LANSING | The look in Kameron Dickens' eyes isn't hard to read.
It is a look of determination, something that has helped the T.F. South sophomore progress from a freshman who barely got her feet wet in varsity action last season into a starter and one of the Rebels' most consistent and offensively skilled players this season.
Aside from just her mindset, Dickens also knows she has solid basketball abilities and has shown flashes of that this season, even if the Rebels are having a down year at 8-12 overall.
"I have a lot of confidence, especially compared to last year," said Dickens, who is averaging about 10 points and seven rebounds per game this season.
It isn't only confidence, but tireless effort that Dickens brings to the court. It's an aspect of Dickens' game that coach Steve Breshock said is a rarity on his team this season.
"She brings us a lot of energy and enthusiasm for the game," he said. "If everybody brought that same energy and enthusiasm, we would be a much better team."
Dickens played in just two varsity games last season. Even if it was a small sample, that varsity experience helped Dickens improve on all aspects of her game, including shooting, she said. The move up took some adjustment, but Dickens was up to the task.
"Watching her last year, she had the same energy on the court," Breshock said. "She's maturing now, where what she does on the court is far and away improved. She listens and she takes what we try to teach her and what we work at in practice and uses it in the game."
As the postseason approaches, one of Dickens' biggest concerns is helping turn T.F. South's misfortunes around. A 45-37 win over Lemont on Jan. 15 was a step in the right direction, although the Rebels let the Indians back in that game with what has been a problem all season — a weak third quarter.
"I know myself and my teammates, we strongly dislike losing," said Dickens, who had 11 points, five rebounds and no turnovers in that win. "We have to learn not to lose as we do. I think with the effort we can have and the energy I bring to the team, we can (get) some more wins."
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