Jackson County Lady Blue Devils basketball player Kinley Letterman has learned to turn a perceived disadvantage into one of her biggest strengths.
Listed at 5-foot-7, Letterman operates as a forward for the Lady Blue Devils, often matched up against taller post players on a nightly basis. While Jackson County typically features only one true taller post, Letterman said the frequent size mismatches have forced her to adapt and thrive.
“I would think so,” Letterman said. “We have one taller post, and me especially being a post, it’s a disadvantage for me playing against taller girls, but I feel like whenever I play against the taller girls, I play better than post to the ones that are my height.”
Rather than shy away from the challenge, Letterman said she leans into a more physical style of play. Letterman said many of Jackson County’s matchups hinge on how well the Lady Blue Devils handle opponents with size, and her approach is to meet that head-on.
“I think sometimes they get a little more mad at me whenever I try to push them around,” Letterman said. “Sometimes they get mad at themselves, and you can see it on their face that they’re not happy that I’m pushing them around and trying to get up in their face.”
That edge has helped define Letterman’s role on the floor. While she contributes on both ends, Letterman said she takes particular pride in her defensive responsibilities, especially battling in the paint against taller players.
“I’m more of a defensive person,” Letterman said. “I like playing defense, and being able to box the taller girls out, getting rebounds, playing physical with them, it’s my favorite part.”
As the season progresses, Letterman said she is focused on elevating her game even further. Jackson County enters the second half of the season with a 13-7 record, and Letterman said she hopes her continued growth can help the Lady Blue Devils make a strong push down the stretch.