Hard work paying off for Katie Cheek

Williamstown's Katie Cheek takes a shot in action last season again East Jessamine. Cheek, a junior, has dramatically improved her game from last season.

Hard work, determination paying off for WHS junior Katie Cheek

By Wade Holland

Publisher

Ranking among the team leaders in nearly every statistical category a year ago, Williamstown's Katie Cheek was already recognized as a standout on the hardwood for the Lady Demons. So it would have been easy for her to relax during the off-season and do the things most teenagers do.

But not completely satisfied with her game and seeking a higher level of play, Cheek did anything but take it easy during the summer, instead working hard and propelling herself to a level that has Williamstown Coach Kasey Mason excited and expecting big things from the junior guard during the upcoming season.

"Two days after the season ended last year, Katie started working out and putting a lot into her game. And she never stopped," said Mason. "And the improvement from then to now is very dramatic

"Katie is a great example of what one summer of hard work and dedication can do for a player," Mason continued. "Sometimes players think it is enough to just come to practice and do the things that are scheduled with your team. But Katie is a great example of how much it helps you develop if you put time into it individually."

Cheek, who ranked among the team leaders in several categories last season, including scoring, rebounding, assists and steals, is what many would call a jack of all

Katie Cheek (1) and her teammatestip off the 2014/15 season on Dec. 2 at home against Gallatin Co. Varsity action is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

trades. There's nothing she does not do well on the floor. Yet, according to Coach Mason, Cheek has barely scratched the surface of her huge potential.

"Katie is a very well-rounded player. She does it all," said Mason. "Not that she is competing with her teammates or anything like that, but some of these categories where she was second and third I really expect to see a lot more from her this year. I really expect big things from Katie."

And the improvements from Cheek's rigorous off-season work ethic is not just benefiting herself, it has had a positive effect on the entire team.

"We've been lifting since school started. We played all summer and had a really big, really competitive summer," said Mason. "And Katie's work ethic, her voice, and her mindset have bled over into some of the other players, especially those younger than her."

Another improvement that comes from maturity and self-confidence rather than from anything she did during the off-season is Cheek's leadership ability, which is another aspect of Cheek's game that Mason is impressed with.

Mason, who has known Cheek for several years while watching her grow up on the elementary and middle school teams, says Cheek is a completely different person than she remembers from back then. Mason remembers Cheek as someone who hardly spoke during that time.

"Katie is a lot more verbal now. She is able to tell other players things that need to be done," said Mason. "I feel like Katie feels she has earned the right to have a say, and she has. And with us being so young the last few years that's something we've lacked is a true leader."

Two specific improvements Cheek made during the current off-season is her drive to the basket and her outside jump shot.

"Not to compare girls to boys necessarily, but Katie is playing like a boy," said Mason. "She attacks the hip on the drive extremely well. She knows how to get that first step really well.

"And everyone knows Katie likes to drive to the basket, so she has been working on her outside jumper. And now if they sag off on her, she can hurt them in other ways."

But even with all her improvements, Cheek has not let up and plans to continue to work hard on her game to be the best she can be. When asked how many hours per day she works on her game, her answer of "Oh Gosh" said it all.

"I'd like to improve my ball handling some more and be able to control the ball a little better," Cheek said. "And my shooting, too. I want to be more consistent with my shot."

One area that needs little to no improvement is Cheek's status as a good student and exceptional person away from the sport. Mason describes Cheek as someone who is always going the extra mile to help others.

"Katie can be quiet sometimes, but she is a great role model," said the coach. "She is a great person who does not do anything outside of school that she should not be doing. I'm very proud of her."

While she hopes to continue her rise as a possible college level prospect, personal achievements are not what is important to Cheek, who says no matter what she accomplishes as an individual it will never be as important to her as what her team does.

And if she is correct, there are big things in the future for the Lady Demons' basketball team.

"I have big expectations for us," commented Cheek. "I'm very excited about our team. I think we have the ability to shock some people this year."

Cheek, who started playing basketball in the third grade, is the daughter of Sally and Brian Cheek. She has a sister, Lynzie, who is also a member of the Lady Demons' basketball program.

Williamstown tips off it's season on December 2 at home against Gallatin Co.