The Connally High girls basketball team is off to a great start this year and a big reason is senior guard Kali Jerrell. Thanks in large part to Jerrell’s play, the Cougars are 5-0 in District 25-5A (19-6 overall) and eyeing not just a district title, but much more.

“Thing have been going pretty good,” Jerrell said. “We’re looking consistent. The team is starting to click. Things are coming together and working for us.”

Success is nothing new to the Connally girls’ program or to Jerrell. She helped the team reach the playoffs last year, however, she says being a senior changes things.

“There’s a little bit of pressure, but I can handle it,” she said. “I’ve tried to develop more and help my team out. I’m being more talkative on the court to try and help my teammates who are struggling.”

Jerrell began playing basketball when she was 5-years old.

“My brother taught me how,” she said. “I started playing co-ed and progressed from there.”

She says she was a cheerleader but switched and the rest has been on-court history.

“I caught a love for it,” she added. “I love getting to play with different people and all the competition.”

Already one of the top players in Central Texas, Jerrell hopes to take her game to the next level after she graduates from Connally. She is not sure where she will play but hopes to stay in state.

“I’m trying to get a full ride,” she said. “I want to stay in Texas but I will go out of state if I have to.”

Before any college plans are made Jerrell still has business left to finish on the high school court. She hopes to still be playing long after most teams have put their balls away.

“We want to go 14-0 in district and make it to state and win the tournament,” she said.

Editor’s note: Jerrell and the Cougars suffered their first district defeat, falling to Pflugerville on Friday.