Alaysia Graham has led Hale County girls basketball to 11-game win streak, even from sidelines

MOUNDVILLE ― When fall sports were in full swing, Hale County girls basketball began practice without its top players because it was volleyball season.

In their place, sophomore guard and first-year starter Alaysia Graham took charge and led team workouts as the season neared.

But, just before the postseason, Graham experienced chest pains and shortness of breath, eventually learning she had a heart murmur which would indefinitely sideline her.

It's unlikely Graham plays again this season, but the Wildcats have rallied and played well in her absence. Graham is never far away, though.

TOP PERFORMERS:Top performers in Tuscaloosa-area high school sports for Feb. 13-17

BASKETBALL SCORES:AHSAA basketball schedule: Boys and girls subregional pairings for Tuscaloosa area teams

GIRLS POLL:Vote for the Tuscaloosa area girls high school sports athlete of the week

No. 9 Hale County defeated Fultondale 54-21 in the AHSAA 4A subregional round Monday and is one of the state's final 16 teams remaining.

"They ran a whole bunch of tests and (the doctor) said she heard a heart murmur," Graham said. "She wanted to run more tests for safety, so I’m going to be out. I’m just here supporting."

When Graham, "the voice" of the team, exited the lineup, top reserve Mackenzie Coster was also forced to miss time but has since returned.

"We said at that moment that we wanted to give those girls a chance to play again this year," Hale County coach Travis Jenkins said. "They bought into just giving themselves a chance. One of them has come back, but the other one's chances don't look too well right now. We can hope and play for her and keep that same spirit. We still hear her voice. She’s still at every practice, she’s yelling on the bench, supporting her teammates. It means a lot."

BOYS POLL:Vote for the Tuscaloosa area boys high school sports athlete of the week

Hale County had "low lows" to start the season but kept its focus on advancing through area play, Jenkins said. This team's togetherness is the best Jenkins has seen, and it shows on the court, he said. Much of the chemistry can be traced back to Graham's leadership in the fall.

Hale County (23-7) extended its winning streak to 11 games ahead of its regional semifinal game vs. No. 3 Prattville Christian next Tuesday at Bill Harris Arena.

"We always make sure Alaysia's included in everything," leading scorer Yasmine Jackson said. "Even if she misses a practice because she has to go the doctor, we still check up on her and make sure she’s good because she’s a big part of the team."

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: AHSAA playoffs: Hale County girls play for teammate with heart murmur