The Bob Jones Lady Patriots travel to Wallace State in Hanceville on Friday for a shot at state.  Tyler Fredericks will be a key playmaker.  Some of her friends know her as Ty, but most know her as Tyler Fredericks. Tyler is a senior here at Bob Jones. You may have caught this 5’9” basketball player at a few games this season playing the position of a small forward.

Tyler comes to practice everyday and gives 100% without anyone having to ask her for it. She goes above and beyond for the game of basketball. She also makes sure that her teammates know all of the plays and whatever else she feels they need to know. She even went so far as teaching her teammates a play while at practice and making sure that everyone knew how to actually run the play in a game situation.

While off the court, Tyler is still looking for ways to better her teammates and herself. Tyler is always open to giving advice when someone is in need. She’ll take the bad and turn it into words of encouragement because taking criticism is a part of the game and life.

Tyler stays motivated.  Why?  The grind never stops. Tyler promised that she’d keep grinding for a close friend by the name of Ariyanna “Ari” Benjamin that died in a car accident in October of 2015. She’s definitely keeping that promise. The friend played basketball for the Sparkman Senators.

We spoke with Tyler about her work ethic and goals:

First off, what makes you want to wake up in the morning and decide that you’re going to give 100% at everything that you do including basketball with no complaints?

I understand that I could possibly never get that same opportunity again.

How do you keep your team in the game when your team is down?

I keep them calm with just encouragement and staying calm because no one ever works well when you’re just yelling at them.

What were your goals for this season?

My goal for this season is to make the all-state team.

If you could meet any basketball player who would it be and why?

If I could meet any basketball player, it would be Lebron James because he’s a great example of what I want to be like on the court.

Do you plan on making basketball your career goal after high school?

I plan on continuing basketball in college, yes, but not the WNBA.