North Myrtle Beach High Girls Basketball 2025 Winter Season Recap: Coach Heather Kearney Reflects on a Remarkable Year
The 2025 winter season was a milestone year for the North Myrtle Beach High School girls' basketball team, guided by Head Coach Heather Kearney. A team fueled by grit, skill, and determination, the Lady Seahawks fought their way through adversity, reached the Lower State Championship Final Four, and ended their season with only three losses — two of which came against powerhouse programs.
We caught up with Coach Kearney to get her insights on a season full of triumphs, challenges, and exciting prospects for the future.
A Season Marked by Resilience and Success
Coach Kearney described the season as an exceptional journey for the Lady Seahawks. The team showed remarkable composure and heart, especially in high-pressure moments.
“Our team loved adversity,” she said. “Despite the challenges, they made it all the way to the Lower State Championship Final Four.”
Losing only three games throughout the entire season, with two losses coming against much higher-level programs, speaks volumes about the squad’s competitiveness and resilience. This performance put North Myrtle Beach on the map as a team to watch in their region.
Senior Leadership That Fueled the Team’s Success
Leadership was one of the key pillars of the Lady Seahawks’ outstanding season. Coach Kearney emphasized the vital contributions from her senior class, which included three starters and a crucial sixth man.
Faith Farmer, a standout scorer, averaged nearly 20 points per game, providing consistent offensive production. Her ability to put points on the board in clutch moments often turned the tide in North Myrtle Beach’s favor.
Janiyah Bragg, described as the team’s defensive specialist, led the team in steals. Her tenacity and ability to disrupt opposing offenses set the tone defensively for the Lady Seahawks.
Nevaeh Washington was a powerhouse on the boards, often described as a “walking double-double” due to her consistent scoring and rebounding. Her relentless presence under the rim helped secure possession and create second-chance opportunities.
The sixth man, Kiera Olsen, was a force off the bench. Referred to as a “mini Janiyah,” she brought energy, hustle, and an ability to get hot from beyond the arc late in the season. Her contributions often sparked the team during critical stretches.
Together, this senior group provided not only skill and performance but also leadership and a winning mindset that carried the team deep into the postseason.
Growth and Development: Young Talent on the Rise
Although the seniors played a crucial role, Coach Kearney is excited about the young players who gained valuable experience this season. She highlighted the team’s youth as both a challenge and an opportunity.
“We are very young,” she said. “The returning players have gained great experience, and I’m really excited about the potential they bring for the future of the program.”
This youth movement means the Lady Seahawks have a strong foundation to build on. As younger players develop their skills and confidence, the team’s depth and versatility will only increase.
Overcoming Challenges with a Winning Mindset
Throughout the season, the Lady Seahawks faced typical hurdles, including injuries and tough losses. What set them apart was their ability to respond positively to adversity.
Coach Kearney praised their mental toughness: “They loved adversity and rose to the challenge.”
The team’s journey to the Lower State Championship Final Four is a testament to their grit, determination, and ability to perform under pressure. Only three losses across an entire season, especially when two were against higher-level programs, highlight how they continuously adapted and grew.
Defining Moments and Turning Points
While Coach Kearney chose not to single out specific games as defining moments, the overall narrative of reaching the state’s Lower Final Four speaks volumes. The postseason run itself was a culmination of the team’s hard work, chemistry, and relentless drive to improve throughout the year.
Each win during the playoffs boosted their confidence and cemented their status as one of the top programs in their area.
Offseason Focus: Sharpening Skills and Building for the Future
Looking ahead, Coach Kearney outlined clear priorities for offseason training. One of the main focuses will be on perimeter shooting, an area identified as crucial for expanding the team’s offensive threat.
Additionally, the offseason will emphasize the development of younger players, giving them the tools and experience needed to contribute at a higher level next season.
“The offseason is a time to sharpen skills, build confidence, and prepare mentally and physically,” she said. These improvements will be key to sustaining and elevating the program’s success moving forward.
Accessing Team Stats and Following the Lady Seahawks
For fans and supporters interested in tracking the Lady Seahawks’ progress, Coach Kearney points to MaxPreps, the go-to platform for team stats and updates.
“All our stats are on MaxPreps,” she said, encouraging the community to follow along and support the team as they continue their journey.
Final Thoughts: A Season of Promise and Poise
The 2025 season for North Myrtle Beach High School girls' basketball was nothing short of remarkable. Coach Heather Kearney’s team demonstrated resilience, skill, and leadership that propelled them deep into the postseason and earned respect across the state.
The combination of senior leadership and promising youth provides a solid foundation for continued success. With targeted offseason work on shooting and player development, the Lady Seahawks are poised to return even stronger next season.
Coach Kearney’s reflections reveal a program that thrives on hard work and embraces challenges — a recipe for sustained excellence in the competitive world of high school basketball.
North Myrtle Beach Lady Seahawks’ 2025 winter season proved they are a team that fights hard, plays smart, and embraces the future with optimism. The best is yet to come for this dynamic group of young athletes.
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