Madison Cartwright’s confidence helps her flourish on the basketball court
GREENWOOD, Ark. (BVM) — On March 10, the Greenwood Lady Bulldogs won their sixth state title. Leading the way was Class of 2023 standout Madison Cartwright.
Growing up, Cartwright was introduced to every sport imaginable. As she watched her older sister play, she would fall in love with the atmosphere and being part of a team.
“When I was [growing up], I would attend my sisters’ softball, basketball games and practices,” Cartwright said. “I would watch all the activities and couldn’t wait to start playing. I was so excited when I got my first uniform; I felt it was the greatest thing ever.”
Cartwright kept that joy of competition in the back of her mind. That has helped her transition into one of the best basketball players in Arkansas. And along with her own self-motivation and her sister’s inspiration, her parents have also helped her find the passion for basketball that she has today.
“My parents are my role models,” Cartwright said. “They have spent countless summers sacrificing vacations to drive me around the country, so I could play in the AAU circuit to help me reach my dream of playing in college.”
And reaching the college level has not only become a dream but a reality. On April 21, Cartwright officially announced her commitment to continue her basketball career at the University of Tulsa.
— Madison Cartwright (@madybelle2023) April 21, 2022
“Coach Nelp and her staff were amazing and made me feel comfortable,” Cartwright said. “The direction they have for the team, along with individual detailed development to make me a better player, made me want to make Tulsa my home. The recruiting at first was exciting, but I was ready for the end. Lots of phone calls, and the longer I kept the recruiting process open, the harder it would be to tell coaches of my decision.”
Cartwright will have one more year left with the Lady Bulldogs following her commitment. And she will aim to end her career on a high note. But it could be hard to top how special this year has been for her.
“Winning the latest state title was a phenomenal achievement,” Cartwright said. “My first state title [appearance] was disappointing because we didn’t get to play the final game due to COVID lockdowns, so we were awarded co-champs. To finally play, compete and win the final game was a dream come true.”
Along with a state title, Cartwright also passed the 1,000-point mark. It’s something that any high school basketball player dreams of accomplishing.
“Actually, I wasn’t aware I reached 1,000 points until after the season,” Cartwright said. “I went to the coach’s office to ask about my total points because I wanted to set some goals for my senior season, and that’s when we discovered I scored over 1,000.”
Congratulations to Mady Cartwright for achieving the 1000 Point Club this season!!
📷: Peggy Barger pic.twitter.com/rao6906p3G
— Greenwood Schools (@GSD_Excellence) April 19, 2022
With two of her goals accomplished, Cartwright is still hungry to achieve more. And playing a game like basketball can help her do that.
“I feel like it is the ultimate team sport,” Cartwright said. “Building relationships with my teammates to achieve team goals [and] along with allowing individuality is why I love playing basketball.”
Cartwright has a bright future ahead of her. Whether at Tulsa or wherever the game takes her, Cartwright will always have the motivation to continue her career.
“I want to be a basketball coach [someday],” Cartwright said. “Just not sure if it will be high school or college. [But when I reach Tulsa] I want to quickly adapt to the team system and find my role to help the team achieve success.”
