A four-year varsity career puts high school athletes on a path where they could potentially score 1,000 points during their time on the basketball court.
Oakwood’s Kylie Neuman began her basketball career at Oakwood High School as a freshman on the varsity team.
As an underclassmen, she contributed 12.1 points per game as a freshmen and 8.1 points per game as a sophomore. Although statistically, Neuman was on her way to scoring 1,000 points during her prep career, getting there has not been a walk in the park.
In fact, doing much of anything that required the use of her knee during her junior year was a challenge.
“I had a knee injury in one of our first practices that kept me out until the end of the season, and even then I never felt I was back at my best,” Neuman said.
Coming into her senior year, Neuman knew that she could still potentially reach 1,000 points, but decided not to worry too much about it. Instead, she wanted to focus on being a good teammate and leader for the Comets.
“I wanted to lead my team by keeping the energy up and staying positive no matter what challenges we face, whether it’s at practice or a game,” Neuman said. “I also wanted to be someone that any of my teammates, especially underclassmen, could talk to and ask questions because I believe that’s important for the program.”
Being with her teammates is something the three-sport athlete enjoys.
“I like the chemistry we have on and off the court, and how much we can make each other laugh. I feel like we always pick each other up no matter the circumstances,” she said.
“I also appreciate my teammates and how hard they work, especially during practices because we all push each other to be better.
“Our coaches also play a big role in our team, and they are always trying to get the best out of each of us.
Coming into the 2018-19 season, the Comets had their sights set on some big goals.
After winning the Vermilion County Championship in 2017 and 2018, the team wanted to win a third consecutive title. Coming into the 2019 championship game, the Comets were on a four game win streak and had a record of 20-5.
They captured the 2019 Vermillion County title with a 37-25 win over Bismarck-Henning/Rossville-Alvin.
Coming off that win, the Comets hosted Chrisman, where they posted a 56-21 victory.
Oakwood was also able to celebrate a milestone with Neuman as she scored 13 points during the game to reach 1,000 points.
Throughout the season, Neuman has posted double-digits for the Comets.
With 22 points against Chrisman, 20 points against Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond, 19 against Armstrong-Potomac and 22 against Rockford Lutheran, Neuman was able to make up for lost time her junior year.
“I knew it was something I would have to work hard for, she said. “Fortunately, I was able to get to 1,000 and it was a very gratifying moment for me. It felt so good because there was a time when I truly thought that I could maybe get close to 1,000 but would never actually get there. So it felt even better knowing that I was able to accomplish it despite my setback.”
Neuman has one more goal set for the Comets this season: to do well in postseason play.
Oakwood will travel to Bismarck to face Hoopeston Area in Class 2A IHSA Regional play on Wednesday.
After capturing the IHSA Regional 2A title in 2017, Neuman hopes that her team can win the title again.
“I’m focused on stepping up even more for our team in the postseason,” she said. “And as a team, we are focused on applying everything that we have learned and worked on throughout the season. We are focused on playing well as a team and making the most out of every possession we get.”
After basketball season, Neuman will step back onto the softball field, where she also shines.
After high school, Neuman will play softball for Danville Area Community College. After finishing her time there, she’d like transfer to the University of Tennessee and earn her doctorate and become a physical therapist.
