Basketball has been a big part of Samantha Ward’s past and is a large chunk of her present. It doesn’t, however, have much significance in her post-high school future. So for the next three months, the 5-foot-8 senior guard at Minneapolis Southwest is doing all she can to make her final basketball season one to remember.

“I’m not going to play basketball in college, so I really want to go out with a bang,” Ward said.

So far, so good. Southwest won its first three games by an average of nearly 28 points per game. Ward is averaging career highs in points (14) and rebounds (eight). And as the team’s only senior, she’s taken on a heftier leadership role.

“I’ve always been more about leading by example,” she said. “But my coach had a talk with me about stepping it up. It should be my responsibility.”

Staff writer Jim Paulsen talked with Ward about her final basketball go-round and one thing that always makes her smile.

 

Q: Why not play basketball next year?

A: I want to go to a Division I school, and at those schools, basketball is too intensive. I didn’t want basketball to determine what college I go to.

 

Q: Where do you plan on going?

A: I’m deciding between Boulder [Colorado] and Madison [Wisconsin]. I was already accepted at Boulder, but I’m still waiting to hear from Madison. I want to follow a science path. My mother is a scientist, and I want to follow in her footsteps.

 

Q: Southwest lost a lot of offense from last year with the graduation of Naja Woods. How are you filling the role?

A: One very surprising thing this year is that we’re having pretty even scoring across the board. Naja was such a great asset that I don’t think one singular person could step in for her.

 

Q: How has your game improved?

A: It’s only been a few games, so it’s kind of hard to tell, but my confidence has improved. Being the only senior helps me feel like I can take charge.

 

Q: What do you think you’ll miss most about basketball?

A: Being a part of a team. Basketball has been such a huge part of my life since I was 5 years old. I’ll miss having teammates that you depend on and that depend on you, and the cohesiveness you develop.

 

Q: What is something you won’t miss?

A: When we’re standing around, running through the offense or defense. I get antsy.

 

Q: Word is that you have a special fan.

A: Oh yeah, my youngest bother, Decker. He’s 5 years old and has been getting dragged to my games since he was born. After every game, he gives me a huge hug and a big smile. He’s my number one fan and always brings a smile to my face.

 

Q: Any good Decker stories?

A: There was one game last year that I played terribly. No excuses. I was so mad at myself that I didn’t want to talk to anybody after the game. But then I looked at his smiling, chubby face and he came and gave me a hug. That was a great thing to get. I just couldn’t be mad with him running toward me.

 

Q: You have a reputation for being in tiptop shape. Where does that come from?

A: My mom is very fit herself. I want to carry that on. I pride myself on coming into a season ready.

 

Q: What is Samantha Ward’s key to being in shape?

A: Find a good balance. There’s all of the physical stuff, but also eating healthy and have a positive atmosphere around you. You don’t need to be perfect, but you need to be balanced.

JIM PAULSEN