SHARPSHOOTERS: Whitley Co Lady Colonels among state’s top 3-point shooters

When last week’s statistics report was sent out by the Kentucky High School Athletic Association, the names of two Whitley County Lady Colonels appeared on the state leader board for three-point field goals.

Freshman Kaelie Frazier topped the list, with 52 three-point shots made in 117 attempts, averaging out to 3.7 three-point goals per game.

Coming in at number twelve on the list was Frazier’s teammate, sophomore Abbey Estes, who had made 39 three-point buckets in 107 attempts, averaging 2.6 goals per game.

Add to these stats one more three-point shot for Frazier and three more for Estes in a losing effort against Lynn Camp over the weekend, and you have two players who are on track to finish out this season as a couple of the best shooters in the entire state.

When asked how she felt about seeing her name at the top of the KHSAA three-point field goal leader board, Frazier said, “It feels amazing. I’m really proud of myself, and so are my parents.”

Frazier said that she has been aware of her standing on the state leader board, and she is hoping to keep it up as the season progresses. “It’s what I’m good at,” she said.

Estes, who had to miss her freshman season with an injury, said of being back and being able to perform at such a high level, “A lot of hard work was put into getting here. It just makes me proud that I have been able to come this far when a lot of people didn’t think that I would be back.”

When asked if she feels any pressure as one of the Lady Colonels’ go-to shot takers, Estes said, “It comes natural. I don’t really get nervous about taking big shots or being in control of the ball. I’ve always done it, so I’m just glad that I can be back and be a part of everything again.”

Understanding that basketball is a team sport, Estes also added, “My teammates are constantly getting me the ball. I couldn’t get open without them, especially since other teams know that I am a shooter. A lot of the credit has to go to them as well.”

Whitley County Head Coach David Estes was obviously happy to see his two players listed among the best three-point shooters in Kentucky. He said, “It certainly is nice for those players to get recognition. They both worked exceptionally hard in the offseason to improve what was already a pretty good shooting game. We rely on them heavily.”

With that being said, Estes does stress a team-first mentality, and while he is certainly happy and proud of both Frazier and Estes for their accomplishments, he was quick to add, “Everyone on our team understands that basketball is a team sport. Making a three carries no more importance than grabbing a rebound, earning a five second call as a defender, or diving on the floor after a loose ball.”

“Fans may focus on points scored or threes made, but our success as a team depends on many variables, of which shooting is just one.”

See Frazier, Estes and the rest of the Lady Colonels in action this Friday, January 15, when they host the Corbin Lady Redhounds at 6:00 p.m. at Whitley Co High School.