a good athletic program, we have cool teachers, our administration is cool. We have good funding and it’s fun here.”

As an underclassmen, Gipson already carries a heavy workload, making the future bright for Schulenburg girl’s basketball.

Recent FCR’s Athlete of the Week

Dec. 3: Seth Brock, RTC basketball

Dec. 10: Aysia Grant, La Grange basketball

Dec. 17: Luke Law, Flatonia basketball

Jan. 7: Jaxon Cooper, La Grange basketball

Jan. 14: Phillip Arceneaux, La Grange soccer

* Read about the new honorees in our Friday editions and then watch their interviews on our Facebook page a few days later.