“You’ve gotta get up and try, try, try
Gotta get up and try, try, try…

The phrase from her favorite song by Pink, when someone mentions the word try, it’s a reflection from the life mirror of Aaliyah Baker. Whether she’s on the basketball court as the shooting guard for the Lady Bulldogs or taking an active part in the schedules with FFA, 4-H and FCA, the now 2022 senior is always looking for the chance to try and try to make things better.

On the hardwood, Baker is more than just a 5’7 shooting guard.

“She’s a good three-point shooter plus a solid defender,” said coach Bryan Schlekeway. “Aaliyah is a quiet type person who let’s her actions and her competitive nature do all the talking.”

It’s a character trait that Baker commits her energy to make things better 24 hours a day.

“I want others to see me as a caring, helpful and hard-working type of person,” said Baker. “Above all, hard-working because if you really want something, on or off the court, you’re going to have to work for it.”

The never give up efforts of Baker and her teammates are something that she admits play a major part of why McCurtain basketball has become successful by pulling the rope. 

“You can’t ask for a better team because we all get along so well, on and off the court,” confirmed Baker. “My favorite memories are the time I’ve spent with these girls. I’ll never forget winning the game to go to the state tournament.”

With her senior year still ahead, Baker wants another chance to make the state tournament while she continues her classroom efforts to prepare for a career as an ultrasound technician and putting forth her best everyday efforts as a footprint for others to follow.

“I just want to be remembered as the one who worked the hardest on the court and was the most helpful off of it,” smiled Baker. “I want my legacy to show what it means to be a McCurtain Lady bulldog and to know you’ll always have someone there for you. You’ll never be alone.”