Upperman Lady Bees guard Taylor Dolente said the biggest plays do not always show up in the box score, but are rather the one that are heard.
“Definitely talking on the defensive end,” Dolente said. “Knowing where they’re at on the court, sticking with them on man, knowing your personnel, and I think a big thing for us was talking on the defensive end. That really helps you.”
That emphasis on communication has helped fuel another strong run for the Upperman Lady Bees. Upperman currently stands 17-4, with Dolente recently reaching a major milestone alongside fellow seniors Gracie Butler and Maggie Butler: 100 career wins in an Upperman uniform.
Dolente said the number reflects more than just victories. It reflects continuity, culture, and a team that has learned how to grow together.
“There’s some that are still trying to get used to [communicating,]” Dolente said. “It really helps us because we’ve had players that know how to play and they’ve had the opportunity to play. So it really helps us be comfortable with knowing how to play and then that will help the younger girls [to feel] how it feels between us.”
The Upperman guard has earned First Team All-District honors and made her mark in tournament play, including being named MVP of the Andrew Johnson Bank Ladies Classic after averaging close to 20 points per game during that stretch. In multiple showcase games, Dolente has led or paced the Lady Bees in scoring, showcasing her ability to attack from the perimeter and finish in transition.
Her steady presence has helped Upperman maintain its reputation as one of the region’s most competitive programs, with deep tournament runs and consistent postseason appearances. And as Dolente and her fellow seniors close in on the final chapters of their high school careers, their impact is being felt well beyond the stat sheet.