Deja Kelly looks to continue basketball success at UNC
DUNCANVILLE, Texas (BVM) — In early March, most of the United States was put on lockdown due to the COVID-19 outbreak. But the Duncanville Pantherettes were able to complete a strenuous 43-game season. Led by Gatorade Texas Player of the Year Deja Kelly, the Pantherettes captured their 11th state championship.
“Deja Kelly is a phenomenal leader,” Duncanville head girls basketball coach LaJenna Howard said. “She made a tremendous impact on and off the court while she was here at Duncanville.”
With defense being the top priority, the 40-3 Pantherettes were ranked as the No. 1 team in Texas.
“Teams ahead of us only played around 25 games last season,” Howard said. “I worry about the three losses. The goal is to have a perfect season.”
A 5-foot-9 guard, Kelly averaged 23.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.9 assists during the 2019-20 campaign. She finished with 3,084 points in her high school career.
Duncanville achieved a record of 74-9 during Kelly’s varsity career. Her hard work and determination paid off as she was ranked 10th in the Hoopgurlz top 100 for the Class of 2020. She has looked up to one player in particular, Skylar Diggins.
“She inspires me on and off the court as she is an icon in women’s basketball,” Kelly said. “She is a well spoken, beautiful woman who carries herself well off the court, and is also an absolute killer on the court.”
Not only does Kelly look to professional athletes for inspiration, but her own family provides a boost as well.
“My family has played a huge part in my basketball career,” Kelly said. “Both of my parents played college basketball, so being able to have them share their experiences and knowledge of the game with me definitely helped me grow as a player.
“My mom has influenced me the most. She has been my coach and trainer since I was 3 years old and has shaped me into the player I am today.”
Everyone knows Kelly has been a superstar on the court, but she is doing a lot off the court, too.
“She volunteered a lot during the season and still does work around the community,” Howard said. “Deja has participated in the National Honor Society, too. When you have your community’s back, they’ll have your back.”
Some of that work off the court included coaching younger kids.
“I could definitely see myself doing that in the future,” Kelly said.
Kelly signed to play women’s basketball at the University of North Carolina back in November and will be a freshman for the Tar Heels this fall. UNC had a record of 16-14 last season. Kelly will look to help the Tar Heels improve that record.
“I chose to continue my academic and basketball career at one of the best universities in the nation,” Kelly said. “Coach Banghart and her staff told me that they wanted to build the program into something special and I wanted to help and be a part of that. Also, I want to major in broadcast journalism, and North Carolina has one of the top broadcasting schools in the nation.”
Deja Kelly is one of the most talented athletes to come out of Texas. She takes a great deal of pride in what she does. Chapel Hill is used to seeing dedicated basketball players grace the hardwood and that’s exactly what they are getting in the Duncanville star.
