Moore junior, Aaliyah Moore, looking forward to next step at Texas
MOORE, Okla. (BVM) — Hard work and dedication are always shared between teammates and the coaching staff. They work so hard so they can bring joy to the fans and feel the excitement of winning.
That’s exactly what the Moore Lions experienced this past season. Led by Gatorade Oklahoma Girls Basketball Player of the Year, junior Aaliyah Moore, they made their first state tournament appearance in 22 years (although the game would never be played).
“She is one of the most dynamic players I have ever coached,” Moore head girls basketball coach Brent Hodges said.
Ranked No. 7 in ESPN’s HoopGurlz top 100 for the Class of 2021, Moore led the Lions to an overall record of 20-5. The 6-foot-3 forward verbally committed to the University of Texas women’s basketball team back in April. The Longhorns finished third in the Big 12 Conference last season and had an overall record of 19-11. They would have a spot in the NCAA Tournament, but COVID-19 ended the postseason before it could begin.
“I’m a big city girl; the city of Austin is such a great city,” Moore said. “I have great relationships with the coaches and a goal of mine is to bring a national championship back to the University of Texas.”
home away from home. 🧡 #COMMITTED pic.twitter.com/5w889K0ZZ9
— AALIYAH MOORE $$ (@aa1iyahM) April 25, 2020
Last season, Moore averaged 21.9 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 2.9 steals. Through her three seasons with the Lions, Moore High School has a record of 55-20.
“I love playing at Moore,” Moore said. “The community has been very supportive. I love my coach and teammates. We would have been state champions if the season didn’t get canceled.”
The recent winter sports seasons for high schools around the country have been full of turmoil and confusion. Moore has found herself in the eye of that storm. Lucky for her, and a handful of her teammates, she will get another chance to hoist a gold ball next year.
As Moore continues to improve her game, there are three people that have contributed to her success as a basketball player: Tamika Catchings, LeBron James, and her mother.
“I love watching old film of Tamika Catchings,” Moore said. “Seeing her footwork in the paint is inspiring. I love LeBron, too. I try to bring his physical part of the game into mine.”
Moore is so physically imposing in the paint that she sometimes goes by “Lady LeBron.”
Her mother has played a huge role in the player she has become today. With four years of college experience, her mother has no doubt influenced her talents on the hardwood. Moore also played on the 2019 USA Basketball U-16 Women’s Team. While there, she started all six games and averaged 7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.5 assists. The team went 6-0 and won the gold medal.
“I’ve been playing basketball my whole life,” Moore said. “My mom played at the college level and she’s had a huge impact on my life. Basketball has always been a way of connecting with people and it helps with releasing anger.”
Committing to Texas, Moore has great expectations for her future and for the team’s future. She will be majoring in business while also pursuing a minor in communication.
“My goal is to make it to the WNBA,” Moore said. “Academics are a huge part of why I chose Texas and I look forward to pursuing internships and the possibility of working as a broadcaster.”
Whether it be the WNBA, sportscasting, or coaching, Moore has dedicated herself to the game of basketball. No matter what life throws at Moore, she will be ready for it.
“It’s exciting getting prepared for the next level of my life,” Moore said. “I love Moore and I look forward to being in Texas.”
