Kaila Gower Named Heritage High Athlete of the Month

A lot has happened in the year since Heritage High School's girls basketball team finished the 2014-15 season with a 4-20 record, including 0-10 in the Sunbelt League.

This season the Patriots are 16-8 overall, 5-5 in league play and are headed for the CIF Southern Section playoffs next week. A big part of the team's success is senior guard Kaila Gower, who as co-captain has provided leadership on and off the court.

In recognition of her accomplishments, Gower has been named Menifee 24/7 Athlete of the Month for January. The award is sponsored by Photos DLite photo studio, which presented her with a free studio portrait.

Gower's statistics are impressive. She is averaging 18.7 points per game, in addition to 8.7 rebounds per game and an average of 3 steals on defense. Her consistent presence is a key factor for the Patriots heading into the playoffs against an opponent that will be announced on Sunday.

"Coming off last year, when the team didn't win many games, to do what we did this year was amazing," Gower said. "The difference is commitment. Everybody works really hard in practice and games. We're really working together as a team."

In addition to the bond the players have developed, Gower said she has worked hard to improve her own game as well. With encouragement from the coaches, she has become more aggressive in driving to the basket for points and to draw fouls.

"My coaches told me to go up strong to the basket and make my free throws," she said. "That's been a big part of my goal."

Gower wants to continue her basketball career in college and study psychology with plans of becoming a psychotherapist.

"I will play at the next level in college," she said. "I don't know where, but I will play at the next level."

First, the challenge of the CIF playoffs awaits.