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Better late than never.
With seconds ticking off the clock, junior point guard Kylie Wood slipped past the Lighthouse Christian defense, catching an inbound pass from teammate Kourtney Black.
Wood pulled up. The Panthers needed just two points to win, down 57-56 to their conference rivals. From the baseline, Wood knocked down the shot as time expired, giving the Panthers a one-point victory over the Lions.
That final basket gave Wood 40 points on the game, a new Carey High School record.
The previous record of 38 points was set in 2007 by Allison Shaffer in a game against Camas County.
“I didn’t know that was going to be the shot that got my name on our school wall, all I could think of was winning the game,” Wood said. “I didn’t think I was going to have the last shot, so when I made eye contact with Kourtney and she passed the ball to me, I turned and shot without thinking.”
The shot was no fluke, nor was breaking the record. Wood is a dominating court presence for Head Coach Merilee Sears. As a junior, she averages 20 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals per game.
“She is one of the hardest workers I know,” Sears said.
Jan. 17’s game wasn’t the first time Wood has knocked on the door of history, with a 36-point performance earlier in the season. Even though breaking the record wasn’t on her mind during the game, Wood had previously told Sears she wanted to break the record "against the best team possible.”
“I didn’t realize I had so many points,” Wood said. “I’m happy to know my hard work is paying off.”
Hard work is part of Wood’s DNA, as she comes from a long line of basketball athletes and coaches, and spending time on the hardwood has been a part of her life for as long as she can remember.
“My family has always been supportive of me. They have all helped me become the player and person I am today,” Wood said. “I have failed at more things than I can count, but through that failure I have been able to learn and grow.”
Her positive mindset is another skill set Wood said she is passionate about improving.
“She is a true student of the game, on and off the court,” Sears said. “She spends a lot of time studying ways to improve mental toughness.”
Wood said she’s prepared to lead Carey to another state championship. And with the Panthers ranked first in the statewide coaches and media polls, the odds are certainly in their favor. But despite Wood’s standout performances all season, she said she knew her accolades wouldn't have come without the help of her teammates.
“I could not do anything without each and every one of them,” said Wood.
The Panthers have won 13 straight since a 49-34 loss to Butte County back in November. Wood said her team is well on its way to achieving its three main goals for the season: staying undefeated at home, winning districts and taking home a state title.
“I always want to do the best I can for my team, my coaches and my family,” Wood said.
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