Meet Azy Jackson, Bonney Lake High School’s sophomore sensation who is already making waves in the world of girls’ basketball. From a standout freshman season to her aspirations for the future, Azy’s journey is as compelling as it is inspiring.
A Journey Rooted in Passion
Azy’s basketball story began at a young age, thanks to her family’s love for the sport and her natural height advantage. “I started basketball relatively young due to pee wee sports and playing on YMCA teams,” she shared. By third grade, she was playing on the Bonney Lake feeder team, then transitioning to Sumner’s feeder team for two seasons.
Her commitment deepened in middle school when she joined her first club basketball team, Northwest Magic, during the challenging Covid years. “That’s when I really started taking basketball seriously,” Azy said. She later moved on to FBC Seattle and eventually to her current team, Way To Win, where she continues to sharpen her skills alongside talented teammates.
A Freshman Year to Remember
Last year, Azy burst onto the high school basketball scene with an unforgettable freshman campaign. She helped lead Bonney Lake to a perfect 12-0 league record and a historic run to the state tournament.
Some of her standout moments included setting a school record with 10 assists in just her second game, hitting a buzzer-beating three-pointer against Emerald Ridge, and dropping 19 points in the same game. Despite suffering an injury during districts that ended her season prematurely, she cherished the journey.
“My favorite highlight was playing with all of the amazing seniors and coaching staff,” she reflected. “It was a very memorable freshman year.”
Azy’s contributions didn’t go unnoticed—she earned First Team All-League honors as a freshman, a testament to her talent and leadership on the court.
Looking Ahead to the 4A Challenge
This season, the Panthers move up to the highly competitive 4A classification, and Azy is eager for the challenge. Under the leadership of new head coach Nick Edens, the team is focused on growth and making another run to the state tournament.
“I mean, the goal is always to win,” Azy said. “But I also just want to see improvement in my performance and that we play well as a team. The main goal is making it back to state.”
Balancing Basketball and Big Dreams
While basketball is her primary focus, Azy is already thinking about her future. She dreams of playing college basketball and hopes to stay with one team for all four years. “Being from Washington, of course, I’d like somewhere with more sun,” she joked.
Academically, Azy is considering studying kinesiology. “It’s something that can be used for a bunch of different things,” she explained, leaving the door open to future opportunities.
More Than an Athlete
Off the court, Azy is a well-rounded student-athlete who isn’t afraid to try new things. She’s considering taking up lacrosse this year and enjoys spending time with her siblings playing video games like Madden, NBA 2K, and Minecraft.
She also takes great pride in wearing the number 0 on her jersey. “I wear it because I want zero things to come before my relationship with God,” she said, a sentiment that reflects her grounded perspective.
A Bright Future
With her dedication, talent, and love for the game, Azy Jackson is poised to be a cornerstone of Bonney Lake basketball for years to come. As she continues to develop her skills and lead her team, one thing is certain: Azy’s story is only just beginning.
Keep an eye on the Panthers this season, because with Azy on the court, anything is possible.
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